Sim racing offers an almost infinite number of content combinations, spread across multiple titles. Today's grab bag approach has not always been the go-to for racing simulations, however, as dedicated titles for certain series' seasons used to be the norm. We want to know: If this approach was revived, which season of which series would you love to see get a dedicated sim?
A well-working platform with a plethora of content to choose from is great to have variety in your sim racing life, and many of them succeed in getting the immersion just right whether the scenario is a current-day one or a throwback to years past. Assetto Corsa Competizione does this well for modern GT3 racing, while Automobilista 2 keeps adding classic content that make the sim seem more like a digital museum with each update.
Focusing on a certain year of a certain series has the added bonus of developers being able to nail every series-specific aspect: Although it is turning 25 years old this year, Grand Prix Legends is still a beloved title as it simulates the 1967 Formula One season like no other, including the full grid and calendar, as well as the rules of that year.
Group C cars are available in many sims like Automobilista 2, but a dedicated sim featuring one or more full seasons could be on another level. Image credit: Reiza Studios
Possibilities are endless: Late 1980s Group C, the World Rally Championship at the height of the mighty Group B cars, IndyCar in 1993, including Mansell Mania gone Stateside and all circuits of the time - maybe even a 1950s Formula One sim that shows how different the world of motor racing used to be. There are countless great scenarios that would make for highly-interesting sim content.
While mods do make parts of these scenarios available, they usually have to make compromises, whether that means the rule sets or game mechanics - Assetto Corsa, for example, does not feature rolling starts, and AMS2 still lacks the ability to adjust boost pressure for turbocharged cars from inside the cockpit.
A well-working platform with a plethora of content to choose from is great to have variety in your sim racing life, and many of them succeed in getting the immersion just right whether the scenario is a current-day one or a throwback to years past. Assetto Corsa Competizione does this well for modern GT3 racing, while Automobilista 2 keeps adding classic content that make the sim seem more like a digital museum with each update.
Focusing on a certain year of a certain series has the added bonus of developers being able to nail every series-specific aspect: Although it is turning 25 years old this year, Grand Prix Legends is still a beloved title as it simulates the 1967 Formula One season like no other, including the full grid and calendar, as well as the rules of that year.
Potential for Unique Content
For some series, the full grids and accurate locations element would be a great, unique element for a dedicated game. Take the 1992 DTM season, for example: The series was at the height of its popularity and raced on classic tracks like the Nürburgring, Norisring or Hockenheimring, but also on numerous airfield circuits like Diepholz, Kassel-Calden or Wunstorf, plus the Alemannenring street circuit in Siegen. These may partially be available as mods, but imagine them being part of a dedicated sim as fully fleshed-out versions - these things can make sim racers dream.Group C cars are available in many sims like Automobilista 2, but a dedicated sim featuring one or more full seasons could be on another level. Image credit: Reiza Studios
Possibilities are endless: Late 1980s Group C, the World Rally Championship at the height of the mighty Group B cars, IndyCar in 1993, including Mansell Mania gone Stateside and all circuits of the time - maybe even a 1950s Formula One sim that shows how different the world of motor racing used to be. There are countless great scenarios that would make for highly-interesting sim content.
While mods do make parts of these scenarios available, they usually have to make compromises, whether that means the rule sets or game mechanics - Assetto Corsa, for example, does not feature rolling starts, and AMS2 still lacks the ability to adjust boost pressure for turbocharged cars from inside the cockpit.
