As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s take a quick lap around the key happenings in the SIM Racing universe. This article aims to provide a overview of the notable developments across various simulators (not all) and reflect the experiences within this thrilling domain.
iRacing: High Expectations for 2024
In 2023, iRacing maintained its stronghold in the iRacing community, primarily focusing on bolstering the IMSA series. The introduction of four new LMDh cars injected fresh excitement into the virtual racetracks.
iRacers also witnessed revisions to GT3 cars, with notable updates to classics like Porsche and Audi. A highlight was the unveiling of the Ferrari 296 GT3, offering enthusiasts a new beast to tame.
Additionally, iRacing expanded its circuit repertoire, introducing tracks like Jerez and Mugello, contributing to a diverse racing experience.
While iRacing continued to be a go-to platform, challenges persisted. Matchmaking issues and series divisions remained sticking points, fragmenting the community across numerous series.
The anticipation for the much-awaited rain feature in 2024 added a layer of excitement, promising to revolutionize the simulator’s dynamics. These challenges set the stage for iRacing to prioritize user experience and community cohesion in the upcoming year.
Remember, you can join iRacing clicking here.
Assetto Corsa Competizione: New Cars & Tracks
Assetto Corsa Competizione solidified its standing with strategic developments throughout 2023. While the simulator may not have inundated the community with frequent updates, the quality of its releases resonated with racers worldwide.
ACC’s primary highlight in 2023 was the introduction of the Porsche 992 GT3 R, Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2, Mclaren 720 and Ferrari 296 GT3 and the much-anticipated Circuit of Valencia.
The Circuit of Valencia, known for its technical intricacies, added a refreshing dimension to ACC’s circuit repertoire.
Assetto Corsa 2: Summer 2024
While ACC maintained its stronghold in 2023, the community’s gaze is fixed on the horizon with the looming arrival of Assetto Corsa 2 in 2024. The promise of a sequel to the beloved simulator stirs excitement and anticipation. The expectations are high, fueled by hopes for groundbreaking features, an expanded car roster, and even more realistic physics.
Along with the confirmation of Nordschleife for Assetto Corsa Competizione, there have been some updates regarding the highly anticipated Assetto Corsa 2. The development team at Kunos is small, and adding a circuit of such magnitude along with GT2 cars will cause a delay of at least three months in next year’s main development. The information comes from Digital Bros, the parent company of Kunos.
The Early Access release of Assetto Corsa 2 is postponed until the summer of 2024. As we’ve been announcing in the first quarter of 2023, the release of Assetto Corsa 2 was initially planned for the approaching spring of 2024.
rFactor 2: The Low Fuel Motorsport (LFM)
rFactor 2 continued its evolution in 2023, marked by significant contributions from external entities. The simulator, known for its dynamic physics and modding capabilities, saw various updates and enhancements throughout the year.
One of the standout features of rFactor 2 in 2023 was the incorporation of the Low Fuel Motorsport (LFM) module. This external contribution injected a fresh dose of vitality into the simulator, providing sim racers with new cars, experiences, and challenges. However, an unexpected turn occurred when Low Fuel Motorsport withdrew its support for rFactor 2. It appears that the growing popularity of their S397 service has influenced a decline in participation in LFM.
Rennsport: We need the Full Release
RennSport’s strategic move of distributing beta keys throughout 2023 created a buzz of anticipation. This approach allowed a steady influx of users, providing the development team with valuable insights into the simulator’s performance. The early access momentum generated heightened interest, positioning RennSport as a simulator to watch in the evolving landscape.
Despite being in the beta phase, RennSport embraced a proactive content release strategy. Regular additions of circuits and cars kept the user base engaged, showcasing the development team’s commitment to delivering a diverse and evolving racing environment. This approach not only kept the community intrigued but also demonstrated RennSport’s dedication to staying relevant.
As RennSport navigates through the final stages of beta testing, the community eagerly anticipates the full release. The developments in 2023 set the stage for what could potentially be a groundbreaking entry into the Sim market. RennSport’s unique features and continuous community engagement have positioned it as a contender that could reshape the landscape in 2024.
Raceroom: Tire Physics and Additional Innovations
RaceRoom Racing Experience (R3E) continued its evolution in 2023. This simulator, renowned for its realism and extensive car collection, demonstrated a commitment to delivering an immersive and ever-evolving racing experience.
This new pack included three different vehicles: the Porsche 911 GT3 R (992), 911 GT3 Cup (available in both Sprint and Endurance specifications), and the 1987 944 Turbo Cup. They are also gearing up for a new set of DTM vehicles for the year 2023.
The most significant development in RaceRoom is the overhaul of the tire model. The physics will be substantially impacted by this new model, potentially making it more realistic. In the note provided by KW Studios on Steam, they describe their journey regarding the physics model.
Automobilista 2: Best Feeling & More Awesome Content
Automobilista 2 maintained its commitment to realism with constant updates to its car roster. The simulator introduced new vehicles and fine-tuned existing ones, ensuring a diverse selection for sim racers. Whether enthusiasts sought the thrill of open-wheel racing or the intensity of touring cars, AMS2’s expanding car roster provided a variety of racing experiences.
The v1.5 update for Automobilista 2 was absolutely amazing! The grip and the feeling from the force feedback (FFB) are so much better now.
The latest news confirms that the upcoming update will be one of the most significant ones for the simulator. Finally, Le Mans, LMDh, and GT3 are making their way. The initial step in this journey is nothing short of the introduction of the mecca of endurance racing in AMS2. As announced in the development update of June this year, the license for the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit had been secured, with the aim of delivering the modern version of the track by the end of this year.
I hope you enjoyed this year as much as we all did.
See you on the track!
Remembering that RaceRoom was recently updated on December 18, 2023.
In addition to updated tire physics and additional innovations, two new car models were introduced to the sim:
NEW Ferrari 296 GT3
NEW Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II
All cars in the sim have been updated to utilise the New Tyre Model resulting in a much more dynamic driving experience.
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