Disappointing news about the future of F1 gaming (Codemasters gets F1 license)

UK developer Codemasters revealed earlier this week that, much to the dismay of the sim racing community, they have picked up the license to create and distribute an F1 video game. As F1 tries to increase its reach, an licensed game was inevitable.

Rumors circulated earlier this year about a possible EA Sports F108, after it was reported that they signed Lewis Hamilton to appear on the cover. I'm not sure what this news means for the rumored EA project, but it is something that Peter Moore is very eager to make happen.

Let's examine why this news is indeed so troubling. Codemasters games, though popular and generally well received, are not very realistic portrayals of race driving. Most notable are the Race Driver and Colin McRae series. The latest is CMR:Dirt, which shares its engine with the upcoming Race Driver Grid and the new F1 project.

Neither of these games provide a good racing experience. The handling is terrible, and after having tried the Grid demo today, I am very worried about what they may try to pass off as an F1 racer.

There is absolutely no sensation of accurate speed, grip or suspension travel in Grid. The cars seem to glide around the track as if they were on ice, and either possess endless traction, or none at all. The lauded damage modeling, while detailed, is FAR from realistic. In my experience, cars that roll over generally do not finish races.

I suppose some news about the future of F1 gaming is better than none, but with much more promising sims on the horizon, we may as well hold out for iracing, GTR Evolution, STCC, etc.

Sims are a tough market, and I doubt we will ever see another professional F1 sim, as the license is so expensive that to turn a profit Codemasters must create a game with mass-market appeal. But it remains to be seen what we will get, and we can try to remain hopeful, despite Codemasters "track" record.