Ian Bell, founder and former CEO of Slightly Mad Studios, has criticised EA following the corporate’s decision to shelve the Project Cars racing collection.
Yesterday (November 8), EA confirmed that it could be halting “further development and investment” of the franchise, which launched in 2015. There has since been two sequels: Project Cars 2 (2017) and Project Cars 3 (2020).
The video games can be found on PC, Playstation 4 and Xbox One. A cell spin-off, Project Cars Go, got here out in March 2021 for Android and iOS units. Every Project Cars launch to date was developed by Slightly Mad.
“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,” an EA spokesperson defined.
Bell, who based Slightly Mad in 2009, left the corporate final month. “With the studio’s future now assured, the time is right for me to step aside,” he wrote in a message on social media on the time.
Last night time, Bell responded to the Project Cars information – which is predicted to impression Slightly Mad’s 160-plus robust workers – by tweeting: “EA, protecting on being superior… I stated my bit and I stand by each phrase as they proceed to show them.
“How are those numbers (sorry I mean people, with hopes, dreams and families) looking, at the bottom of those the spreadsheets?”
EA, protecting on being superior… I stated my bit and I stand by each phrase as they proceed to show them.
How are these numbers (sorry I imply individuals, with hopes, desires and households) wanting, on the backside of these the spreadsheets?
— Ian Bell – Something Unique and large coming. (@bell_sms) November 8, 2022
In a comply with up publish, Bell wrote: “So that’s about 18 hours and counting calling all the outdated [Project Cars 2] group.
“Many of the GTR 2 guys are already with us and most of the [Project Cars 2] superstars want to join. GTR Revolution is going full hardcore in every possible way we can think of. It’s already building. Input welcomed.”
Later, Bell known as on “any of the old team I haven’t gotten numbers for” to contact him by way of e-mail. He additionally responded to some followers questions within the replies – you’ll be able to try the posts beneath.
So that is about 18 hours and counting calling all the outdated pCARS2 group. Many of the GTR2 guys are already with us and many of the pCARS2 superstars need to be a part of. GTR Revolution goes full hardcore in each potential method we will consider. It’s already constructing. Input welcomed.
— Ian Bell – Something Unique and large coming. (@bell_sms) November 9, 2022
For any of the outdated group I have not gotten numbers for (known as as but). Please seize me on [email protected]
— Ian Bell – Something Unique and large coming. (@bell_sms) November 9, 2022
I’ll not specify. But writer strain sure.
— Ian Bell – Something Unique and large coming. (@bell_sms) November 9, 2022
I disagree. You will not know this however I argued vociferously for PC3 to be known as by one other identify to differentiate it from the ‘hardcore sim line’. I used to be over-ruled (wasn’t accustomed to that) by a ‘advertising division’. I additionally introduced it could be a religious successor to Shift.
— Ian Bell – Something Unique and large coming. (@bell_sms) November 9, 2022
In a press release issued to GamesIndustry.biz, EA had earlier claimed that Slightly Mad workers can be transferred “into suitable roles across our EA Sports and racing portfolio” the place potential.
According to VGC, Bell beforehand accused EA of making an attempt to “destroy” Slightly Mad after it revealed the studio’s first two video games: Need For Speed: Shift (2009) and its sequel Shift 2: Unleashed (2011).
“They tried to fuck us over, there’s no other way to put it,” he stated again in 2017. “That’s what they tried to do. They tried to destroy us, and we have no love for EA in this company.”
Bell singled out Patrick Söderlund, EA’s former worldwide studios boss, describing him as “the worst corporate monster” and saying that the writer was attempting to purchase out Slightly Mad.
Announcing its plans to halt growth on Project Cars, EA defined: “Decisions like these are very exhausting, however permit us to prioritise our focus in areas the place we imagine we’ve the strongest alternative to create experiences that followers will love.
“We are focusing on our strengths in our racing portfolio, particularly licensed IP and open-world experiences, and expanding our franchises to be more socially-led with long-term live services that will engage global communities.”
The assertion added: “Games are at the heart of sports and racing entertainment, and with shifting fan expectations, we recognise the need to evolve our games beyond pure play, providing experiences for fans to also watch, create and connect with their friends.”
Over the summer time, Slightly Mad Studios confirmed that Project Cars and Project Cars 2 can be delisted from all storefronts due to licensing points.
