Video game development is rarely about one man, but if it was, then Terence Groening should certainly get a mention for his contributions to the genre as the man responsible for the physics of Sportscar GT, EA’s PC F1 and NASCAR games of the early 2000’s, rFactor, rFactor 2 and every title and rFpro simulator that spawned from ISI’s engine.
This interview with RSC details his early life and career, through to him joining iRacing in 2021.
RSC contains a database of 153 developers, 467 software titles, 374 cars, 42 bikes, 242 tracks and more...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.
RSC Podcast Episode 7 – Management Simulations, F1 Managers, Always Used To Be Better?Join Jon Denton, Tim Wheatley, Simon Croft and guest(s) as they discuss sim racing and racing games past, present and future.
RSC contains a database of news items. Our #OnThisDay page shows current day and current week of years past...
RSC contains a database of videos back to the 1980s catalogued as intros, laps, trailers, unboxings and more...
RSC contains a database of emulated software you can play in your browser...
EA have released a patch for F1 23 that only contains one line of changes, quoted below, in a somewhat disappointing showing considering there are known issues with the F2 time trial leaderboard and tire wear after F2 sprint races unresolved. The next patch is expected in January.
Notes:
Addition of content for use in F1 World Events
With the update today you can re-live Max Verstappen’s season by taking part in a number of challenges that I can only assume involves a virtual Adrian Newey not existing.
The driver ratings were also recently updated in what should be the final update of the season. The somewhat frustrating part of these updates are that McLaren will potentially never start any offline championship with realistic performance at the back of the field.
Press text:
Celebrate Max Verstappen’s Record-Breaking 2023 Season in EA SPORTS™ F1® 23
Relive the 2023 FIA Formula 1® Championship with EA SPORTS F1® 23, and experience the thrill of three iconic races featuring the three-time world champion, Max VerstappenAt the season’s start, Max told EA SPORTS “I want to be the best I can be and I want to win.” Max dominated the 2023 season and emerged as the in-game F1® 23 MVP, boasting an impressive 832K race wins, a 60% podium finish rate, and the most popular driver based on F1® 23 players. Max was the choice for 21% of races featuring F1 drivers, with the Bahrain GP being the fans’ favourite race to compete as Max*.
From December 12 to 26, players can take on Max’s Pro Challenges for Zandvoort, Suzuka, and Lusail, offering a second chance to unlock three special helmets, including his championship-winning helmet.
New players eager to start their own F1® season by purchasing the game can check out special holiday promotions** from platform retailers from December 21 to January 4.
*EA SPORTS™ F1® 23 data was generated from 16/6/2023-11/19/2023.
**Offers may vary or change. See retailer site for details. Conditions and restrictions apply.
Announced October, 2019 with the extension of the F1 license until 2025. Developed and published by Codemasters, it will be the sixteenth title in the Formula One series developed by the studio.
