EA Reportedly Plans to Close Codemasters: End of an Era for Iconic Nintendo Developer

Electronic Arts (EA) is reportedly planning to close Codemasters, the renowned British studio known for its extensive catalog of racing games and strong history with Nintendo platforms.

Codemasters has long been recognized for its dedication to delivering innovative titles across consoles, including the Nintendo Switch, Wii, DS, and even SNES and NES.

With classic releases like Micro Machines V3 and exclusive adaptations such as F1 Race Stars: Powered Up Edition for the Wii U in 2014, Codemasters has played an integral role in shaping Nintendo's third-party game library over the past several decades. Recently, however, the studio has faced significant challenges under its parent company, EA.

In early 2024, EA confirmed that Codemasters would cease their work on the World Rally Championship (WRC) series.

This decision resulted in several employees being either laid off or reassigned within the company.

Further reports, including details cited by X user @eXtas1stv, suggest that EA's restructuring efforts could be even more substantial than initially thought, with an estimated 400 additional job cuts expected and the full closure of Codemasters' main headquarters. According to sources familiar with the situation, development teams affected by the closure would be transitioned into ongoing projects tied to the F1 and Need for Speed franchises.

One statement, paraphrased for clarity, reveals: "The cancellation of Black Panther will not be the only significant change.

Sources indicate that around 400 more layoffs are planned at EA, including the complete closure of Codemasters’ primary office.

Remaining developers are expected to be absorbed into the teams working on F1 and a new Need for Speed title already in development." The move follows several high-profile restructurings by EA in 2024, which included the end of a Black Panther project and the closure of Cliffhanger Games, a studio composed of ex-Monolith Productions staff.

These organizational changes reflect ongoing shifts within the global games industry, where major publishers are increasingly consolidating resources and redirecting talent to large, established franchises. Codemasters, founded in 1986, has a storied legacy as the developer behind acclaimed series such as Micro Machines, Colin McRae Rally, and GRID.

Its close relationship with Nintendo ensured that many of its biggest hits appeared across multiple generations of Nintendo hardware.

Fans and industry observers alike have expressed disappointment at the apparent end of an era, as one of the most venerable names in racing games faces dissolution under EA's corporate restructuring.

As of the latest reports, EA has not provided public comment regarding the final disposition of Codemasters or the timeline for these changes.

The impact of this decision will likely be felt across the industry, particularly for Nintendo fans who grew up enjoying Codemasters’ diverse and inventive titles on their favorite platforms.

Nintendo Electronic Arts EA Codemasters Wii U DS F1 Race Stars Need for Speed WRC Cliffhanger Games