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| Project CARS | |
|---|---|
| Title | Project CARS |
| Developer | Slightly Mad Studios |
| Publisher | Bandai Namco Entertainment |
| Director | Ian Bell |
| Designer | Andy Tudor |
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, SteamOS |
| Released | 2015 |
| Genre | Racing video game |
| Modes | Single-player, multiplayer |
Project CARS Project CARS is a 2015 racing video game developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It emphasizes realistic vehicle dynamics, weather simulation, and circuit variety, positioning itself alongside titles from Codemasters, Turn 10 Studios, and Polyphony Digital. The project drew attention for its crowdfunding model, development leadership, and technical ambitions within the video game industry.
Project CARS was presented as a simulation-oriented racing video game intended to bridge consumer and professional motorsport experiences, aiming to compete with series such as Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo, and GRID (series). Development was led by Ian Bell and involved contributions from figures associated with Ginetta Cars, McLaren Automotive, and other automotive manufacturers. The title showcased licensed circuits and a roster of road and racing cars from marques including Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, Audi, and Nissan. It was promoted through partnerships with racing organizations such as the FIA and events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Gameplay focused on realistic handling, tire modeling, and dynamic weather systems to affect lap times and race strategy, comparable to simulations like iRacing and rFactor. Players could compete in single-player championships, time trials, and online multiplayer lobbies, with options for assists appealing to entrants familiar with SCCA club racing and GT World Challenge. Circuits included accurate representations of Spa-Francorchamps, Monza, Nürburgring, Donington Park, and street layouts reminiscent of Long Beach, offering day-night cycles and wet-to-dry transitions. Vehicle categories ranged from Formula Ford-style open-wheelers to Le Mans prototypes and touring cars, reflecting regulations used by series such as DTM, Blancpain GT Series, and World Touring Car Championship.
Slightly Mad Studios funded development partly through a community-driven model that incorporated backers and partners, drawing comparisons to campaigns run by Kickstarter and indie projects like Double Fine Adventure. The team used an in-house engine and toolchain influenced by earlier projects from the studio's founders, exploring simulation fidelity seen in titles from Simbin Studios and Sector3 Studios. Technical goals included advanced tire thermodynamics, fully dynamic weather, and scalable graphics for Microsoft Windows and console hardware from Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft. The development cycle involved public betas and contributions from professional drivers and engineers from firms such as McLaren, RUF Automobile, and Ginetta Cars to validate physics models.
Project CARS launched in 2015 on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, with distribution through digital storefronts like Steam (service). Later discussions and patches addressed platform-specific performance and online matchmaking infrastructure akin to services provided by Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Special editions and DLC packages added new cars and tracks, some inspired by endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and iconic races like the Monaco Grand Prix and Bathurst 1000.
Critical response acknowledged the game's ambitious physics and graphical presentation while noting technical issues at launch similar to those experienced by other large-scale releases such as Mass Effect: Andromeda and No Man's Sky in earlier instances. Reviews compared it favorably to Forza Motorsport 6 and Gran Turismo Sport for realism, while commentators from outlets like IGN, GameSpot, and Eurogamer debated its handling balance and online stability. Awards nominations included categories at events hosted by organizations like D.I.C.E. Awards and coverage in publications such as Edge (magazine) and GamesRadar+.
Project CARS influenced subsequent racing titles by emphasizing community involvement in development and high-fidelity simulation on console hardware, contributing to conversations about crowdfunding models similar to those used by Obsidian Entertainment and InXile Entertainment. Its technologies and design philosophies carried into sequels and inspired competitors including Project CARS 2, and informed approaches to weather simulation and tire modeling adopted by studios like Codemasters and Slightly Mad Studios collaborators. The game's integration of licensed circuits and professional feedback helped shape partnerships between developers and automotive manufacturers such as Porsche, Ferrari, and BMW Motorsport for future racing game projects.
Category:2015 video games Category:Racing video games