EA Sports Details F1 Game Strategy: 2026 as Expansion, 2027 as Major Revamp
EA Sports is changing its F1 game release strategy, planning to launch the F1 2026 title as an expansion of F1 2025. This move allows for a focused development on a significantly revamped F1 2027 game, which promises a "new and more expansive" experience. The 2026 update will include all new cars, regulations, teams, and drivers, setting the stage for a major overhaul in 2027 designed to redefine the F1 gaming experience.
EA Sports has announced a significant strategic shift for its official Formula 1 game series, treating the 2026 installment as an expansion to F1 2025 before a major overhaul for the 2027 release. This move aims to leverage the current game's success while laying the groundwork for a "reimagined" F1 experience in the future.
Why it matters:
This strategy change signals EA Sports and Codemasters' commitment to evolving the F1 game franchise, moving away from annual full-price releases in the immediate term. By offering 2026 as an expansion, they can focus development resources on a more ambitious 2027 title, potentially introducing groundbreaking changes to gameplay and features, which could redefine the F1 gaming experience for fans.
The details:
- 2026 Release: The F1 2026 game will be released solely as an expansion of the current F1 2025 title. This means it will effectively function as a DLC, updating the game with new cars, sporting regulations, teams, and drivers once the 2026 F1 season is underway.
- Senior Creative Director's Vision: Lee Mather, Senior Creative Director at Codemasters, stated, "Our multi-year plan extends this year’s excitement with the 2026 expansion and reimagines the F1 experience for 2027." He further emphasized the goal to "deliver even more for players at every level around the world."
- 2027 Revamp: EA confirmed that "2027 will see the series return, kicking off a new and more expansive F1 experience." This upcoming game is expected to "look, feel, and play differently," offering a wider array of gameplay options and a "refreshed experience" for both long-time players and newcomers.
- Development Collaboration: The 2027 game is being developed by Codemasters in close collaboration with Formula 1 and all eleven teams, ensuring authenticity and a deep immersion into the modern era of the sport.
What's next:
This multi-year strategy suggests a period of transition, with fans receiving a content update for 2026 before a potentially revolutionary F1 game in 2027. The success of this approach will hinge on how well Codemasters can deliver on the promise of a "new and more expansive F1 experience" in 2027. If executed well, this could elevate the F1 gaming franchise to new heights, aligning with the sport's growing global popularity.