Codemasters had given us an appointment this Thursday for the announcement of the next Formula 1 game, and it’s now official: the 2022 version was presented with a first trailer and revealed its first information. Besides a slight name change (no longer call it F1 2022 but F1 22), there is also Electronic Arts publishing. Release date, console, first details on the content, here is everything you need to know about this EA Sports F1 22.
A “new era” for F1
After an episode F1 2021 relatively successful, and which was in the good dynamics of its predecessors, F1 22 is however expected at the turn: between the new regulations which came into force at the start of the season and the takeover of Codemasters by Electronic Arts, the regulars have as many fears as of hopes with the rest of the franchise.
EA Sports F1 22 will therefore be released in its usual summer slot on PC and both console generations. Among the additions is the inclusion of races F1 Sprint, this novelty appeared in 2021, which offers an additional event at certain race weekends.
An evolution will also take place on the gameplay since we will have an option to choose between Immersive et Broadcast, which will affect formation laps, Safety Car and pit stops. In the immersive mode, it will be up to you to manage these particular moments, which may impact your time and therefore your position in the rankings. In broadcast, it will be enough to appreciate the cutscenes which will simply follow the action.
We’re also told about a new adaptive AI, which seems to be aimed mostly at newcomers and should adapt to players’ level throughout a race. It remains to be seen how it will react for the more experienced. With this will also be accompanied by better accessibility, a redesign of the interface as well as modernized training programs.
A note on content
Like the rumors presaged it, no scripted mode at the Breaking Point, which seems to pause. However, instead, a mode F1 Life, presented as a customizable hub where one can display our collection of supercars (yes yes, you read that right), clothing and accessories. A Podium Pass will also be integrated there, and we find the usual shop there.
Of course, all the drivers, single-seaters and official tracks will be present, which logically means that we will have the opportunity to discover the brand new Miami Grand Prix as well as the changes made to certain circuits, such as fast corners from Melbourne to Australia, Spain or even Abu Dhabi. Nothing is yet mentioned for the Raidillon de Spa, but we imagine that the topography will be respected.
Finally, the mode My Stable is still in the game and if we won’t have a big overhaul, we are promised improvements, including the possibility of choosing our starting budget between Newcomer, Challenger and Front Runner. The usual career is also there, and good news: in addition to the traditional multiplayer mode, the split screen will be present again, to play two on the couch.
F1 2022 release date
Take your diary F1 22 will be available July 1 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Origin. Surprise, the game will also be VR compatible on PC via Oculus and HTC Vive. Champions Edition owners will be able to play it three days early, while also picking up a Miami-inspired content pack with livery and other cosmetics.