WRC Games are SAVED - But Can Nacon Deliver?

Summary

The WRC games are set to return, but not under the banner of Codemasters. A new agreement with Nacon (owner of KT Racing) will bring fresh official WRC games by 2027, with a complete reboot and a new direction. Fans are divided, with some praising the potential for innovation, while others express concerns over Nacon’s past releases. The video delves into the history of the WRC games, highlighting both strengths and shortcomings, and shares community feedback on what players want in future rally games, focusing on graphics, physics, and gameplay balance between simulation and arcade styles.

Takeaways

• 😀 The WRC games are not dead, but Code Masters will no longer be making them. Nacon and the WRC have entered a new partnership, which will run from 2027 to 2032.
• 😀 Nacon owns KT Racing, the developer of previous WRC games, which makes it likely that KT Racing will develop future WRC titles.
• 😀 While many fans have mixed feelings about the past WRC games, there is excitement about the potential for new rally games.
• 😀 The new partnership with Nacon is expected to take the WRC games in a new direction, with a fresh vision and a complete reboot of the franchise.
• 😀 The WRC franchise’s previous titles, starting with WRC 5, showed improvements each year but were often criticized for graphics, sound, and physics.
• 😀 Many fans expressed frustration over the graphics and physics of previous WRC titles, comparing them unfavorably with competitors like Codemasters' Dirt games.
• 😀 Despite their flaws, the KT Racing-developed WRC games had innovative features like co-driver mode, cross-platform liveries, and ranked multiplayer.
• 😀 Some fans are hopeful that the new WRC games will focus on a better balance between simulation and arcade gameplay, especially in terms of physics and accessibility.
• 😀 There's a desire for rally games to combine realistic physics with excellent graphics, but this is seen as a difficult challenge due to technical limitations.
• 😀 Some fans are wary of Nacon’s track record with recent releases like Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown and MXGP24, which faced criticism for poor performance and graphics.
• 😀 Nacon's commitment to improving their games over time, as seen with the MXGP series, offers hope that they will address the issues with future WRC titles.

Q & A

What is the current status of the WRC games and who will be making them moving forward?

The WRC games are not dead, but Codemasters will no longer be making them. A new partnership has been established with French publisher Nacon (formerly Nikon), which will hold the WRC license from 2027 to 2032. The developer responsible is expected to be KT Racing, a studio owned by Nacon.

Why are the community's reactions to the new WRC game development mixed?

The mixed reactions stem from the history of the WRC games made by KT Racing and Nacon, which were often seen as decent but had shortcomings in areas like graphics, sound, and damage models. While there was noticeable improvement in some areas over time, many fans felt that the games lacked the special quality seen in Codemasters' titles.

What is the significance of the 2027 reboot for the WRC franchise?

The 2027 reboot is said to represent a complete overhaul of the franchise, marking an ambitious new chapter. This includes a fresh vision and the possibility of a new game engine, which would differentiate it from the KT Racing's previous games, which were based on the proprietary KT engine.

What improvements can fans expect from the WRC games post-2027 according to the discussion?

Fans can expect better graphics, new physics improvements, and possibly new gameplay features. There is also a hope for a solid foundation that will allow the games to evolve over the course of the five-year partnership, with a focus on refining core elements while building upon past successes.

What challenges did KT Racing face with the WRC games, and how did they address them?

KT Racing faced several challenges, including subpar graphics, engine sounds, and damage models. However, they innovated with features like co-driver multiplayer, cross-platform customization, and a detailed career mode. Despite these innovations, the graphics and sounds were often criticized, and the games were not as visually appealing as Codemasters' offerings.

What were some of the community's thoughts on KT Racing's previous WRC titles?

Many community members expressed both appreciation and criticism. Some fans, like Lucas Racing, enjoyed WRC Generations and were positive about KT Racing and Nacon. Others, such as Ben Rogue, acknowledged the games' AAA charm but highlighted the need for better polishing and refinement, particularly around the balance between simulation and arcade gameplay.

What are the concerns about Nacon's other racing games and how do they relate to the new WRC deal?

Nacon has faced criticism for the quality of its other racing games, such as the problematic launch of 'Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown' and 'MXGP24'. These titles were considered disappointing in terms of graphics and performance, raising concerns about the potential quality of future WRC titles. However, Nacon has shown a willingness to improve, as seen in their commitment to enhancing the MXGP series.

What role did EA play in the WRC game's development, and how did their involvement affect the future of the series?

EA's acquisition of Codemasters led to the end of Codemasters' development of the WRC games. EA's involvement likely affected the direction of future WRC titles, with some speculating that EA would have only focused on DLC and minor updates for the existing EA Sports WRC game. This new deal with Nacon and KT Racing gives the franchise a fresh start, with hopes of more substantial development.

What did the community think about the possibility of a Dirt Rally 3 game, and how does it tie into the WRC game's future?

The community expressed a desire for a 'Dirt Rally 3.0', with some feeling that it could have been the best rally game ever. However, due to EA's acquisition, Dirt Rally 3 was never released, and elements of the game were merged into EA Sports WRC. Fans hope the new WRC titles can deliver on the high standards set by Dirt Rally's physics and gameplay.

What are the key factors that fans want in the new WRC game franchise?

Fans want the new WRC games to have solid foundations, blending fun and realism. They hope for better graphics, refined physics, and the retention of innovative features like co-driver modes. Some also desire a balance between simulation and accessibility for different types of players, especially those using gamepads rather than steering wheels.