Shortly after the release of Grand Prix Legends the sim racing community looked forward to another title that promised to offer a similar insight into historic racing. Trans-Am Racing ’68-’72 ultimately never released, a victim of a publishers shady dealings, but as a part of my research I uncovered a VHS of a never-released trailer for the game. Watch the trailer and read about what sim racing missed out on.
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?
Not sure how to feel about this. On one hand I am incredibly excited, on the other I am concerned because both NASCAR Heat 4 and 5 (who this developer is tied to) have wavered quite a bit from the product I’d hoped they would be. In any case with experience heading Motorsport Games we can finally see that spiritual successor to TOCA 2 we have waited for.
I have reached out with some questions I feel the community will want to have answered.
Here is the official announcement:
Motorsport Games signs long term agreement with the British Touring Car Championship to create video game and esports series
Dedicated BTCC game, developed by Motorsport Games, scheduled for 2022Wednesday 29th July: Motorsport Games, the video game developer and publisher dedicated to the integration of racing game development and esports, has today announced that it has secured a multi-year license to create the official video game and associated esport for the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). One of the highest profile and most beloved racing championships in the world, the BTCC has a rich history in video games and its renaissance in the virtual world will begin with the development of a new dedicated game, scheduled for 2022.
The new BTCC game will be developed by the team at Motorsport Games for new generation consoles, as well as PC, using market leading technology with an option to also develop a mobile version.
Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “Finally, I’m proud to say that the huge demand from the BTCC and TOCA game fans is being answered. Just like the original BTCC/TOCA game, this will be a dedicated BTCC game featuring all the cars, all the teams, all the drivers and all the circuits – not merely some elements partially incorporated into an existing game.
“It is hugely important to me, our teams, drivers and fans that any new BTCC game reflected exactly what everyone loves about our championship; the incredibly close non-stop action, intense competition and great enjoyment. I’ve no doubt that Motorsport Games will deliver exactly that.”
Stephen Hood, President of Motorsport Games, commented: “This partnership is a clear signal of the enormous trust that the BTCC has placed in Motorsport Games. Our team demonstrated real enthusiasm for the project from day one, and our ambitions were immediately aligned. The opportunity is clear for all to see and we look forward to deploying the significant and proven capabilities of our esports, game development and media teams to return this series back to the forefront of gaming.”
On the new prospect of the new BTCC game, Motorsport Games’ Creative Director, Paul Coleman, said: “There is a clear demand and appetite for a new touring car game, and we are delighted that we are going to make that a reality. Many of the staff in our studio have fond memories of the TOCA game series and my first job in the games industry was actually working on TOCA Race Driver 2 as a QA Tester. We have some exciting plans that we cannot wait to reveal.”
The British Touring Car Championship joins Motorsport Games’ roster of products which also includes the NASCAR Heat video game franchises and esports, such as 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual, eNASCAR Heat Pro League, World Rallycross Esports Series, ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge, #NotTheGP series and the Le Mans Esports Series.
About Motorsports Games:
Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, is dedicated to virtual racing. Our mission is to combine video game development with esports to deliver exciting, innovative experiences people will play, watch and engage with. We develop and publish console, PC and mobile video games, including the NASCAR Heat franchise, Officially Licensed by NASCAR. Motorsport Games is the esports partner of choice for many of the world’s leading motorsport rights holders, including NASCAR, Formula E, Le Mans and the FIA World Rallycross Championship and others.
For more information about Motorsport Games visit: www.motorsportgames.com
About BTCC:
The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) was formed in 1958 and is Britain’s most popular motor racing spectacle with its race season ordinarily comprising ten events at top circuits across the UK. It is contested by professional racing drivers in competition versions of every day road cars, giving it tremendous public appeal. Over 380,000 watch the BTCC trackside each year and it receives widespread UK terrestrial TV exposure on the ITV network, with all ten events broadcast live on ITV4, ITV4 HD and itv.com.
For more information about the BTCC visit: www.btcc.net
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