Racing Rivals, the popular drag racing game by Cie Games, was officially shut down on March 31, 2019. The game’s servers were turned off, making it no longer playable.
Racing Rivals was first launched in 2013 and quickly became a favorite among mobile racing enthusiasts. The game allowed players to compete against each other in real-time drag races, bet in-game currency, and even pink slips for their cars. It featured a wide range of licensed vehicles and customization options, which contributed to its popularity.
However, over time, the game faced several challenges. The mobile gaming landscape is highly competitive, with new titles constantly being released. As newer games with more advanced graphics and features came out, Racing Rivals started to lose its player base. Additionally, the game’s revenue model, which relied heavily on in-app purchases, may have been a deterrent for some players.
In 2018, Carbonated Inc., a company formed by former Cie Games employees, acquired Racing Rivals from Glu Mobile, the company that had purchased Cie Games. Despite efforts to revitalize the game, including updates and attempts to address community concerns, the decision was made to shut down the game.
The closure of Racing Rivals was met with disappointment from its community of fans, many of whom had invested significant time and money into the game. The shutdown was announced in advance, giving players some time to enjoy their last races and say goodbye to the virtual tracks.
The end of Racing Rivals is a reminder of the ever-changing nature of the gaming industry, where even popular games may eventually fade away as technology advances and player interests shift.