Formula 1 Gets Greedy, Sony Ditches License

By Luke Plunkett on May 8, 2008 at 11:20 PM

Sony have been putting out the official Formula 1 racing games for years now. But if rumours at TG Daily are to be believed, they’ve turned down an offer to renew the partnership, after a disagreement with the sport’s governing body over costs. According to TG Daily, Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone asked Sony for a “hefty increase” to the estimated $US 75 million deal they agreed to for the 2003-2007 seasons. Sony won’t pay, and have walked away from the deal, leaving EA, Ubisoft and Codemasters to fight it out. Can’t really blame Sony for this: F1 games have always had a dedicated, hardcore following, but the games have more often than not been a bit shit, and have never translated into the kind of sales Sony would expect from a sport so popular across many parts of the world.

License clash between Sony and Formula 1 Boss means no F1 games [TG Daily, via Gameplayer]

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Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)

  • Weasel
    May 9, 2008 at 10:37 AM

    This is music to my ears…
    It was a sad day when I heard that Sony had exclusive rights to the F1, and I’ve been left playing Grand Prix 4 ever since.
    This could be the start of something beautiful! (namely Grand Prix 5!)

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