Racing Games Rev up for the Holidays
December has been a busy month for racing game enthusiasts, wiht major updates and content drops for titles like *Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown*, *Forza Motorsport*, and *Le Mans Ultimate*. A unique demo for *gran Turismo 7* also arrived, and *Rennsport* is gearing up to transition from open beta to early access.
Source: Turn 10 Studios
But the biggest buzz is around *Assetto Corsa Evo*, which has dominated gaming news with exciting new developments.Is *My First Gran Turismo* a Hint at GT8?
On December 6th, PlayStation 4 and 5 players received a freebie: *My First Gran Turismo*.Some see this as a potential clue that *Gran Turismo 7* might be nearing the end of its lifecycle, and a new installment – perhaps *Gran Turismo 8* – could be on the horizon. After all,it’s not every day you get a free,streamlined racing experience from a major franchise.My First GT: A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane for Gran Turismo?
The recent proclamation of *My First GT*, a free-to-play demo for *Gran Turismo 7*, has caused quite a stir among fans. Many are viewing it as more than just a demo, hoping it signals a return to the series’ roots and a potential influence on the future of *Gran Turismo*. While initially presented as a standalone experience, *My First GT* is essentially a streamlined version of *Gran Turismo 7* with the option to transfer unlocked cars to the full game. The demo offers a limited selection of content, including three races against AI opponents, time trials, “music rallies,” and fourteen licensing tests. Notably, the car roster consists entirely of iconic sports cars and everyday vehicles, a deliberate choice that harkens back to the series’ origins. This nostalgic approach, overseen by series creator kazunori Yamauchi, suggests a recognition of what made *Gran Turismo* so beloved. Perhaps *my First GT*’s success will prompt Yamauchi to re-evaluate the direction of the series, notably the controversial cafe-based career mode introduced in *Gran Turismo 7*. Furthermore, *My First GT* could serve as a testing ground for a full-fledged PC release of the *Gran Turismo* franchise, mirroring the strategy employed by Microsoft with *Forza Motorsport 6: Apex* nearly a decade ago.“…” — Kazunori Yamauchi
Ibiza Seduces in Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown’s Second Season
The second season of test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown landed this week, bringing a wave of changes to the racing experience – some fantastic, some frustrating. On the positive side, KT Racing has once again showcased their masterful level design with the stunning map of Ibiza. This vibrant island setting offers a refreshing change of pace from Hong Kong, reminiscent of the beloved Test Drive Unlimited 2, but crafted with even more meticulous detail. It’s a playground of unique nooks and crannies begging to be explored, even featuring the return of clothing stores from the franchise’s past. The interior car views have also seen a massive betterment, ditching the anti-immersive steering animations for smooth, 1080-degree rotations. The racetracks on Ibiza are a technical delight, though there aren’t as many as one might hope given the XP grind required to unlock new cars. This is especially apparent in the Solar Pass, which now demands three times the XP to obtain the lamborghini Diablo compared to the Audi RS e-tron in the first season. Additionally, race payouts have been slightly decreased – though on a brighter note, rewards no longer disappear after repeated runs of the same race. It’s a bittersweet trade-off, as KT Racing seems to be tinkering with the economy. The silver lining is that racing against AI opponents has become noticeably more enjoyable. The game no longer rushes to ramp up difficulty, and competitors no longer pull ahead by absurd margins in impossibly souped-up Alfas Romeo MiTos, nor do they crash spectacularly on gravel or wet asphalt. These improvements are a welcome change, making the racing experience smoother and more engaging. However, it’s baffling that KT Racing still hasn’t implemented a difficulty level selection option, despite facing persistent criticism on this issue. A simple solution to ensure a balanced challenge for all players. Despite these ongoing frustrations,Ibiza’s allure and the refinements made to the racing mechanics make Test Drive Unlimited: Solar crown’s second season worth exploring. ## Symulacyjne marzenia się spełniają? Assetto Corsa evo z otwartym światem Od dawna marzyłem o grze wyścigowej, która połączy symulacyjną fizykę jazdy z wolnością eksploracji otwartego świata. Forza Horizon i Test Drive Unlimited oferują świetne wrażenia z prowadzenia, ale brakuje im autentyzmu, szczególnie Forzie. BeamNG.drive z kolei,mimo realistycznego modelu jazdy,nie powala rozmiarem map. A do tego wolę obcować z licencjonowanymi pojazdami. Wygląda na to, że studio Kunos Simulazioni spełni moje marzenia. Assetto Corsa Evo ma szansę zakończyć wieloletnie oczekiwanie na grę tego typu. Choć 16 stycznia zadebiutuje we wczesnym dostępie jako klasyczna produkcja wyścigowa, skupiona na torach, **latem 2025 roku do gry zacznie być wprowadzany otwarty świat**. To będzie coś więcej niż tylko mody typu “freeroam”, które można było wgrać do oryginalnej Assetto Corsy. Mini-aktualizacja: Kunos Simulazioni poinformowało,że Assetto Corsa evo będzie zawierać licencjonowane samochody i tory wyścigowe,a także zaawansowane opcje personalizacji pojazdów. Co więcej, studio obiecuje specjalnie przygotowane aktywności i system progresji dla trybu z otwartym światem. Forza Motorsport: RTGI and bathurst Shine in New Update
The latest update for Forza Motorsport has brought some impressive visual enhancements, particularly for PC gamers. While the update also included new content and gameplay tweaks, the standout feature is undoubtedly the introduction of Ray-Traced Global Illumination (RTGI). Having spent some time with the updated game, I can confidently say that RTGI makes a noticeable difference. The pecetowa version of the game looks considerably more natural thanks to the enhanced lighting. Remarkably, this improvement doesn’t come at the cost of performance. In fact, with settings cranked up to ultra and resolution set to 4K on my RTX 4080, I didn’t experience any frame rate drops. In fact, replays even saw a slight performance boost. The other highlight of this update is the return of the iconic Bathurst track,beautifully remastered for Forza Motorsport. The updated version looks stunning, and driving on it is a joy thanks to the improved visuals and physics.Past Updates and Future Expectations
For more details on the new content and gameplay changes introduced in this update, you can check out my previous article. Gamers have expressed some disappointment,though,as the promised career mode expansion hasn’t materialized yet. The latest Forza Motorsport update delivers a thrilling dose of new content, invigorating the racing experience and pushing the limits of adrenaline. This update introduces several noteworthy additions. Firstly, the inclusion of full-fledged GT racing, complete with distinct classes, adds a new dimension of competitive realism. Secondly,the physics engine refinements offer even more precise handling and a deeper connection to the road. Thirdly, the passionate community can now organize authentic GT races, meticulously categorized into classes. This means iconic American Trans Am beasts can now roar alongside Ferrari 488 challenges, Lamborghini Super Trofeo machines, and the GT3 and GTE categories. While the update introduces some exciting new cars, it’s certainly worth noting that most of these vehicles previously appeared in Forza Motorsport 7. On the flip side, the inclusion of australian “civilian“ cars, often overlooked in modern racing games, is a welcome addition, offering enthusiasts a chance to experience the thrill of iconic Ford Falcons and Holdens on legendary tracks like Bathurst. “Turn 10 Studios creates great content, but they seem to struggle with promoting it. Again, they didn’t even release a short trailer for this update… Source: Turn 10.”
BeamNG.drive Updated with Version 0.34
Staying true to tradition, BeamNG.drive developers delivered a festive update just before Christmas.the 0.34 update is now available, packed with new content and refinements.
The highlight of this update is the addition of the Bruckell Nine, a pre-war automobile offered in nine distinct body styles, encompassing coupes, roadsters, pickups, and even vans.
beamng.drive Receives Major Update 0.34
BeamNG.drive, the popular vehicle simulation game, has just received a substantial update, version 0.34, adding a plethora of new content, features, and improvements. This update is packed with exciting additions for driving enthusiasts, ranging from new tracks and challenges to enhanced vehicle customization and map editing tools. One of the highlights of this update is the introduction of an experimental rally mode. Players can now navigate point-to-point courses using visual cues from a co-driver. While voice commands are not yet implemented, this mode adds a new dimension to the driving experience. The update also focuses on refining the in-game world. Police variants of various vehicles have received visual upgrades, including the addition of antennas and new light configurations controllable from the cockpit. Fans of the Gavril Grand Marshall will be pleased to see the addition of a new widebody kit called “slider.” This modification enhances the car’s aggressive stance. The drag racing version of the grand Marshall has also received new parts, expanding customization options. Other vehicles have also undergone improvements and refinements. The West Coast USA map has received a significant overhaul.A new gravel track has been added within the belasco Motorsports Park, along with off-road sections at the bridge connecting the mainland to the island and seven new drift zones. For those craving competition, a new challenge type called “Dial Racing” has been introduced to drag racing. The goal is to reach the finish line as close to a predetermined time as possible. Three new missions featuring the Bruckell Nine have been added, each set on different maps including the Bootleg Runner in Utah. The interface for many missions has also been refreshed with added functionalities. For aspiring track and map creators, the World Editor has been enhanced with a new “Biome Tool.” This tool simplifies the process of placing trees, rocks, and other elements of the natural environment, offering more creative freedom. This update also features numerous smaller improvements and refinements, including new Traffic Manager functions for enhanced traffic control. For a complete list of changes,visit the official BeamNG.drive website.Le Mans Ultimate Updates for 2024 Season
In related racing news, Studio 397 has added almost all of the content from the 2024 WEC season to Le Mans Ultimate before the year’s end.“Le Mans Ultimate” Gets Major Content Drop and New Subscription Options
Racing fans rejoice! The popular motorsport simulator “Le Mans Ultimate” has received a significant content update, introducing the legendary Interlagos track in Brazil and three high-performance LMGT3 cars: the BMW M4, Corvette Z06, and Ferrari 296. This latest DLC pack, aptly titled ”2024 Pack 3,” comes at a price of 73.54 zł.As a bonus, the McLaren 720S LMGT3 Evo is now available for free. The developers haven’t stopped there. They’ve also announced the upcoming release of the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, along with five more LMGT3 cars: the aston Martin Vantage AMR Evo, Ford Mustang, Lamborghini Huracan Evo2, Lexus RC F, and Porsche 911 GT3 R (992). One of these models will be offered free, though the specifics remain a tantalizing mystery. We can expect these additions to arrive in the first quarter of 2025. Accompanying the new content is a substantial game update packed with improvements. these include enhanced performance, improved VR support, refined tire simulations, and enhancements to the AI, including customizable aggression settings for rival racers. For those seeking a more immersive multiplayer experience, paid server hosting is now available through the RaceControl platform— previously used in “rFactor 2″— allowing players to create their own custom races and utilize the new spectator mode. Further expanding the online experience are two new RaceControl subscription tiers. RaceControl Pro grants access to more competitive online races, including dedicated online championships, for a monthly fee of $7.99 (approximately 32.50 zł) or an annual subscription of $48 (approximately 195 zł). RaceControl Pro+ takes things a step further, unlocking access to all premium content in both “Le Mans Ultimate” and “rFactor 2” for a monthly fee of $13.99 (around 57 zł) or $84 per year.iRacing Ushers in 2025 Season with exciting New Content
iRacing, the acclaimed motorsport simulator, kicked off its 2025 season with a wave of captivating new content. Among the highlights is the inclusion of the ferrari 499P, the reigning champion of the past two Le Mans races. Notably, players can get behind the wheel of the No. 83 car driven by Polish racing star, Robert Kubica.Expanding the Grid
The update also expands the iRacing lineup with two Gen3 cars from Australia’s Supercars series, the Chevrolet camaro and Ford Mustang.for those seeking a more accessible entry point, the BMW M2 CS racing joins the roster as a free addition for all subscribers.Additional additions include the Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 and two new tracks: the legendary Thruxton Circuit in the UK and the dirt oval of Huset’s speedway in the US.Under the Hood Enhancements
Beyond the exciting new additions, iRacing continues to refine its simulation experience. This update introduces enhancements to the lighting system and incorporates a realistic accumulation of dirt and mud on the track surface, affecting tire grip. The New hampshire Motor Speedway has undergone a thorough refresh, and the tire model has been updated for GTP and LMP2 cars. For a comprehensive list of changes, enthusiasts can check out the official iRacing website, while those eager for a visual tour of the updates can explore the latest videos on the iRacing YouTube channel.Screamer Revs Back to Life
The recent Game Awards brought an unexpected surprise – the revival of the beloved,yet somewhat forgotten,Screamer racing series. Milestone studio,fresh off the release of Hot Wheels Unleashed 2,is aiming to recapture the arcade racing magic. While the studio may be sticking with its arcade roots, this new installment promises a fresh experience.Racing Games roundup: New Content for ‘GT7’, ‘Forza’, and More
Get ready for an injection of new content into your favourite racing games! There’s exciting news from the worlds of *Gran Turismo 7*, *Forza*, and an intriguing new title called *Screamer*.Hyundai Ioniq 5 N races Into ‘Gran Turismo 7’
*Gran Turismo 7* players can look forward to getting behind the wheel of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in the game’s next update, scheduled for January. The electric performance car was initially expected to arrive in December but will now hit the virtual tarmac a little later. As a bonus, fans who watch the *Gran Turismo World Series* finals livestream in-game before 10:00 AM tomorrow will receive the Ioniq 5 N as a gift when the update drops. Along with the Ioniq 5 N, a non-licensed 1990s Formula 1 car named the F3500-A is also on its way to *gran Turismo 7*, although a release date hasn’t been announced yet.Sign Up for ‘Forza’ Newsletter and Win prizes
The *Forza* franchise is inviting players to join their newsletter for a chance to win exciting prizes. ”New Sci-Fi Racer ‘Screamer’ Revs Its Engines for 2026 Release
get ready to experience a unique blend of street racing, brutal combat, and futuristic cyberpunk aesthetics in *Screamer*, a game set to launch in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. *Screamer*’s steam page teases a thrilling narrative driven by ambition, vengeance, and a “deep” story featuring the voice of Troy Baker.Players will be plunged into a world where they must fight for what they believe in, uncovering dark secrets behind the most ruthless races in history. more details about *Screamer* are scarce, but the anticipation is building for this high-octane adventure. Racing game fans have plenty to be excited about with a flurry of updates and announcements hitting the scene. Get ready to rev your engines for new content, performance enhancements, and a blast from the past! Forza Games Offer Holiday Bonuses In a festive gesture, players of *Forza Motorsport* and *Forza Horizon 5* will receive generous credit bonuses. Those diving into *Forza Motorsport* will find 300,000 credits awaiting them, while *forza Horizon 5* players can look forward to a hefty 3 million credit boost. The bonus is set to be delivered in the first few days of January, a nice little gift to kick off the new year. RaceRoom Racing Experience Takes a Nostalgic Turn Taking players back to the golden era of touring cars, *RaceRoom Racing Experience* has dropped the ”Super Touring Car Pack”. This nostalgic addition features five iconic cars from the 1990s: the Audi A4, BMW 320i E36, Honda Accord, Volvo 850, and Volvo S40. Each car is available for individual purchase at €5.98 (approximately $25.50) or as part of a package deal for €15.96 (approximately $68). Adding to the retro racing experience, *RaceRoom* has also released two classic circuits: the British Silverstone Classic (priced at €6.98, approximately $30) and the Portuguese Estoril Circuit, also available for €6.98. JDM: Japanese Drift master Reveals Advancement Focus Developers of *JDM: Japanese Drift Master* have shared their pre-release priorities, with the game targeting a spring 2025 launch. The team is focusing on key areas like gameplay optimization, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of steering wheels and other simracing hardware, expanding the virtual map of Japan, and enhancing tuning options. A glimpse of the upcoming tuning features can be seen in a short video here. Project Motor Racing Unveils New Addition to GTR Revival The *GTR Revival* roster is expanding with the addition of the Saleen S7-R in its 2004 specification. The iconic American supercar joins the lineup, promising thrilling performance for virtual racers. Screenshots of the stunning Saleen S7-R can be found on project Motor Racing’s website: https://projectmotorracing.com/newsArticle.php?articleCode=MzU0YjRjYjA1. WRC 23 Receives Update Focused on New Players WRC 23 has been updated to version 2.16, bringing refinements aimed at improving the onboarding experience for new players. Codemasters has implemented subtle changes to the menu and assist settings, making it easier for newcomers to grasp the game’s mechanics and get behind the wheel with confidence.gaming News Roundup: WRC 24 Patch, SnowRunner DLC, and GRID Legends Mobile Launch
Get ready for some exciting updates in the world of gaming! WRC 24 has received a new patch that introduces a “visual only” damage option, allowing players to customize the level of realism in their gameplay. For a complete list of the changes, including bug fixes, head over to the EA website.
SnowRunner fans can rejoice as the Kenworth Dual Pack DLC is now available. For 19.99 PLN, players can add two new Kenworth trucks, the T880 and C500, to their fleet.Additionally, Season 15: Oil & Dirt is on the horizon, promising to take players to the snow-covered wilds of Quebec, Canada. More details about this expansion, including new vehicles, are expected to be revealed soon.
Mobile racing enthusiasts have something to look forward to as well. GRID Legends is set to launch on mobile platforms on December 17th.Gamers will be able to download the game from both Google Play and the App Store.
