It’s not dead folks, although neither is it alive – yet. As we previously reported, speculation-beset game publisher Motorsport Games was due to deliver an official British Touring Car Championship game update before the end of June, and two days in, we have confirmation that the BTCC game is delayed until 2024.
“Motorsport Games and its developers are expanding and reinforcing their BTCC development efforts to optimize the user experience, offer a better value proposition to the end-user and enhance product differentiation within a robust racing games marketplace,” explained a brief statement.
Recently, the company highlighted that it will no longer be using the NASCAR 21: Ignition framework as a basis for its upcoming licenced content following the fallout from its seemingly unfinished state. Instead, it will not release a new NASCAR game in 2022, pushing it until 2023 alongside IndyCar.
That means the BTCC game has moved to 2024, using a combination of rFactor 2 and KartKraft technology as its base.
Fans visiting BTCC races will have the opportunity to try new content within rFactor 2 at rounds in 2022 and 2023 to help provide feedback to the development team as the new game progresses.
“While we understand that our fans are eager to get their hands on the BTCC game, I can assure them that the expanded development efforts that Motorsport Games is pursuing through the game’s 2024 launch will make it well worth the wait,” explained BTCC CEO, Alan Gow on the championship’s website.
“We invite all of our fans to attend activations at selected BTCC events later this year to get a first look and to provide their feedback, so as to help make the new BTCC game the very best.”
“Both Motorsport Games and the BTCC are committed to bringing this famous and popular motorsport series to life within the virtual world,” said Vice President of Publishing and Marketing at Motorsport Games, George Holmquist.
The BTCC game was first announced in July 2020, with the game’s website then stating a 2022 release date. Two officially licenced cars and two tracks were launched for rFactor 2 last month.
Another 24 months isn’t insignificant and therefore we are likely a long way from a tangible update. Still, that BTCC rFactor 2 content sounds like an ideal testbed. No pressure…
Full disclosure – Traxion.GG is part of Motorsport Games and the Motorsport Games family of brands. All Traxion.GG content is editorially removed from Motorsport Games video game development and created by a dedicated team.
Image source: Motorsport Images – Adam Morgan, Car Gods with Ciceley Motorsport BMW 330e M Sport, Thruxton 2022 BTCC
