Updated – 4th May 2022, 21:19 CEST
rFactor 2 developer Studio 397’s Managing Director, Marcel Offermans, posted earlier today (4th April) via social media that he will be “saying goodbye” and leaving the Motorsport Games-owned company.
In a post that links to a YouTube video, the statement explains how since 2016 the Studio 397 team led by Offermans – taking over from original creators Image Space Incorporated – worked on rFactor 2 and “improved just about every aspect of the simulation.”
Since then, the studio and sim platform was purchased by Motorsport Games in 2021 for an undisclosed fee.
“We are delighted to become a part of the Motorsport Games family,” said Offermans at the time.
“We remain committed to growing the rFactor 2 platform, as well as providing the base for the simulation components in all future Motorsport Games titles.”
Marcel was believed to be instrumental in the current Competition System version and bringing downloadable content packs to the simulation.
So far in 2022, there has been a new user interface for the title and a shift to quarterly content drops – bringing with it licenced IndyCar content, with British Touring Car Championship additions arriving soon.
“I had a great time, met many interesting people, worked with a lot of smart people and made some good friends,” today’s statement read.
“By the end of May, it is time to move on. I’m leaving rFactor 2 in very capable hands.”
The departure comes at a pivotal time for Studio 397’s parent company, following the announcement that it will be pooling resources for a new NASCAR game in 2023, continuing to work on KartKraft and determining a BTCC game release window.
We contacted Motorsport Games for comment, but as yet a statement is not forthcoming. We will update this article if that changes. Continued development of rFactor 2 is not believed to be immediately affected.
Update: Motorsport Games’ media relations teams replied to our request for comment with the following:
“Motorsport Games thoroughly enjoyed working together with Marcel and wish him all the best on this new path in his career,” reads the statement.
“Marcel was instrumental in building the foundation for rFactor 2, making it into what it is today. Though Marcel is leaving, Motorsport Games is committed to continuing its investment in sim racing, especially as it relates to rFactor 2.
“Building on the success of our recent UI and gameplay improvement updates, we also want to assure our fans that nothing has changed in regards to the scheduled quarterly content drops, with many more still to come.”
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