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 their Need for Speed Unbound Volume 5 update that adds new challenges, rewards, speed pass content and more.
Press release below. (There is no trailer for Volume 5).
Press release:
Prove your Notoriety in Need for Speed Unbound Volume 5 – Coming October 12
Racers: get ready for even more ways to amplify your notoriety and gain infamy in Need for Speed™ Unbound. Launching October 12, Volume 5* delivers new vehicles, liveries, outfits, customizations and more.This volume provides a refreshed Speed Pass, bringing 75 free ranks with retro kaleidoscopic cosmetics and customizations up for the taking, as well as the fierce Buick Grand National GNX (1987) for racers who reach rank 50. Players can also take on the challenge of getting 25 near misses in any BMW while being chased by cops to unlock the new turbocharged BMW M2 Coupé (2023), proving that they own the streets and they’re not going anywhere.
Additionally, new premium content packs will be available in-store, including the spooky “Trick or Street Swag Pack,” which brings to life the Legendary Custom MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ’17, plus a clothing pack, Skeleton Head mask, driving effect, exclusive horn, and more*.
A list of all the exciting content in Need for Speed Unbound Volume 5 can be found below:
• All 14 Linkups: Players can take on all 14 Linkups from Vol. 3 and Vol. 4 – showing the streets why they’re at the top of their game, competing in over four rounds showcasing epic stunts and heroic driving. Players who contribute the most will be crowned as MVP in locations including the Yams Wind Farm, Marigold Golf Course, and Jefferson Quarry.
• Refreshed Speed Pass: Volume 5 delivers a refreshed Speed Pass bringing 75 ranks with free retro kaleidoscopic cosmetics and customizations – reach rank 50 and cruise the scene in the Buick Grand National GNX (1987).
• New Challenges: Take on the challenge of getting 25 near misses in any BMW while being chased by cops to unlock the New BMW M2 Coupé (2023). Players can prove their notoriety by taking on new Daily, Weekly, and One Shot Challenges to earn XP and build their Bank.
• In-Game Store: Three new premium customization and cosmetics content packs, which include new cars, cosmetics, driving effects and more, will be available in the in-game store.
o Need for Speed™ Unbound – Trick or Street Swag Pack: Available for $14.99, this premium pack contains the Legendary Custom MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ’17, as well as an incredible range of classically designed artwork inspired by the rubber hose style of the golden age of American animation. These designs are featured across items including a clothing pack, Skeleton Head mask, a driving effect, an exclusive horn, and more.
o Need for Speed™ Unbound – Volkswagen Beetle (1963) Legendary Custom Pack: This pack is available for $9.99 and offers players the Legendary Custom Volkswagen Beetle (1963) (custom bodykit and livery) and a 10 level Speed Pass boost, which will reward them with 10 exciting new cosmetic or customization items.
o Need for Speed™ Unbound – Vol.5 Customs Pack: This new customs pack offers players 3 new exclusive Custom Builds, including Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport (2017), BMW i8 Coupé (2018) and Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe (2018) for $5.99.
o EA PLAY Subscriber Reward: EA Play subscribers will be able to enjoy their reward of the Epic Custom Mercury Cougar (1967).Need for Speed™ Unbound is built for the new generation of technology and features 4K resolution at 60 FPS for the first time in the series. Volume 5 goes live on October 12 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
*Requires Need for Speed Unbound (sold separately) & all game updates.
Open-world arcade racer set in the fictional Lakeshore City, based on Chicago.
