Opinion: What’s with the F1 25 game trailer backlash?

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Reverse tracks. Ouch.

The backlash to flipping some layouts in the upcoming EA SPORTS F1 25 bordered on vitriolic post-launch trailer.

Driving the wrong way around Silverstone or the Red Bull Ring, for some, was tantamount to a vicar wearing a tracksuit or a politician in a nightclub – uncouth.

Following an uninspiring F1 24, these extra layouts could be an allegory for a series resting on its laurels.

Last year’s game was bereft of solid vehicle handling, much to the chagrin of those looking for an authentic experience.

But, I don’t think fans should be worried – it’s just odd marketing.

Deep within the Lewis Hamilton-fronted unveil trailer, there are hints at updated venues, with Melbourne’s Albert Park looking particularly fresh. Developer Codemasters didn’t state at the time which, now confirmed as five.

The more astute players have been demanding enhanced circuit accuracy for years now. All it takes is a quick lap using its predecessor to see that some venues are in desperate need of restoration.

However, this significant improvement wasn’t explicitly mentioned in the first video, only on EA’s website and a brief mention in the matching press release. Mercifully, this was highlighted in recent ‘deep dive’ follow-ups.

I think more precise track representations could win back some of the disillusioned audience. Yet, someone in their infinite wisdom went with reverse tracks as a leading feature instead. First impressions count.

For the past two years, approximately midway through the game’s cycle, a fun (and deliberately outlandish) elimination multiplayer mode has been added. This presumably helps comply with the EA edict that its sports games aren’t games, but ‘live service offerings’. I can’t help but think that backwards circuits should have been saved for then instead of now.

Anyway, the rest of the game sounds promising on paper, and I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more in the run-up to its May release.

This opinion piece was originally part of a prior Traxion email newsletter – sign up to receive these early, direct to your inbox, every week.