A new racing simulation has been announced with “Rennsport”. The Munich-based developer Competition Company wants nothing less than to take virtual racing to the next evolutionary level.
Leading racing simulations such as iRacing, rFactor 2 and RaceRoom are technically getting on in years. While there are always updates and new content, the actual basis of the platforms often dates back to 2013. Only Assetto Corsa Competezione dared a visual overhaul in 4K for the current console generation.
The developers at Munich-based studio Competition Company therefore want to do things “a little differently”, according to their own website. “Rennsport”, the concise title of the announced free-to-play racing simulation, is to be created from scratch – based on the latest technological achievements and modern software.
The Unreal Engine 5 will be used as the basis. First pictures from last week show a detailed BMW M4 GT3 on a mirrored high-gloss background – but not in motion on a race track.
Focus on community and eSports
Since the end of 2020, various experts from racing and the automotive industry have been working on the game alongside the developers. The claim “For Racers – From Racers” is to be the central leitmotif.
Right from the start, the studio wants to create a racing simulation with the “needs of eSports and the community” as its pillars. The aim is to create a “perfect racing game” that offers “ultra-realistic sim racing” and driving fun at the same time.
The Munich-based company did not disclose how exactly this result will be achieved in detail. Instead, a partnership with the ESL was mentioned for the announcement last week. A “competitive system for athletes and teams” is being planned to keep racing attractive in the long term.
In addition, professional broadcasting possibilities and easily shareable highlight clips are to increase the entertainment factor of the racing simulation.
Digital property = NFTs?
A third item on the agenda is already dividing the community. For example, the announcement says: “You invest time and money in your hobby – and what do you end up owning? Everything!” In racing, everyone should be able to create their own legacy with custom cars, tracks and much more, and earn money from it too.
In addition to modding opportunities, technology will be integrated to bridge the gap between professional eSports players, amateurs, enthusiasts and collectors. The development team has so far avoided questions on social media as to whether this means an integration of NFTs and blockchain technology.
A first closed beta phase is already planned for this summer. The results will then flow into the development of “Racing” until the open beta in spring 2023. When exactly the simulation for PC is to be released as final is just as unclear as the scope of the game.
Although “major brands and authentic tracks” have been announced, the developers do not specify how this will ultimately play out in the free-to-play title in addition to the Porsche, BMW and Hockenheim-Ring brands shown.
One thing, however, has always emerged in the sim racing world: Authentic driving behaviour ultimately always comes before looks. The announcement of racing remains vague. After great technical promises, racing realism should be evident in the beta phase. If this cannot follow the presentation, “Rennsport” might have difficulties finding its place in the established market.
