Codemasters buys Formula 1 license and is working on game

British publisher Codemasters has acquired the Formula 1 license. As a result, Codemasters is now the only party allowed to market an official F1 game. The first licensed game is expected in 2009.

The agreement between Codemasters and Formula One Administration Limited provides that Codemasters has the exclusive rights to use Formula 1 brand names and images in a game for handhelds, consoles and the PC. That publisher expects to be able to release its first Formula 1 game in 2009 for both consoles and PC. The game will be made with the Ego engine, which is also used for Colin McRae Dirt and Race Driver Grid.

Codemasters expressed satisfaction with getting the license in a statement sent on Friday. “Getting the Formula 1 license is the jewel on Codemasters’ racing crown,” Codemasters director Rod Cousens said in the statement. Cousens sees the announcement mainly as good news for gamers, because according to him Codemasters has proven that it can make good racing games and also deliver strong gameplay online.

Sony was the last publisher to use the Formula 1 license. Simultaneously with the launch of the Playstation 3 in March 2007, Sony put Formula 1 Championship Edition on the shelves. However, that game was still based on Formula 1 season 2006.