Videogame writer EA Sports activities has introduced that it’s going to not launch an official Method 1 sport in 2026, as a substitute opting to replace the present F1 25 title with a paid-for content material replace.
It isn’t the primary time EA subsidiary Codemasters has scaled again on an F1 sport earlier than pushing forward with its follow-up. In 2015, the primary title to be launched on eighth-generation consoles, got here out sooner than previous titles, and with a decreased variety of options – reminiscent of profession mode, which returned in 2016 – however a title was launched nonetheless.
Subsequent yr will mark the primary time since Codemasters (which was purchased by the American firm in 2021) hasn’t produced a full annual sport since 2009, when it launched F1 2009 on Nintendo Wii and Sony’s PSP.
F1 25, which was launched on Might 30 this yr for Xbox Collection X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC, will get a downloadable replace that includes the entire 2026 groups and vehicles subsequent yr, earlier than a brand new sport arrives in 2027 which EA says will likely be “a deeply genuine and modern illustration of the motion and thrill of Method 1, re-imagined right into a extra expansive expertise with new methods to play for followers all over the world.”
The corporate additionally says that the transfer is a part of a “multi-year strategic funding within the EA Sports activities F1 franchise, with help from each Method One Administration and the F1 groups.”
“F1 25 has been an unbelievable success, fueled by the fervour of followers and the vitality of the game,” stated Lee Mather, senior artistic director at Codemasters. “With Method 1’s momentum on and off the monitor, now could be the proper time for us to look forward and construct for the longer term. We’re totally dedicated to the EA Sports activities F1 franchise. Our multi-year plan extends this yr’s pleasure with the 2026 enlargement and re-imagines the F1 expertise for 2027.”
F1 in the actual world will endure big change subsequent yr with new engine and aerodynamic laws, in addition to the addition of Cadillac to the sector and Sauber morphing into Audi, the 2026 enlargement – whereas herald these main adjustments – will likely be priced decrease than a full sport, though F1 25 will nonetheless be required to play it.
It’s a comparable transfer to what the writer has employed with Method 2 since F1 2019, with the earlier yr’s area represented within the sport at launch and the present area added afterward, albeit as a free replace.
Whereas EA has come beneath fireplace through the years for its tendency to pad out its video games with micro-transactions and paid-for options, the transfer will probably be a welcome one for players who usually criticize sports activities sport publishers for releasing full new titles on a yearly foundation that supply little in the way in which of change in comparison with the earlier iteration.
Particulars, together with a launch date and pricing for the F1 25 2026 replace, will likely be revealed later.
