The remainder of 2023 is set to make it a bumper year for racing games, as we will certainly be spoilt for choice when it comes to titles that will appeal to every kind of driving enthusiast.
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This year has already been pretty kind to us driving game fans. We’ve had the likes of Trackmania finally coming to console, LEGO 2K Drive, and also MotoGP and Formula One’s officially licenced games launching recently. But there are plenty more racing games on the way.
There are two new sim platforms, two open world driving games, a circuit racing simcade, a rally title and even a manager game. Let’s begin our countdown of upcoming racing games in 2023 sorted in order of release.
WRC 23
Release date: TBC (Rumoured 28 July)
The next officially-licenced World Rally title is set for release at some point this year, and it will surely be very interesting. Primarily because the official WRC licence has changed hands.
Since 2015, the games were developed by Kylotonn but now they’re under Codemasters and EA. Previously developing the DIRT games, many WRC game players may have to relearn the physics as they may be more in line with the DIRT Rally titles.
Whilst there’s no official release date yet, a reputable leaker claimed it’s set to be released on 28 July. We’re about a month away from this with no word yet from Codemasters and EA, so whether that’s the case remains to be seen. But if, and when, it does release, the game is set to be playable on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
F1 Manager 2023
Release date: 31 July
Last year, the officially-licenced managerial game for Formula One launched with significant fanfare. F1 Manager 2023 will pick up where its predecessor leaves off, providing players the chance at being a team principal and leaving the driving to the pros.
There are two new headline features this year. Race Replay can throw the player into scenarios from the 2023 Formula One season, and there are expansions to managing and training the pit crew.
F1 Manager 2023 releases on 31 July for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. But for those who pre-order the Deluxe Edition, they can access it on 27 July.
The Crew Motorfest
Release date: 14 September
When the first two instalments of The Crew released, they featured a map of the full United States. The next game is called The Crew Motorfest and whilst the location is limited to the Hawaiian island of O’ahu, it promises to be an upgrade in many other ways.
The environment is extremely varied, so every type of racing can take place. The competition takes the form of the titular event Motorfest (reminiscent of the Horizon Festival in the Forza Horizon games), with themed playlists catered to every motoring subculture.
The game releases 14 September, but players who pre-order the Gold or Ultimate Edition get three days early access. But there’s also a closed beta running from 21-23 July, you can register here for a chance to be selected. The Crew Motorfest will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Forza Motorsport
Release date: 10 October
The Forza series has had seven track-based instalments and five open world Horizon games. Now we will have the next Forza Motorsport game. This time, the developers have dropped the number, indicating a soft reboot for the series.
Over 500 cars will be in the game at launch, along with 800 performance upgrades. There will also be 20 different racing venues with multiple layouts available, five venues being new entries into the series.
Forza Motorsport releases for Xbox Series X/S and PC on 10 October. But those who pre-order the Premium Edition can get five days early access.
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown
Release date: TBC (late 2023)
The last Test Drive Unlimited game was all the way back in 2011. The open world driving game cultivated a strong fanbase, but the series has laid dormant ever since. But with KT Racing, the series is set for a revival with Solar Crown.
Players will align with one of two car clans and cover the entire full scale recreation of Hong Kong Island. They will compete for glory in the Solar Crown competition, and between races can show off their cars at the Solar Hotel.
The game was set for release last year, but has been pushed back to an unspecified date this year. It may get pushed back further, but for now expect a release window of late 2023.
Rennsport
Release date: TBC (December 2023)
Now we have come to the game that has been on display all of this year but hasn’t been available to the public. Only the competitors in ESL R1 had access to Rennsport but now the game is in closed beta.
Those with access can drive four tracks in the form of Spa-Francorchamps, Hockenheimring, Nürburgring GP and Monza. As for cars, the Porsche, Audi, Mercedes and BMW GT3 cars as well as the Praga R1 are all available.
Whilst no official release date is available for Rennsport, Competition Company are targeting a release window of December 2023. The developers haven’t yet officially stated what the monetisation model will be, whether it’ll be a subscription service like iRacing or a one-time purchase like ACC. What’s certain is that it will only be for PC, at least for now.
Le Mans Ultimate
Release date: TBC (December 2023)
Motorsport Games and Studio 397 – the team behind rFactor 2 – are putting together their officially-licenced World Endurance Championship game. Le Mans Ultimate is set for release before the end of the year.
The title will launch with all cars racing in the current WEC season. Included are LMH and LMDh cars from Toyota, Ferrari, Porsche, Cadillac, Peugeot, Glickenhaus and Vanwall along with LMP2 and GTE cars. All seven tracks Monza, Spa-Francorchamps, Sebring, Bahrain, Portimão, Fuji and of course, Le Mans will also be in the game.
Le Mans Ultimate will release initially for PC, but after the first year, Motorsport Games have said they will evaluate as to whether there is demand for a console version. Expect the game to have more content by then, with potentially 2024 WEC season tracks Losail and Imola, the new LMGT3 class of cars and maybe even historical content.
Which of these racing games do you plan on playing? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
