It looks like the Project Cars franchise is no more, as reported by GamesIndustry.biz. After seven and a half years and four games, EA has made the decision to wave the checkered flag for Slightly Mad Studios’ simulation racer. EA’s statement read in part,
Today we announced internally an update to our racing portfolio. Following an evaluation of the next Project CARS title and its longer-term growth potential, we have made the decision to stop further development and investment for the franchise. Decisions like these are very hard, but allow us to prioritise our focus in areas where we believe we have the strongest opportunity to create experiences that fans will love.
Slightly Mad Studios was acquired by Codemasters in 2019; the former was in turn purchased by EA in 2021. As for the fate of the roughly 150 or so people employed at Slightly Mad Studios, EA’s official word is,
We are working with everyone impacted by this decision to place them into suitable roles across our EA Sports and racing portfolio, as well as other parts of EA, wherever we can. Our priority now is on providing as much support as possible to our people through this transition.
Back in August it was reported that Project Cars and Project Cars 2 would be delisted from digital storefronts. This was likely due to licensing issues. A brief history of the franchise can be seen below.
- Project Cars—2015 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
- Project Cars 2—2017 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
- Project Cars 3—2020 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
- Project Cars GO—2021 (Android, iOS)
