Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that online services for several beloved Codemasters racing titles will be discontinued on March 16, 2026. This decision impacts games like Dirt 3, Dirt Showdown, Grid 2, and Grid Autosport across multiple platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. For many players, this change may have minimal impact as online passes required for these older titles have been unavailable for purchase for years.
Key Takeaways
- Online services for Dirt 3, Dirt Showdown, Grid 2, and Grid Autosport will cease on March 16, 2026.
- The discontinuation affects versions on Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
- Many players may not notice the change as required online passes are no longer sold.
Impact on Gaming Legacy
Codemasters, known for its specialization in racing games throughout the 2010s, released Dirt 2 in 2011 and Dirt Showdown in 2012. The Grid franchise followed with Grid 2 in 2013 and Grid Autosport in 2014. These titles represent a significant part of the studio’s history, offering distinct racing experiences that fans have continued to enjoy.
Shift in Development Priorities
Following EA’s acquisition of Codemasters in 2021, the focus of the studio has increasingly shifted towards the Formula 1 series. This has led to a slower release cadence for the Dirt and Grid franchises in recent years. As a result, some players have been revisiting the older catalog for a different gaming experience, making the upcoming shutdown of online services a notable event for this segment of the fanbase.
