iRacing Arcade Is Authentic and Launching This Fall

      iRacing

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      It’s well-known that I enjoy racing games, including the unrealistic ones (depending on the developers, particularly the unrealistic ones). However, I’ve invested a considerable amount of time in iRacing over the years, and if I 1) had the space in my apartment and 2) could focus on improving my skills, I’d likely still be playing it today. Although it comes at a high price, it truly is the best simulator available. Recently, iRacing, the company, has been broadening its scope, acquiring the NASCAR license and exploring the futuristic yet technically detailed ExoCross. Nevertheless, I never anticipated it would launch a game with “Arcade” in its title.

      But indeed, iRacing Arcade is set to be released this fall—and it appears very familiar. It has actually been developed by Original Fire Games, the same indie team responsible for Circuit Superstars a couple of years ago. I reviewed that game as well, and while it didn’t exactly resonate with me—I find isometric driving games challenging, as they involve controlling cars from a bird's-eye view—the charm and attention to detail were evident. iRacing Arcade looks, conservatively, quite like it, with a few notable differences.

      To start, there are licensed cars and tracks, which is exciting. Look—I don’t believe that pricey automaker licenses should hinder a great racing game, but features like 911 GT3 Cup cars on track and locations such as Imola and Mexico City add authenticity to the game, particularly for younger players who want to drive familiar and beloved vehicles.

      The second notable feature is that the gameplay screenshots show a chase cam perspective, which Circuit Superstars did not offer. In fact, it appears that iRacing Arcade is designed specifically for this more traditional viewpoint, as the Steam page does not mention an isometric option. Moreover, a career mode in which players “invest in buildings, new cars, skilled drivers, or customizations that showcase [their] team’s brand” hints at a level of single-player depth that Original Fire’s previous game lacked. Pit strategy should still play a role in the on-track action based on the screenshots.

      iRacing Arcade will be available on PC through Steam this fall, with a console release (presumably including the Switch 2) expected early next year. While it may not be the iRacing console version that some have wished for, it will surely inspire younger enthusiasts to dream of creating their own sim rigs someday. Given the current prices of components, kids should start saving their pennies now.

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