Codemasters Ditches Ego Engine for Unreal 5 in Upcoming EA WRC Game
Hey there, fellow gamers! We’ve got some exciting news from the world of racing games. After 16 long years of using its proprietary Ego engine, Codemasters, the renowned game developer, is shaking things up. They’ve decided to develop their upcoming game, EA WRC, using the highly acclaimed Unreal 5 engine. And guess what? The game will be exclusively available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride!
Leaving the Comfort Zone
Now, you might be wondering why Codemasters made this bold move, especially after being acquired by Electronic Arts (EA) in 2021. Well, here’s the deal: unlike many other EA studios that swear by the Frostbite engine, Codemasters wanted to break free from their comfort zone. They wanted to take their racing experience to the next level, and Unreal Engine seemed like the perfect fit.
According to Ross Gowing, Codemasters’ senior creative director, their old engine, Ego, had served them well. But it had its limitations. They wanted longer stages, bigger environments, and visually richer landscapes. Ego just couldn’t keep up with their ambitions. So, after careful consideration, they decided to make the leap to Unreal Engine. And boy, was it worth it!
A Collaborative Partnership
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Codemasters faced a major challenge: how to retain their signature “Codemasters handling” in the new engine. Unreal Engine didn’t have that feature out of the box. But fear not, fellow gamers, because Codemasters and Unreal Engine joined forces to make it happen. They worked together to bring all of Codemasters’ handling physics into the engine, creating a seamless transition. Talk about teamwork!
Unreal Engine proved to be an incredible collaborator, supporting Codemasters every step of the way. They even connected Codemasters with other professionals at Epic Games to help tailor the engine to their specific needs. This partnership has been a game-changer for Codemasters, and it’s undoubtedly going to elevate the racing experience in EA WRC.
Leaving the Past Behind
Okay, now that you know all about the engine switch, let’s talk platforms. EA WRC will be available exclusively on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Sorry, Xbox One and PS4 fans, this one’s for the next-gen players. But don’t worry, there’s a good reason behind this decision.
According to Ross Gowing, Codemasters’ focus was on creating more expansive games with greater visual fidelity. Releasing on current-gen hardware would have limited their ability to push the boundaries of what they could achieve. They wanted to deliver a truly immersive experience, where you can feel like you’re racing through a real-world 35km stage. To achieve that level of quality, they decided to focus solely on the latest generation of consoles and PC. It’s all about giving you the best racing experience possible!
No Driver Ratings, but a Solid Release Date
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. EA WRC won’t have driver ratings in its first year. But fear not, because there’s still plenty to get excited about. The game is set to release on November 3rd, 2023, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. So mark your calendars and get ready to hit the virtual tracks!
In conclusion, Codemasters’ decision to switch from the Ego engine to Unreal 5 for their upcoming game, EA WRC, is a game-changer in itself. It’s a testament to their commitment to pushing the boundaries of racing games and delivering an unparalleled experience to gamers. With Unreal Engine’s support and collaboration, we can expect nothing short of greatness from EA WRC.
So gear up, fellow gamers, and get ready for an adrenaline-fueled adventure like no other. It’s time to embrace the new and leave the old behind. Let’s rev our virtual engines and dive into the exciting world of EA WRC. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this ride!
Source: VG247 (link: https://www.vg247.com/2022/05/31/ea-wrc-codemasters-unreal-engine/)