2024 Autosport games on the market
A Glimpse into the Future of Console and PC Racing Simulations
The world of motorsport gaming is evolving rapidly, with advancements in both realism and gameplay mechanics pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Whether you're a fan of arcade-style racing or more complex, realistic simulators, the upcoming lineup of autosport games for consoles and PCs promises to cater to all tastes. Here we explores some of the most anticipated driving simulators and autosport titles for the near future, with a specific focus on those compatible with advanced driving simulators.
The Rise of Realism: Driving Simulators at the Forefront
For years, racing games have varied from fast-paced arcade racers to highly detailed, accurate driving simulators. Driving simulators have become increasingly popular among fans who crave authenticity, precision, and immersion. These games use sophisticated physics engines, realistic car models, and advanced force feedback systems to deliver an experience that closely mimics real-world driving.
Here are some of the top upcoming driving simulators that are expected to dominate both consoles and PCs:
Assetto Corsa available on PC/Playstation 5 and Xbox
1. Assetto Corsa Competizione (2024)
Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Assetto Corsa Competizione, the highly acclaimed GT racing simulator, is set to make waves in 2024 with its continued development and expansion. Known for its hyper-realistic simulation of GT racing, the game supports a wide range of steering wheel setups and racing peripherals, including VR support for an even more immersive experience. The upcoming update promises new cars, tracks, and enhanced weather systems, further solidifying its reputation as a go-to racing sim. Players can expect meticulously detailed graphics and physics, ensuring every turn, slide, and corner feels incredibly lifelike.
Compatibility: Highly compatible with a variety of racing wheels (e.g., Logitech, Thrustmaster, Fanatec) and VR headsets, offering a truly immersive experience for sim racers.
2. iRacing (2024 Updates)
Platform: PC (Subscription-based)
iRacing is one of the most well-known and highly regarded racing simulators in the world, primarily focused on competitive, online racing. With its strong emphasis on realism, iRacing offers a vast selection of cars and tracks, featuring some of the most accurate racing simulations available. The game is well-loved for its active community, frequent updates, and regular real-world car/track additions. iRacing also supports full VR and motion simulation setups, making it ideal for users seeking a true-to-life racing experience.
Compatibility: iRacing is compatible with a wide range of steering wheels, pedals, and motion rigs. The game supports advanced setups like motion simulators and even full cockpit rigs for those who want to replicate the real-world feel of driving a race car.
3. Automobilista 2 (2024 Updates)
Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Automobilista 2 has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best racing simulators on the market. Known for its realistic physics engine and dynamic weather systems, this sim features a wide variety of cars, ranging from open-wheelers to touring cars. The 2024 updates promise an even more detailed experience, with new tracks, cars, and improvements to its tire and suspension models, further enhancing realism.
Compatibility: Like other simulators, Automobilista 2 works best with dedicated racing wheels and pedals, but it also supports VR setups for a more immersive experience.
4. rFactor 2 (2024 Updates)
Platform: PC
rFactor 2 continues to be a staple for hardcore sim racers. Known for its advanced tire model, real-time weather simulation, and dynamic track surfaces, rFactor 2 is a simulator that focuses on minute details to make each lap as realistic as possible. The 2024 updates are expected to bring new cars, tracks, and improvements to the simulation's online racing infrastructure. For users who love to mod their games, rFactor 2 offers an extensive library of user-generated content, allowing for endless customization.
Compatibility: rFactor 2 is fully compatible with all major racing wheels and supports advanced motion rigs for the most realistic racing experience.
Console Racing: Realism Meets Accessibility
While PC has long been the hub of serious racing simulations, consoles are increasingly becoming a viable platform for high-quality racing games. The latest gaming consoles offer robust hardware and support for advanced racing wheels and peripherals, which has allowed for the growth of realistic racing games on these platforms.
Gran Turismo 7 available on Playstation 4 and 5
1. Gran Turismo 7 (Continued Updates and DLC)
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
As one of the most well-known franchises in racing games, Gran Turismo 7 continues to impress with regular updates and downloadable content (DLC). Known for its stunning graphics, realistic car models, and a massive library of cars and tracks, Gran Turismo 7 offers an excellent blend of realism and accessibility. The game’s support for a variety of racing wheels, including the Thrustmaster and Logitech setups, makes it a great choice for console-based sim racers.
Compatibility: GT7 supports various racing wheels, including high-end models like the Fanatec and Logitech G923. The game also features adaptive trigger support for PlayStation 5's DualSense controller, adding tactile feedback for an immersive experience.
2. Forza Motorsport (2024)
Platform: Xbox Series X/S, PC
The upcoming Forza Motorsport 2024 is set to be a massive title for the Xbox Series X/S and PC platforms. Forza has always been known for its beautiful visuals, extensive car list, and accessible driving experience. While it leans slightly more toward the arcade side compared to full-fledged simulators, the latest iteration promises to offer improved realism, including a new tire model, dynamic track temperatures, and the return of fan-favorite tracks.
Compatibility: Forza Motorsport supports a wide range of racing wheels and pedals, including the Logitech G923 and Thrustmaster models, ensuring compatibility with sim racing enthusiasts on console and PC.
Logitech G923 TRUEFORCE racing wheel - Logitech.com/eu
The Evolution of Driving Simulators
One of the most exciting aspects of the future of driving simulators is their integration with advanced simulation rigs. These rigs, which consist of racing seats, steering wheels, pedals, and even motion platforms, offer a level of immersion that traditional controllers simply cannot match. Many of the games mentioned above—especially those like iRacing, Assetto Corsa Competizione, and rFactor 2—are designed with full-motion rigs in mind, providing a truly lifelike racing experience.
Virtual Reality (VR) is also becoming increasingly popular among sim racers, with games like iRacing and Assetto Corsa offering full VR support, allowing players to experience racing from the perspective of sitting in the cockpit of a real car. When paired with a motion platform, VR can transform a gaming session into an incredibly immersive, near-real-life experience.
Conclusion: The Future of Autosport Games
The future of autosport gaming looks incredibly promising, with a strong focus on realistic, detailed simulations that appeal to both casual players and hardcore enthusiasts. As hardware continues to improve, and racing simulators become more refined, the line between digital and real-world racing is becoming increasingly blurry. Whether you're looking for a casual arcade racer or an ultra-realistic driving simulator, 2024 and beyond will have something to satisfy every type of racing fan.
For those who have invested in racing wheels, motion rigs, and VR setups, the upcoming games provide the perfect platform to take their sim racing experience to the next level. With titles like iRacing, Assetto Corsa, and Forza Motorsport continuing to evolve and innovate, sim racing is truly entering an exciting new era.
