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The official video game of the current Formula 1 season, EA SPORTS F1 25, has been formally unveiled, including a multitude of updated features.
Chief among the changes are updated track models using laser-scan technology, normally the reserve of dedicated simulation titles. Publisher Electronic Arts claims that this will enhance the authenticity of not just the track surface, but the surrounding environment.
However, this will not be for all venues, with the full list to be unveiled closer to launch. During a brief teaser trailer snippet, at least Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit and Bahrain Grand Prix venue Sakhir look to be enhanced.
While this is a push to enhance realism, there will also be reversed track layouts, which are anything but. The Red Bull Ring, Silverstone and Zandvoort have all been showcased with cars driving in the opposite direction.
The game remains on Codemasters' aging Ego game engine platform. Despite this, another pivotal change will be the omission of PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles for the first time since F1 2014.
Last season’s F1 24 featured a controversial vehicle physics change, dubbed ‘dynamic handling’. There’s no word yet on car performance updates for the upcoming title.
What has been confirmed, however, is a thorough revision to the My Team mode. First introduced five years ago, it allows players to oversee the day-to-day running of a team alongside driving duties. While further information is expected closer to release, the ability to select which driver you race as before each race and new off-track responsibilities are included.
Braking Point - a fictional narrative-led game mode in which you follow the Butler family trying to win the championship against a headwind of politics and family rivalries - returns too.
In a similar vein, playable scenarios tied to Joseph Kosinski’s F1 movie will also be added post-release for those who purchase the Iconic Edition.
The standard version will retail for £69.99 on May 30, while the Iconic Edition is £89.99 and includes the aforementioned film tie-in chapters, Lewis Hamilton and F1 75-themed cosmetic items, alongside additional benefits that include three days of early access starting on May 27.
The game’s cover features Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz and Ollie Bearman, while the Iconic Edition has Lewis Hamilton, who replaces Max Verstappen as the featured driver.
For more on the F1 25 game and the rest of the motorsport gaming and esports scene, visit Traxion.
