- Le Mans Ultimate all but confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
- Agreement with a third-party console expert in “late-stage negotiations”
- It marks a noticeable shift from “actively seeking partner” to “initial [console] work” potentially beginning in the “coming weeks”
Publisher and owner of Le Mans Ultimate, Motorsport Games, has mentioned the possibility of console versions since the announcement of its existence.
What started as a “we’d like to” has steadily grown momentum, with the company “actively seeking” console partners in recent months. Now, a console version is close to being secured for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S owners.
A deal with a third-party porting agency is said to be “late stage negotiations” and “it is hoped that the initial portion of work can begin in the coming weeks” for the two platforms, according to Motorsport Games CEO Stephen Hood.
“[Le Mans Ultimate] leaving early access [in July] means that we can tap into new marketing and sales tactics, as well as commence work on the much-anticipated console port of the game,” he said during a recent earnings presentation.
“Fans are increasingly eager to see our product on Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation gaming consoles, and of course, the vast audience available to us via those platforms is of great interest.
“With regards to console port, I am pleased to confirm that we are in late-stage negotiations with an expert third-party development studio, well-versed in transitioning this kind of title to gaming consoles.
“It is hoped that the initial portion of work can begin in the coming weeks, and it could lead to a full-blown agreement to bring the Le Mans Ultimate to an even larger audience.”
The PlayStation 5 in particular continues to sell strongly, with Sony reporting last week that over 80 million have now been sold.
Developer Studio 397, sitting under Motorsport Games, never tried a console version of its prior rFactor 2 driving simulation.
It is not uncommon for development studios to use external experts to port games across platforms. Assetto Corsa Competizione for current consoles was handled by Untold Games, with an as-yet-unannounced team currently working on Assetto Corsa EVO.
Even a title from a large company such as Microsoft can use similar tactics – Forza Horizon 5 was moved by Panic Button from Xbox to PS5.
Irrespective of a deal to convert the sim racing game, a console release is not expected for “at least a year.”
Publisher talks ongoing
Le Mans Ultimate was released and promoted by Motorsport Games itself, to date, relying on a diminutive internal team and no obvious marketing budget.
Following the popular Version 1.0 release in July and a near-complete console porting deal, it is now in talks with an established publisher to help drive further awareness.
“We are in conversations with potential partners interested in taking on publishing responsibilities and assisting in turning our product into a long-term, multi-format gaming franchise,” explained Hood.
“Whilst we currently self-develop and publish all of our products and content, we see several advantages to partnering with a more experienced and well-connected publishing company to maximise the opportunity we believe to be within reach.
“There are also discussions taking place about any incoming publisher funding the console port, which would see MSGM receive a sizable upfront payment and de-risk cash flow pressures in the near term.”
In Q2 2025, Motorsport Games reported net income of $4.3 million, compared to $2.1 million in Q2 2024. It has also confirmed the intention to release the first of its European Le Mans Series content for LMU before the end of September.
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