EA pulled the plug on Project CARS – the driving game series stops there

Electronic Arts has discontinued financial support a Slightly Mad Studios for the development of the driving game series Project CARS. We must therefore say goodbye to a brand that has made simulation its mantra from the beginning.

Started in 2015 after a crowdfunding loan, it has grown to Project CARS 3 in 2020, the series failed to garner a wide success, precisely because it is aimed at a niche audience with rather powerful hardware configurations.

The three Project CARS were produced by Bandai Namcowhile the series entered the availability of Electronic Arts after the acquisition of Codemasters, which in turn had acquired Slightly Mad Studios in 2019. “Following an assessment of the upcoming Project CARS title and its long-term growth potential, we have decided to discontinue further development and investment for the franchise.” reads a statement from EA published by GamesIndustry.biz.

“Choices like these are very difficult, but they allow us to prioritize areas where we feel we have the most opportunities to create experiences that fans will enjoy. We are focusing on our strengths in our racing portfolio, particularly IP. with license and open-world experiences, as well as expanding our social-focused franchises with long-term live services that will involve large communities of players “.

“We are working with all those affected by this decision to place them in appropriate roles in the development of sports and racing games, as well as in other parts of EA. Our priority now is to provide as much support as possible to our staff.”.

At the time of the EA acquisition, Slightly Mad Studios had 150 employees. Many of these, if not all, will be refocused on other sports projects within the American company. The London-based studio was founded in 2009 by Ian Bella veteran of driving game development who has already contributed to the making of GTR, GTR 2, GT Legends, Need for Speed: SHIFT, Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends and Red Bull Air Race. Bell left Slightly Mad Studios last year to focus on the cryptocurrency industry.

Electronic Arts will continue its commitment to driving games, with titles pertaining to Codemasters, the series F1 and with Need for Speedthe next chapter of which will be released shortly.

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