Codemasters signs esports partnership with Motorsports Network

Codemasters on Wednesday confirmed that it has signed a global esports partnership with Motorsport Network, the world's largest motorsport media company.

The partnership will commence following the 26 February launch of DiRT Rally 2.0, the thirteenth title in the videogame developer's Colin McRae Rally racing game series and the seventh bearing the 'DiRT' moniker, and will see Codemasters' games built into a global programme to create, promote and manage esport events across its future racing games portfolio.

While the developer's annually released F1 titles will not be included, its portfolio of racing titles includes other heavyweights such as the DiRT, Grid and Onrush series'.

Frank Sagnier, chief executive of Codemasters, said, "We are delighted to announce our partnership with Motorsport Network - a company that not only shares our love of motor racing, but has great expertise and an enormous consumer reach. The combination of our passionate communities, Codemasters' great games and Motorsport Network's impressive range of operations should make the next few years of esports very exciting."

The AIM traded company said Motorsport Network serves fans through an "integrated digital ecosystem" that speaks 17 languages and reaches over 30m people every month.

The ecosystem includes a portfolio that spans everything from racing websites such as Autosport.com and Motorsport.com to ticketing and events and an OTT racing television network, Motorsport Network.

James Allen, president of Motorsport Network, said, "Codemasters is a trailblazing publisher that, by common consent, has defined racing games. Through this formidable alliance, we plan to put Codemasters' iconic titles at the heart of a new, global esports programme that we can deliver to the very heartland of motor racing's fan networks."

Codemasters Group Holdings' shares were up 2.93% at 193.00p at 1531 GMT.