Paul Jeffrey
Premium
It appears as if Studio 397 have secured an official licence to recreate the electric Formula E series in rFactor 2.
Thanks to some impressive detective work from @William Marsh of Sim Racing Paddock, official posts on both the Formula E jobs website and LinkedIn have been spotted that suggest the electric racing series will be getting the sim racing treatment, with Studio 397 and rFactor 2 cited as the simulation software with which the virtual series will call home in the near future.
Love it or loath it, Formula E seems to be a series very much in vogue these past few weeks, and with an increase in eSport and sim racing awareness amongst racing series throughout the globe, it is perhaps not unsurprising to see one of the big developers snap up an official licence for the championship sooner rather than later.
Potentially thanks to the close ties between rFactor 2 and Formula E already formed with the recent Vegas $1m eSport event last year, it appears as if Studio 397 have stolen a march on their sim racing rivals and wrapped up the deal to replicate the series officially in a racing simulation.
Reviewing the advent posted below, it does look like the new deal could mean more than simply locking down a single car from the series (as has been done in other games), with indications strongly suggesting the licence includes a deal to bring all cars, liveries and tracks to the game alongside a very high likelihood of some kind of sanctioned eSport event using the rFactor 2.
Could this mean a more prolonged online competition similar to the Vegas event, and can this move from Formula E and Studio 397 mark a first step towards a greater emphasis on structured online play in rFactor 2 in the future?
It has been well documented throughout many different threads and posts the conflicting opinions of race fans on Formula E and electric racing, however one thing exceptionally positive to come from this deal is yet further confirmation that Studio 397 are making a concerted effort to focus content going forward, rather than the sometimes disjointed approach of single car releases that have often made up the release schedule in years past.
Studio 397 were unwilling to offer an official comment on the Formula E job postings when approached by RaceDepartment earlier today.
For those curious, you can read the full job description below, and apply for the post yourself by visiting the Formula E jobs site HERE.
Role: Gaming Product Manager
Location: London
Status: Full Time Employee
Band: 2
Reporting to: Senior Digital Marketing Manager
Your role
Console/Mobile
-Work with developer needs (liveries, data) for IP integrations of cars/tracks
-Push gaming partners to feature FE integrations through competition/exposure within the game
-Sync marketing, PR and comms across FE and gaming partners
Sim Racing
-Develop rFactor 2 with Studio 397
--Ensure delivery of Studio 397 timeline to release of title
--Liaise with internal departments to make sure all liveries, tracks and data is passed on to Studio 397
--Work with Studio 397 to manage the launch and community on Steam
-Issue a RFP for broadcast/esports competition for providers
--Confirm dates for the proposed 4 Season 4 online races
--Work with esports TO/broadcaster for talent, rules and stewarding
-Team integration
--Build plan for teams to take game software
--Help teams develop software integration strategy, with local activations
At track
-Manage event space consisting of
--Moving simulators from DHL drop off point to stage
--Networking of machines
--Installing monitors
--Packing empty lids for DHL to remove
--Running server to record times and control cameras for eRace
--Coordinate the fan(s) who are participating in the eRace to attend
--Manage and train volunteer staff for simulator use
--Manage queue system and be responsible for customers in the gaming area
--Coordinate drivers participating in eRace with communications team
--Coordinate branding with specific driver names on the back on simulators
--Manage and run eRace with broadcast partner
--Pack down equipment, box monitors, install lids on simulators and place back to DHL pickup point.
Desired skills and experience
The successful candidate must have experience in delivering gaming events to a high standard. Additionally, candidates should be able to demonstrate:
-Knowledge and a passion for video games and eSports
-A relatable degree
-Experience of managing multiple projects from strategic conception to execution and analysis
-Experience of delivering events on time and to budget
-Evidence of developing comprehensive marketing and promotional plans to deliver gaming or eSports events
-The ability to collaborate effectively across business functions to understand and prioritise varying product requirements
-A recognised Project Management qualification (Prince 2, PMI) would be beneficial
rFactor 2 is a racing simulation exclusive to PC. You can purchase the game directly from Steam with immediate effect.
Check out the rFactor 2 sub forum here at RaceDepartment for all the latest news and discussion with regards to the simulation. You can take part in lively debates with fellow rFactor 2 fans and take part in some great Club and League racing events..! Head over to the forum now and share the love this simulation so very much deserves...
Pleased to hear of official Formula E content coming to rFactor 2? Any particular series you would like to see added to the sim in future? Let us know in the comments section below!
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