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?
Originally working in military simulator design, this Michigan-based studio developed Zone Raiders for Virgin Interactive before moving to Electronic Arts for publishing their second PC title, Sports Car GT, when Westwood Studios (their SCGT development partner) was acquired by the software giant.
Known primarily for their mod-friendly SCGT and rFactor racing platforms, ISI also developed Formula One and NASCAR titles on PC for Electronic Arts, but perhaps their lasting contribution to the genre was the licensing of the isiMotor engine that allowed studios such as 2Pez, Blimey! Games, KW Studios, Motorsport Games, Reiza Studios, SIMBIN Studios, Slightly Mad Studios, The Sim Factory, Tiburon and rFactor 2‘s ongoing developer Studio 397 to begin with or release on an evolution of their software.
Another fork of the isiMotor engine, rFpro, continues to be developed and is used by a wide array of automotive companies for both road and motorsport simulation.
Join Jon Denton, Tim Wheatley, Simon Croft and guest(s) as they discuss sim racing and racing games past, present and future.
Today is the general release day for F1 2021. You can check out my review here (video version here). The launch trailer is below, and below that you can see EA’s press statement.
Here are the v1.04 release notes for those of you who had early access before today:
– Addressed an issue where users would experience a corrupt save if they edited their vehicle’s livery from within the MyTeam HQ. Saves that were previously corrupted as a result of this bug will be able to be resumed after applying the patch.
– Added general stability fixes.
Release trailer:
FEEL THE THRILL OF THE TRACK IN CODEMASTERS® F1® 2021, OUT TODAY
Live the life of a Formula 1® driver, and compete at the highest level of motorsport with a new story mode, two-player Career mode, and stunning next-gen upgradesRedwood City, Calif. – July 16, 2021 – Codemasters® and Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) welcome players to the world of Formula 1® racing in F1® 2021,now available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. The latest release in the prestigious F1® series features the teams, drivers, and circuits for the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship™ and introduces a brand-new story mode, expanded Career mode with two-player option, and three new circuits, Portimão, Imola, and Jeddah*, available to all players for free* as post launch content.
In anticipation of the Formula 1® PIRELLI BRITISH GRAND PRIX taking place this weekend, July 18, Codemasters has released new gameplay footage captured on Xbox Series X to get viewers up to speed on the elite Silverstone Circuit on YouTube here.
In the new story mode, Braking Point, players experience the glamorous world of F1® as they rise in the rankings from Formula 2™ into a coveted Formula 1® spot, mirroring real-life team dynamics and dramatic run-ins with other drivers on the grid. The expanded Career Mode introduces a two-player option for friends to play online together or choose opposing teams and race against one another in synchronous race sessions. Career Mode also features Real-Season Start, which allows players to start their career at any race in the season that has already occurred, adopting the real-time drive and constructor standing from that point in time.
“The excitement around Formula 1® racing is truly palpable this season and launching F1 2021 on current and next-gen consoles gives us the opportunity to bring in players from around the world to live out their F1 dreams,” said Lee Mather, Franchise Game Director, Codemasters. “We are excited for players to jump into the world for themselves as they climb the ranks and race against their friends or foes for a chance to win it all.”
On the next-generation consoles, F1® 2021 boasts a visual uplift including improved on-track models, textures, and enhanced car body and tire damage models. Ray Tracing allows for photorealism in replays, cutscenes, and in Photo Mode. The Performance Mode option allows the game to run above 60fps on compatible hardware, and players on next-gen platforms will experience improved loading times.
Benefits for the digital Deluxe Edition include seven iconic F1® drivers for use in My Team, complete with exclusive customization content, 18,000 PitCoins and the Braking Point Content Pack.
F1® 2021 is rated E for Everyone and is now availablefor $59.99 USD.
Announced October, 2019 with the extension of the F1 license until 2025. Developed and published by Codemasters, it will be the fourteenth title in the Formula One series developed by the studio.