Asobo, known today as the Microsoft Flight Simulator developer, created groundbreaking technology for large scale maps that was intended to be used in a high quality rally raid title. It was never released and ended up as FUEL, a post-apocalyptic open-world racing game. What happened?
Better known today as the developer of Skyrim and Fallout, Bethesda once had a well-respected racing game franchise and were deep into development of a licensed Skip Barber Racing title that never released.
A free-to-play simulation from Blimey! Games (creators of GTR, GTR2, GT Legends and what went on to become Slightly Mad Studios), originally available directly from the BMW Web site (see below). It was brought about as an advertising venture by German automotive company Bayer Motoren Werke (BMW) and early SIMBIN and Blimey publisher 10tacle Studios, and is based on the isiMotor (rFactor) engine.
There were four game modes; Test drive, time trial against a ghost car, race weekend and multiplayer race (against up to 15 A.I. or human opponents via internet or LAN).
BMW M3 Challenge included BMW’s all-new M3 Coupe – which wasn’t a race car, but was certainly high performance – along with the Nurburgring grand prix and short track configurations. You could also personalize the color and styling of your car.