Slightly Mad Studios

Slightly Mad Studios was a British video game developer based in London, England. Founded in 2009, the studio specialized in racing games and was best known for the Project CARS series and Need for Speed: Shift. The company was acquired by Codemasters in 2019 and later became part of Electronic Arts in 2021.

History and Growth

Slightly Mad Studios started as an independent developer focused on realistic racing simulations. Over the years, it built a reputation for delivering high-quality driving experiences with advanced physics and graphics.

Key milestones in its history include:

• 2009 – Founded by Ian Bell after acquiring Blimey! Games.
• 2009 – Released Need for Speed: Shift in collaboration with Electronic Arts.
• 2011 – Launched Shift 2: Unleashed, a sequel to Need for Speed: Shift.
• 2012 – Released Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends, focusing on Ferrari’s racing history.
• 2015 – Developed Project CARS, a community-funded racing simulator.
• 2017 – Released Project CARS 2, expanding the franchise.
• 2019 – Acquired by Codemasters for $30 million.
• 2021 – Became part of Electronic Arts following Codemasters’ acquisition.

Notable Games

Slightly Mad Studios developed and published several successful racing titles. Some of its most recognized games include:

• Project CARS – A community-funded racing simulator.
• Project CARS 2 – A sequel with improved physics and expanded content.
• Project CARS 3 – A more arcade-style racing experience.
• Need for Speed: Shift – A racing game focused on realistic driving mechanics.
• Shift 2: Unleashed – A sequel with enhanced physics and career progression.
• Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends – A racing game featuring Ferrari’s history.
• Fast & Furious: Crossroads – A licensed action-racing game.

Development Approach and Studio Culture

Slightly Mad Studios focused on delivering immersive racing experiences with realistic driving mechanics. Some key aspects of its development philosophy included:

• Creating high-fidelity racing simulations with advanced physics.
• Utilizing community-driven development for Project CARS.
• Expanding into arcade-style racing with Project CARS 3.
• Exploring licensed racing games with Fast & Furious: Crossroads.

Recent Developments

Slightly Mad Studios ceased operations following its integration into Codemasters and Electronic Arts. Some of its latest developments included:

• Project CARS franchise was discontinued in 2022.
• Former Slightly Mad developers formed a new studio to develop Project Motor Racing, a spiritual successor to Project CARS.
• Electronic Arts reassigned Slightly Mad Studios staff to other projects.

Industry Impact and Legacy

Slightly Mad Studios was a leading developer in racing game development, known for its contributions to simulation-style driving experiences. Although the studio no longer operates independently, its legacy continues through former developers and the influence of the Project CARS franchise.

Its impact on racing simulations and community-driven development remains significant in the gaming industry.