Hello, I’m a simracer. One of those who once spent hours tweaking tire pressures, adjusting wing angles, or just enjoying the perfect lap on a virtual track. And like many others, I witnessed — and was affected by — a story that feels more human than digital: the story of rFactor 2.
You see, rFactor 2 wasn’t just a game. It was a shared dream. A simulator that, from its inception under Image Space Incorporated, seemed driven by a noble obsession: perfect simulation. There were no shortcuts, no compromises. Everything was built out of love for motorsport.
But like every story, it reached a turning point.
When Motorsport Games acquired rFactor 2, many of us thought: “Maybe this is the boost it needed to reach new heights.” What followed was a hard lesson. A visible shift: from passion to profit. The focus turned to monetizable DLCs and quick releases, while the core development — physics, stability, the soul — seemed to slow down.
And believe me, this isn’t an attack. It’s an invitation to reflect.
Because what happened to rFactor 2 isn’t an isolated case. It’s a mirror. A reminder of how fragile the balance is between doing what you love… and doing what sells.
Communities — the same ones that once filled forums with setups and advice — began to grow quiet. On social media, enthusiasm turned to frustration. And perhaps saddest of all, the most loyal base started to drift away.
But here’s where I want to invite you to look beyond the disappointment. Because in every fall, there’s an opportunity. The decline of rFactor 2 leaves us with lessons we must not ignore:
- The community isn’t a bonus. It’s the core. Listening to them isn’t a courtesy — it’s an obligation.
- Innovation must never stall. A sim that doesn’t evolve will die, even if it once shined.
- And most of all, passion is the one fuel you can’t buy.
Still, the legacy of rFactor 2 lives on. We see it in how Automobilista 2 carries the torch with realistic physics and carefully crafted content. And in how Le Mans Ultimate picks up the mantle, honoring the tradition of endurance racing.
rFactor 2 may have lost its way, but it sowed the seeds where others now thrive.
So whether you’re a developer, a player, or simply someone who loves cars and code, remember this: it’s not just about who finishes first… it’s about how you run the race.
See you on the track.
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I’ve never raced on rFactor2 but I hear you about community. I think community is what makes iRacing very appealing to me. On the other hand, I also have a friend who thought that rFactor 2 was a better driving sim than iRacing. He has raced in real life so I can only take his word for it.
The passion v profit issue is interesting. I know that when childcare and aged care businesses are “for profit”, the “care” factor diminishes in favour of .
Sounds like rFactor went for too much profit and not enough care.