Another year dawns, bringing with it a fresh wave of adrenaline-pumping racing games that are poised to redefine the genre. For enthusiasts of speed, precision, and competitive thrills, 2023 promises to be an exceptionally memorable year. From long-awaited entries in iconic franchises to groundbreaking new simulators and exciting console debuts, the next twelve months are packed with titles guaranteed to excite every type of race fan.
Whether you’re a seasoned sim racer, a casual arcade fan, or someone who loves the strategic depth of a management game, this year’s lineup offers something truly special. We’ve compiled a list of the most highly anticipated racing games scheduled for release in 2023 that are sure to have players revving their virtual engines in eager anticipation. Get ready to discover your next obsession!
Forza Motorsport – Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One, PC
Turn 10 / Microsoft – Spring 2023
The return of a true Forza Motorsport title has been one of the most eagerly awaited moments for Xbox and PC gamers. It feels like an eternity since we last experienced a new installment in Microsoft’s answer to Sony’s Gran Turismo series – to put it in perspective, the last release was when Lewis Hamilton was still a three-time world champion. Now, after years of anticipation, the flagship simulation racer is finally set to hit shelves, promising a revolution in virtual motorsport.
Unlike its competitor, Gran Turismo 7, which launched on both current and previous-generation consoles, Forza Motorsport is boldly stepping forward as a purely current-gen experience. Releasing exclusively on the Xbox Series S|X and PC, the developers at Turn 10 Studios have been completely untethered from the limitations of older hardware. This strategic decision allows them to push the boundaries of graphical fidelity, physics simulation, and immersive gameplay, establishing it as a marquee title for the Xbox ecosystem well over two years into its lifespan.
What Turn 10 has revealed so far has been nothing short of tantalizing. Players can expect incredibly detailed car models, breathtaking environments rendered with impressive lighting and dynamic weather effects, and a completely reworked physics engine designed to deliver unparalleled realism and feedback. The promise of a truly next-generation racing experience is palpable, offering a level of immersion and precision previously unseen in the series. The wait won’t be much longer for players to experience this for themselves, especially with the added bonus of the game being available on Xbox Game Pass from day one, making it accessible to a massive audience.
F1 23 – TBC
Codemasters / EA – TBA
For many dedicated fans of Formula 1, the 2022 installment of Codemasters’ long-running F1 franchise proved to be something of an anticlimax. While still delivering the core F1 experience, it fell short of addressing a number of long-standing gameplay frustrations and relied heavily on incremental improvements to existing modes. Furthermore, the introduction of features like supercars and ‘F1 Life’ felt largely unnecessary and failed to resonate with the core fanbase, leaving many players hoping for a more substantial evolution with F1 23.
As the third entry in the series developed for current-generation hardware, expectations are understandably high. Players are rightly demanding significant advancements in gameplay, physics, and feature sets. Rumors from within the industry suggest that EA and Codemasters have ambitious plans for the 2023 edition, though official details remain scarce. Whether this translates into the implementation of a brand-new game engine, a major overhaul of the single-player career mode, or a radical revamp of the multiplayer experience, fans are universally eager for a substantial shake-up to a formula that some feel has become a little too familiar.
The F1 series has a dedicated global following, and the pressure is on for F1 23 to deliver an experience that truly captures the excitement and nuances of the pinnacle of motorsport, addressing past criticisms and introducing innovations that will keep the franchise fresh and engaging for years to come. A return to core racing principles, coupled with thoughtful new additions, could make F1 23 a standout title.
IndyCar ’23 – TBC
Motorsport Games – TBA
It has been an incredibly long time – far too long, in fact – since the NTT IndyCar Series had its own dedicated video game, one that faithfully features all the teams, drivers, and iconic circuits of North America’s premier open-wheel championship. While IndyCar has made appearances in established simulation platforms like iRacing, rFactor, and even Project CARS in recent years, the absence of a standalone, officially licensed title for almost two decades has been a glaring omission for fans of the series.
This long wait was finally supposed to end this year with the intended release of Motorsport Games’ IndyCar title. The initial announcement in 2021 generated immense excitement among the community, promising a comprehensive virtual representation of the beloved championship. However, since that promising start, Motorsport Games has faced well-documented difficulties, particularly with its NASCAR game, and reports of internal development problems have cast a shadow of concern over the progress of its in-progress IndyCar title. The development journey appears to be fraught with challenges, raising questions about the game’s ultimate quality and release timing.
Adding another layer of intrigue, the licensing situation became even more controversial at the start of 2023 when iRacing, a popular simulator, lost the ability to hold official events with the series’ cars and circuits. This turn of events has only intensified the interest and scrutiny surrounding Motorsport Games’ IndyCar title. Fans are desperately hoping for a quality product that can fill this significant void in the motorsport gaming landscape and provide the authentic IndyCar experience they’ve been craving for so long.
Rennsport – PC
Competition Company – TBA
The PC sim racing market is a highly competitive arena, boasting a wealth of quality platforms such as iRacing, rFactor 2, and RaceRoom, all known for their authentic physics and deep opportunities for serious competition. Yet, a formidable new challenger is planning to enter the fray in 2023: Rennsport, a title that arrives with bold ambitions to set a new standard for realism and immersion in the genre.
Built on the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5, Rennsport aims to push the boundaries of what is possible in a racing simulator. Its developers are targeting unprecedented levels of realism in every aspect, from its highly detailed physics engine and stunning graphics to the nuanced and responsive force feedback that promises to translate every bump, slip, and grip perfectly through your wheel. While concrete details about the game are still emerging, early feedback from renowned sim racers like Emily Jones has been overwhelmingly positive, hinting at a truly transformative experience. The confirmed car roster, heavily featuring GT3 cars, suggests that Rennsport will be primarily focused on intense sportscar racing rather than open-wheel categories, carving out its niche within the sim racing community.
With a beta phase expected in the near future, the sim racing world is eagerly awaiting more information and the chance to experience Rennsport firsthand. This intriguing new contender has the potential to shake up the established order, attracting both veteran sim racers and newcomers alike with its promise of next-generation realism and an unparalleled virtual driving experience.
GT7 – PSVR2
Polyphony Digital – February 2023
While Gran Turismo 7 already made its mark as a stellar racing title upon its release last year, Sony’s recent announcement at CES sent shockwaves through the gaming community: GT7 is set to receive a free, comprehensive PSVR2 upgrade in February. This revelation immediately spurred a significant surge in pre-orders for the new virtual reality headset, boosted additional sales of GT7, and reignited interest among many lapsed players who are now considering diving back into the game.
Anyone fortunate enough to have experienced a racing game in virtual reality can attest to how utterly transformative the experience is. The sense of speed, scale, and presence offered by VR elevates racing to an entirely new level of immersion. GT Sport, a predecessor, did offer limited VR support on the PS4, but despite its impressive visuals, it was largely confined to basic time trials and two-lap races against a single AI opponent. This time, expectations are much higher.
Although Polyphony Digital has yet to fully detail the extent of PSVR2 functionality in GT7, the brief 12-second teaser showcased by Sony at CES strongly suggests that players will be able to engage in full, 16-car races, at the very least. If GT7 allows players to complete its entire campaign or participate in full multiplayer races entirely within VR, it could very well become a “killer app” for the PSVR2. With the PSVR2 shaping up to be one of the most technologically impressive headsets currently available, even at its admittedly premium price point, the combination with GT7 could offer an unparalleled and deeply immersive racing experience that truly showcases the power of virtual reality.
F1 Manager 2023 – TBC
Frontier Developments – TBA
For hardcore Formula 1 fans, F1 Manager 2022 was arguably one of the most significant game releases in recent memory. It offered players a long-awaited opportunity to step onto the pit wall, making crucial decisions both on and off the track that could dictate the difference between victory and failure. Fans eagerly embraced the first official F1 management game in over two decades, thrilled by the chance to lead their favorite team to glory.
Despite its impressive graphics, polished presentation, and engaging core gameplay loop, F1 Manager 2022 was not without its flaws. Players rightfully pointed out several frustrating gameplay quirks and a noticeable lack of depth in certain key areas, which somewhat detracted from the overall experience. When developers Frontier initially announced they would cease ongoing support for the 2022 title to fully concentrate on F1 Manager 2023, the player backlash was swift and vocal. This strong community response led to a quick U-turn, with the game ultimately receiving an additional major patch before the end of the year, demonstrating the developers’ commitment to their player base.
As we head into 2023, the inaugural game provides a remarkably strong and promising foundation from which to build. With a full year of extensive player feedback to act upon, F1 Manager 2023 has immense potential. Fans can anticipate the introduction of exciting new features, refined mechanics, and a greater depth in strategic elements. The second installment in F1’s newest gaming franchise is poised to be a substantially better game than its predecessor, offering an even more authentic and rewarding management experience for motorsport strategists.
EA Rally Game – TBC
Codemasters / EA – TBA
Codemasters’ Dirt Rally franchise, despite having only two core titles under its belt, has already cemented its reputation as one of the finest pure rally series ever conceived. Its blend of challenging physics and exhilarating stage design captivated a dedicated fanbase. So, when the World Rally Championship (WRC) announced that it had awarded its prestigious WRC license to Codemasters – a studio subsequently acquired by EA – fans across the globe were absolutely salivating at the prospect. The idea of seeing the premier rally championship authentically emulated and brought to life within the acclaimed Dirt Rally format was a dream come true for many.
After KT Racing gracefully bid farewell to the license, having done commendable justice to the WRC over its final few years, players rightly have extremely high expectations for EA’s as-yet-untitled rally franchise. The legacy of Dirt Rally, combined with the official WRC license, creates a powerful synergy that promises an unparalleled rally gaming experience. Given that the sim rally genre boasts a large, passionate, and highly competitive player base, the inclusion of a comprehensive suite of multiplayer options, robust leaderboards, and engaging competitive modes is not just desired, but an absolute must-have. Fans will be looking for a game that not only captures the visceral thrill of rally driving but also provides a platform for enduring competition and community engagement, pushing the boundaries of what a licensed WRC game can achieve.
Trackmania – PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Cloud services
Ubisoft Nadeo – “Early 2023”
Trackmania holds a truly unique position among its peers on this list, not least because it technically transcends the traditional definition of a “motorsport game.” However, if you possess an interest in any of the other high-octane titles mentioned here, then Trackmania is unequivocally a game you need to consider. It offers a distinct and incredibly addictive take on racing that appeals to a broad spectrum of players.
As close as the motorsport genre gets to a speed-run game, Trackmania distills time trial gameplay to its purest essence: it’s just you, a car, and a meticulously designed track. There are no complex setups, no manual gear changes to master, and no driving aids to toggle. All you have are an accelerator, a brake, and your steering wheel. The magic lies in its pinpoint-precise handling, responsive controls, and an utterly addictive leaderboard system that constantly challenges you to shave milliseconds off your personal best times. It’s easy to see why countless players find themselves utterly absorbed, burning hours in pursuit of that elusive perfect run, fostering a vibrant competitive community.
While not strictly a “new” game in its original PC form, Trackmania is making a significant leap by coming to consoles this year. Crucially, like its PC counterpart, the console version will also be free-to-play. This means you can jump in and experience its unique brand of high-speed, precision racing with absolutely zero financial risk, making it an incredibly accessible and appealing option for anyone looking for a fresh and competitive driving experience.
TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge III – PS, XBOX, Switch, PC
RaceWard / Nacon – May 2023
The Isle of Man TT is globally recognized as the most dangerous internationally-known motorsport event, a true test of nerve, skill, and machine. Yet, it is precisely this perilous nature that also makes it one of the most awe-inspiring and captivating events in the world of racing. The first two editions of the “Ride on the Edge” series have done an exceptional job of translating the sheer insanity and unparalleled thrill of the TT to a gaming format, arguably better than any other game before them.
With the exciting announcement that developers RaceWard will bring a third entry in the series to current-generation consoles and PC, expectations are incredibly high. This new installment has the potential to offer the most realistic and visceral depiction of the legendary Snaefell Mountain Course ever seen in a video game. Leveraging the power of modern hardware, the developers can enhance graphical fidelity, refine physics, and deepen the immersion, allowing players to truly feel the terrifying speed and unforgiving nature of the circuit.
Furthermore, with the promise of new features such as allowing players to explore and ride around the picturesque streets of the Isle of Man beyond the infamous circuit itself, this could very well evolve into the ultimate game for dedicated TT fans. It offers not only the pure racing challenge but also a broader experience of the island’s unique racing culture and landscape, making it a comprehensive and essential title for motorcycle racing aficionados.
Over to you: What are your top racing game picks for 2023?
The year 2023 is shaping up to be a monumental one for racing game enthusiasts, packed with a diverse array of titles from hyper-realistic simulators to exhilarating arcade experiences and strategic management challenges. With so many fantastic options on the horizon, the competition for your gaming time will be fierce.
Which of these new motorsport games are you most eager to play in 2023? Are there any hidden gems you’re tracking, or perhaps classic titles that these newcomers must measure up against? We’d love to hear your thoughts and predictions for the year’s best racing experiences.
Share your excitement and opinions in the comments section below!
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