EA SPORTS F1 24 set for a “generational leap” in lighting on PS5 Pro

It’s perfectly natural to expect that first-part Sony titles would be the focus during a new PlayStation device’s launch period.

With the PlayStation 5 Pro, numerous PS-exclusive titles have been showcased, with visual enhancements. But, according to one journalist who has been hands-on with the Pro, a third-party racing game is one of the more impressive upgrades – EA SPORTS F1 24.

A recent showcase shizzle reel published by the Japanese technology giant includes brief snippets of the contemporary F1 game, in particular focusing on wet-weather conditions.

“F1 24 is upgrading its Quality mode to add new ray tracing effects that shined particularly on rain-soaked courses and made the tracks feel more realistic and immersive,” reads Sony’s press information.

Presently, on the regular PS5, ray tracing is notable in showroom scenes, but during a race, there is ‘only’ dynamic diffuse global illumination (DDGI), a new feature for this season.

On a PS5 Pro, the lighting effects are now set for a detailed enhancement during on-track action.

“You’re getting RTAO [ray-traced ambient occlusion] and RT transparency on paint reflections and it just adds so much to the experience,” said Digital Foundry’s Oliver Mackenzie to IGN.

“Basically, it’s giving you a generation leap in the fidelity of that lighting, you’re getting [ray-traced] RT reflections all over the place, on the cars, the track and transparent surfaces.

“In indirectly lit areas, that’s areas that are in shadow on the track, you’re getting this really fine lighting presentation because you’re getting that ray-traced ambient occlusion and it just looks like a universe better.”

Making use of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), Sony’s AI-utilising resolution scaling technology, Mackenzie confirmed that F1 24 will support native 8K resolution too at 60 frames per second – impressive considering the venerable Ego game engine it uses. Although, by now, several elements have long since been rewritten.

In addition, it can also run at 120fps at a native 4K resolution.

The PS5 Pro launches 7th November 2024, and alongside F1 24, Gran Turismo 7 will also support 8K, while The Crew Motorfest is adding further environmental assets while maintaining 60fps.

EA SPORTS F1 24, PS5 Pro, at a glance

• Enhanced ray tracing lighting effects during on-track action
• 120fps at 4K and 8K at 60fps game modes