Last year, over on Racinggames.gg, we said that we need to get an official IndyCar video game. Well, someone seemingly heard us, as Motorsport games announced a new IndyCar game is in development for a 2023 release.
What does IndyCar 2023 need to compete with the likes of F1 22 though? Well, we give our take right here!
What we know so far
From the original press release, it's clear that both Motorsport Games and Penske Entertainment are aiming for the top. IndyCar 2023 won't be a scaled-down mobile game, this will be a triple-A game on PlayStation, Xbox and PC.
With all of the official branding around the game's website, and the esports licence, it's safe to assume this will be a fully-licenced title. That means all of the circuits, teams and drivers from the 2023 season will be included in this game.
That is huge, as we've seen how not having the licencing can lead to strange situations, like that we experienced with PES for years.
Plus, Motorsport games aren't messing around when it comes to this title. The company have purchased the team behind rFactor 2 and will no doubt be deploying them to work their magic for IndyCar 2023.
Past IndyCar games
It's hard to believe, but the most recent out-and-out IndyCar game was released almost 20 years ago. The most recent officially licensed IndyCar game is IndyCar Series 2005, which was released on the PS2 and original Xbox and was strangely based on the 2003 season.
And who developed and published this game? None other than Codemasters. Codies these days are well-known for their Formula 1 series as well as titles like DIRT and GRID.
The only way to experience IndyCar racing in modern video games is to go to serious sim racers like iRacing and rFactor 2, but there are very limited options for console, and none if you want to race a full championship.
What IndyCar 2023 has to be
Top-level motorsport series such as WRC, MotoGP, and F1 all have official video games that are released every year. IndyCar shouldn't be omitted from this, as it's a hugely entertaining sport.
IndyCar is the highest level of open-wheel racing outside of F1. Some even regard it as level to Formula 1 in terms of skill and challenge. There is a huge amount of skill and precision required to round 200 laps of a circuit at over 200 mph average speed without crashing.
IndyCar is most famous for its Indy 500 race, held at the world-famous Indianapolis Speedway. Those that have raced around the Brickyard in games like Gran Turismo will know it's more than just an oval.
So, what does IndyCar 2023 need to capture the imagination of racing gamers? Well, IndyCar needs to play on the game's close racing and high-speed nature. It also needs to ensure it gets the Indy 500 spot on, as this is the series' showpiece event.
Features such as crossplay and classic cars and tracks should make an appearance if possible. This is due to the Formula 1 game not currently having these features.
Plus, an exciting story-driven mode like Braking Point in the IndyCar game would be amazing to experience.
When it comes to how they perform on-track, IndyCars are like F1 cars but lack a lot of the downforce that GP cars have. This means that they're a lot more tail-happy and a real handful to drive. Sideways moments are very common and it's absolutely glorious. If this can replicated in IndyCar 2023, the game will sell itself.