I know with all the Forza Horizon talk it seems like things may have been quiet on the F1 front but today Codemasters made big news by releasing a demo for F1 2012 today on Xbox Live! The demo will allow players to try out the new “Young Driver’s Test” mode as well as some of the challege modes players can do during a season of competition. In addition to the demo Codemasters also dropped a new trailer and screen shots! All of which, can be seen below. If you have a Playstation 3 or your a PC gamer, have no worries as the demo will hit the Playstation Network and PC (via Steam) tomorrow (Sept. 11th 2012). If for some reason you cannot download the trailer, you can still relax because the game will be released in just 8 more days (Sept. 18th 2012)!
Today Codemasters is known for their racing games. In fact, they have changed their entire corporate strategy and focus their energy strictly on racing games now. However, things were not always that way. Even though they had a few years of Colin McRae rally games under their belt, it was not until the release of “GRID” that Codemasters solidified themselves as a racing game developer worthy of mention among the big boys like Turn 10 Studios and Polyphony Digital. Today Codemasters officially announced that GRID2 is coming.
GRID2 will bring semi official street racing back to the masses and this time they are taking players around the world in various iconc licensed cars. To improve realism and handling physics, GRID2 is being developed on the newest version of Codemasters’ “EGO” game engine which should provide “total race day immersion” according to Clive Moody, the Executive Producer of the game. From the looks of the trailer I might be inclined to agree with the man. See for yourself, along with the first screen shots below.
THE RACE RETURNS IN 2013 – GET READY FOR TOTAL RACE DAY IMMERSION AS CODEMASTERS® UNVEILS GRID®2™
Be Fast, Be First, Be Famous – GRID 2 Trailer Makes Stunning Debut at www.GRIDGAME.com
Los Angeles, Calif. – August 8, 2012 – Codemasters® today announced that GRID® 2™, the long-awaited sequel to the BAFTA-award winning, critically acclaimed GRID™, is in production at Codemasters Racing Studios and set for a 2013 launch for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and PC.
Revealing the first of the game’s new locations, including Chicago and Paris, the debut GRID 2 trailer video is now showing at www.gridgame.com and captures a snapshot of the relentless, high-impact aggressive thrills that lie at the core of GRID 2’s cinematic race experience.
GRID 2 will challenge players to be fast, be first and be famous as they enter a stunning new world of competitive motorsport. In pre-production for two years, GRID 2 is now in full development on the latest evolution of the award-winning EGO Game Technology Platform. Following the success of GRID, which set new standards for damage, AI, visuals and introduced the Flashback time rewind feature – now adopted by many racing games – GRID 2 will again raise the gameplay and technological bar for motorsport gaming and remain true to the series’ core values – it’s all about the race.
“GRID’s back and we’re going to make street, track and road racing exciting again,” said Clive Moody, Executive Producer. “The core design philosophy for GRID 2 is that we treat the race as a character, not a consequence of simply putting cars on tracks. Everything that goes into the game impacts on that second-to-second, in the moment, blockbuster drama – the feel and personality of the race.”
“We’re pushing boundaries once again with what can be accomplished in the genre via new tools, technology and innovations. In single-player, split-screen and online, the next-generation of the EGO Game Technology Platform will power graphics, AI, handling and damage advancements that will immerse players in the racing experience like never before. Like its predecessor, GRID 2 will put the sheer thrill and adrenaline rush of the race at the heart of the experience. It’s what we call Total Race Day Immersion.”
In an expansive career mode, players will experience aggressive wheel-to-wheel racing against advanced AI where each spectacular race unfolds with cinematic immersion. Building on the handling model from GRID, the new TrueFeel Handling System will use real physics to hit a sweetspot between accessibility and simulation and deliver handling that is approachable yet challenging to master.
Going behind the wheel of a handpicked selection of automotive icons spanning four decades and three continents – North America, Europe and Asia – players will race their way to the top of a new, evolving world of motorsport. From Paris to Abu Dhabi, Miami to the sun-kissed California coast and beyond, beautifully created city streets, licensed circuits and edge-of-control mountain roads will become home to the most visceral and exhilarating races in gaming.
GRID 2 will also set new standards for a racing multiplayer experience with an entirely distinct and extensive gameplay component and unique progression system. Deep customisation options and integration with RaceNet* – the online community portal for Codemasters Racing games which tracks player’s races, rewards and rivals – will offer further immersion and connectivity in GRID 2’s new world of motorsport.
With the return of Kimi Raikkonen this year the Formula One grid has no less than six world champions on the grid, which might be more than ever. The amount of talent has made for some extremely entertaining situations so far this season. This rare situation has not been lost on Codemasters, the team behind the official F1 games. On the eve of Gamescom in Germany the Codemasters team has announced that the F1 2012 game will include “Champions Mode”. What is Champions Mode you ask? Well allow me to explain.
Champions mode is a series of challenges that puts players against one of the six champions currently on the grid. For example there is one scenario in which the player assumes the identity of Kimi Raikkonen’s teammate at Spa. The player has just pitted while the rest of the grid is on worn tires but there is only 3 laps left to go in the race. The player is challenged to try and overtake Kimi before the race is over. Sounds like a tough situation does it not? I wonder what the challenge against Lewis Hamilton or Michael Schumacher will be like?!
As an added bouus Codemasters has also kicked down a few new screen shots (from the new Circuit Of The Americas). Codemasters also released the official box art featuring Mark Webber, Paul Di Resta, and Timo Glock. This marks the first time that Codemasters has featured actual cars/drivers on the cover since they got the F1 license (hopefully it wont result in a curse). Finally, we also got a trailer of the new Champions mode and all the formentioned goodies are viewable below.
CODEMASTERS® ANNOUNCES CHAMPIONS MODE FOR F1 2012™
New Gameplay Video Reveals New Game Mode That Lets You Take on Six
FORMULA ONE™ WORLD CHAMPIONS: www.youtube.com/formula1game
Los Angeles, Calif. – August 6, 2012 – Codemasters today announced a brand new game mode for F1 2012. “Champions Mode” will enable players to take on each of the six FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONS competing in the 2012 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™ in individual race scenarios designed for quick play and instant action. A gameplay video, featuring Champions Mode, is now available to view at: www.youtube.com/formula1game.
F1 2012’s Champions Mode will challenge players to take on each of the six champions in turn, starting with Kimi Räikkönen, followed by Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso and then Michael Schumacher. Each champion has his own race scenario where the player must beat that driver in order to unlock the next challenge.
The Kimi Räikkönen challenge sees the player join a race as Kimi’s teammate at Spa Francorchamps. The player has just pitted and is on new tires while the rest of the pack is on worn rubber with three laps to go until the end of the race. In order to complete the scenario the player has to race through the pack and overtake Kimi before the end of the race.
Champions Mode will be playable for the first time at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany from August 15to 19 in the NamcoBandai booth in Hall 9, Booth C11.
F1 2012 will launch September 18. 2012 in North America for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION ®3 computer entertainment system and PC. F1 2012 will feature all of the official teams, drivers and circuits from the 2012 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, including the debut of the 2012 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX at Austin, Texas and the return of Germany’s famous Hockenheim circuit to the calendar.
F1 2012 is in development at Codemasters Birmingham and is available for pre-order ahead of its September worldwide release. To get all the news straight from the studio, race over to www.facebook.com/formula1game or follow the team on twitter at www.twitter.com/formula1game.
In a surprise Comic-Con announcement Codemasters has revealed a trailer for a new F1 game. Hold your horses though. This is not an extremely early trailer for F1 2013. In fact this is a trailer for something entirely different from any of their previous F1 games. The new IP titled “F1 Race Stars” puts a “Mario Kart” like take on Formula One racing. Look forward to “toon” style cars and drivers instead of the hyper-realistic visuals you are used to from other games. Also this looks to be the first time that actual driver likenesses are used in a Codemasters F1 game. Previously you would see a drivers suit, helmet, and name but never their face. That appears to have changed based on the first official trailer titled “over the top”.
According to the press release game modes will include 12 player online races, 4 player split screen modes, and various career modes. The release also states that like the more “serious” F1 games F1 Race Stars will feature real Formula One tracks (including the new Austin Circuit Of The Americas) albeit “fantastical” versions of them. What does that mean? Try skyward vertical hairpin turns, jumps, and 360 degree loops. Also like other “kart style” games F1 Race Stars will feature power-ups and weapons that can be used against your opponents. If this sounds like an awesome time to you then you may be interested to know that Codemasters has announced that the game will release for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and PC this November. For now check out the trailer featuring toon versions Lewis Hamilton, Sebastien Vettel, and Fernando Alonso below.
UPDATES:
We just learned the official driver line up for the game will be as follows: Fernando Alonso, Romain Grosjean, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Bruno Senna, and Sebastien Vettel. We also have a batch of screen shots which you can view by clicking the thumbnails below.
Today Codemasters® announced that the all-new addition to its acclaimed FORMULA ONE gaming portfolio is F1 RACE STARS, a fast-to-the-fun arcade racing game for all ages featuring official FORMULA ONE cars, teams and circuits as they’ve never been seen before. Set to arrive this November, gamers can see how F1 RACE STARS will take FORMULA ONE over the top in the first trailer video, now playing at www.F1RaceStars.com.
The video reveals how 2012 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™ drivers Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel have been transformed into personality-packed heroes and FORMULA ONE circuits are converted into over-the-top tracks built for super-charged speed.
In the video, the drivers are shown blasting down the track in their F1 RACE STARS cars. However there’s a surprise ahead as the circuit begins to transform and a tight hairpin elevates into the sky. Undaunted, the racing heroes accelerate and take the race onwards and upwards.
Coming this holiday season for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and PC, F1 RACE STARS is now in production at Codemasters Racing Studios in Birmingham, UK, the home of the BAFTA award-winning series of Official FORMULA ONE games, and is being created under exclusive worldwide agreement with Formula One World Championship Limited.
F1 RACE STARS will deliver formula fun on every straight, hairpin, jump and loop-the-loop with super-fast racing and a range of power-ups for players to collect and deploy as they sprint for the chequered flag ahead of their rivals.
F1 RACE STARS will take players on a world tour of iconic FORMULA ONE locations, including Monaco, Silverstone and the new Circuit of Americas in Austin, Texas, recreated as fantastical racing circuits built for speed and wheel-to-wheel competition. Friends and family can share the fun too; F1 RACE STARS will deliver 4-player split-screen racing and 12-player competition alongside an extensive career mode featuring a number of Championships.
Chris Gray, Senior Producer, F1 RACE STARS, said: “We’re really excited to bring the whole cast of FORMULA ONE into a fun new world of racing. We’ve really let our Art and Design teams off the leash to bring F1 stars’ personalities alive in a new way and create a game where racing fans of all ages can jump into all-action solo, split-screen and online multiplayer races. It’s the game we’ve wanted to create for a long time and, building on our strong relationship with Formula One Management Limited, we’re now able to bring Codemasters’ long-standing expertise in track design and AI to create a FORMULA ONE racing experience quite unlike any other.”
A few days ago I reported to you that the so-new-that-it-is not-even-finished-yet Circuit Of The AmericasF1 course in Austin, Teaxas would be in Codemasters next F1 game “F1 2012“. Well this week I am on the show floor and got a chance to take a crack at the new track for myself as well as have one of the head designers of Codemasters, Paul Jeal do a demonstration lap for me. When he was finished he took some time to tell me about all the new things we can expect to see in F1 2012 when it hits stores this September. Scroll down and check out the two videos and new screenshots!
Fresh from my inbox I have just recieved word that even though the real-life Circuit Of The Americas in Austin is not completed yet; a finished virtual version of the track will be in Codemasters F1 2012 and be completely playable. Representatives from Codemasters released the first screen shots for the game and those shots show the current crop of F1 cars on the Austin race track. The circuit will actually be playable at E3 (which I will be attending) so if the PR-Ninjas let me I will try to get some gameplay footage for you. In the meantime enjoy the screen shots below and stay tuned for more info!
DRIVE THE CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS FOR THE FIRST TIME AT E3 WITH F1 2012™
First Screenshots Reveal the All-New Circuit and 2012 Specification
FORMULA ONE™ Cars
Los Angeles, Calif. – May 31, 2012 – Codemasters® will unveil the new Circuit of the Americas track as F1 2012 receives its world premiere at E3 in Los Angeles next week. Attendees to the show will be able to lap the new circuit, based in Austin, Texas, months before the FORMULA ONE teams take to the track for the 2012 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™ in November.
The first F1 2012 screenshots have also been released today and can be seen here: www.facebook.com/formula1game. These new shots show the 2012 specification FORMULA ONE cars racing at the Circuit of the Americas.
You can find F1 2012 on the Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment booth in the South Hall, Booth #2001, from June 5-7, 2012.
We just got a bummer bomb in our inbox a few moments ago from Codemasters reps informing us that the console version of DiRT Showdown has been delayed in North America from its original release date of May 29th to June 12th. They cited their distribution partner Warner Bros. for the delay stating that Warner Bros believes the later date “will provide the game with a clearer release window and create a greater opportunity for success at North American retail outlets.” We are not distribution experts but we can’t see how a few extra weeks will help that but chances are there is probably another huge game coming out the same day and they would rather wait until the smoke clears from that. In that respect the move is understandable but maybe the ol’ WB is underestimating just how badly DiRT fans want this game!
The good news is that if you were planning on getting DiRT Showdown on your PC or through the “Steam” online distribution system you will still be able to get your hands on the game on May 24th globally. So, if the delay makes you crazy you can always get the game for your PC instead. Otherwise you can keep playing the demo (which is out now on Xbox Live and Playstation Network) until June 12th rolls along.
The only thing we are un-sure of at this point is if the console version will also be delayed overseas as well. If Warner Bros. is the worldwide console version distributor it is likely but we are unsure. We will be sure to let you know if we hear anything more about DiRT Showdown’s release.
UPDATE: We just got word from Codemasters’ reps and according to them “North America is the only territory affected by the delay.” There you have it. If you were looking for the console version and do not live here in the good ol’ U.S. of A. then your release is still on schedule!
DiRT Showdown Ship Date Revised to June 12 for North America
Los Angeles – May 16, 2012 – Codemasters has revised the ship date of DiRT Showdown for North America to June 12, 2012 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, after discussions with its distribution partner Warner Bros. Both Codemasters and Warner Bros believe the move to June, from its original May 29 date, will provide the game with a clearer release window and create a greater opportunity for success at North American retail outlets.
The PC edition is unaffected and holds its global digital release date of next Thursday, May 24, and will be available from Steam.
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About DiRT Showdown:
DiRT Showdownwill deliver a new world of competitive and combative racing as players race, crash and hoon their way to “Showdown” finals on a chaotic tour of motorised mayhem. From San Francisco to Miami and London to Tokyo, players will dominate their rivals and wow the crowds on their way to becoming a driving superstar.
Pyrotechnics, lasers and thousands of fans give each venue a vibrant sports entertainment atmosphere, with the player taking centre stage. Over 50 different events across four championships will challenge gamers in a variety of conditions – sun, snow and rain – through the day and under the floodlights at night. DiRT Showdownwill be Codemasters’ most connected game ever – split-screen multiplayer, eight-player online racing, on and off-line quick-fire party games and YouTube integration all come as standard. Players will also be able to issue ‘Showdown Challenges’ to compete with friends whether they are online or not. Find out more at www.dirtgame.com
You’ve seen screen shots, developer diaries, and you have seen me go on and on about the new DiRT Showdown game ever since Codemasters announced it months ago. Well today you finally get a chance to try it out for yourself! As of today the DiRT Showdown demo is officially out on Steam (For PC), Xbox Live, and Playstation Network. The demo features 8 Ball mode (think of figure 8 racing on steroids) and Rampage mode (the name says it all) and both modes are playable online! Also along with the demo comes an invite to Codemasters’ “RaceNet” online racing hub beta. There, now you officially have no excuse! Go download the DiRT Showdown demo right now and have at it! If you still need further convincing check out the new gameplay video below!.
Players Invited to Join Free New Online Codemasters Racing Hub RaceNet as “Demo Derby” Gameplay Video Launches at www.dirtgame.com
Los Angeles, Calif. – May 1, 2012 –Featuring both a full-impact solo race and a devastating multiplayer demolition derby event, the DiRT® Showdown™ demo launches worldwide today and is available now from Xbox Live Marketplace, PlayStation Network and Steam on PC.
To mark the launch of the demo, Codemasters has released a “Demo Derby” video showcasing the all-action motorized mayhem that players can experience today; the gameplay video is now playing at www.dirtgame.com.
In the demo, the single player “8 Ball” race, players take part in a chaotic, full-impact race in the shadow of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, using boost to sprint ahead of rivals and speeding through crossover points where drivers can dodge or takedown opponents. Once players have completed the race, they can challenge a friend online to unlock the “Rampage” multiplayer mode. In “Rampage”, eight drivers feed their appetite for destruction in an online demolition derby event, earning points for crashes, smashes and eliminations.
Gamers who download the DiRT Showdown demo are also invited to sign up for RaceNet*, the free new online extension for Codemasters Racing games, which enables players to track their Races, Rivals and Rewards. Launching in beta, players who register now will be able to join in community challenges and once the full game launches, track their progress in game and track challenges with their friends. Gamers who join RaceNet will also be rewarded with an exclusive “RaceNet” skin for use in the full game and will receive $20,000 of in-game currency for DiRT Showdown when it races into retail stores on May 29.
A special “Hoonigan” edition of DiRT Showdown is now available to pre-order exclusively from Walmart. Sporting unique packaging, the DiRT Showdown: Hoonigan Edition will include an in-game cash boost, an online XP multiplier plus Monster Energy skins for the Kohler D350, Duke Coupe and Ford Fiesta Gymkhana 3 and Hoonigan skins for the Holbrook Growler, Logan Vulture and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X JUN, redeemed via an online code.
DiRT Showdown will deliver a new world of competitive and combative racing as players race, crash and hoon their way to “Showdown” finals on a chaotic tour of motorized mayhem when it launches on May 29 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and PC. For all the latest updates straight from the studio, crash over to www.dirtgame.com, www.facebook.com/dirtgame or follow the team at www.twitter.com/dirtgame.
A while back I gave you a preview DiRT Showdown a spin-off of the popular “DiRT” franchise by Codemasters. Today I get to show you a brand new trailer! Yay! As I mentioned in the original preview, DiRT Showdown would include a new mode dubbed “Hoonigan” (after Ken Block’s new clothing brand) and we finally get a look at it in the new trailer. If you want a quick primer on what Hoonigan mode is, imagine if Gymkhana mode made sweet, sweet love to your favorite DiRT3 game modes such as “Head 2 Head” and this is their child.. Touching, is it not?
If the new video makes you itchy to get your hands on the game then fear not as the official demo of DiRT Showdown will be released on May 1st! If you really feel the need to “own” the game now then a special “Hoonigan Edition” version of the game is available for pre-order right now. The Hoonigan edition comes with special Monster Energy and Hoonigan skins for the games most popular cars, as well as online multiplayer XP multiplier and in-game cash boosts to advance faster and buy upgrades.
In addition to releasing a new trailer Codemasters has also announced “RaceNet”. RaceNet will be an online hub (think Call of Duty Elite) in which members can look at their stats, track rivals, and rewards for all of their Codemasters racing games (DiRT series, F1 series). A RaceNet beta will be released along side the DiRT Showdown demo on May 1st as well. For now enjoy the trailer below!
DiRT® SHOWDOWN™ TO CRASH INTO RETAIL ON MAY 29th ON NEW “CODEMASTERS RACING” LABEL
All new “Ultimate Hoonigan” Gameplay Video Now Playing at www.dirtgame.com
DiRT Showdown Playable Demo, Available on May 1st, Will Introduce RaceNet, the New Online Community Hub for Codemasters Racing Players
Los Angeles, Calif. – April 19, 2012 – Today Codemasters® announced that DiRT® Showdown™, the new all-action racing game from the award-winning DiRT series, will race into retail on May 29th**. DiRT Showdown will be the first game to launch on the company’s new publishing label Codemasters Racing* (See Notes).
To mark the news, Codemasters has released the “Ultimate Hoonigan” gameplay video featuring the spectacular tricks and stunts players can perform in DiRT Showdown’s Hoonigan game modes. The video features Ken Block’s Ford Fiesta H.F.H.V Gymkhana 5 which is featured exclusively in DiRT Showdown, going head-to-head with a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X JUN, and is now playing at www.dirtgame.com.
Codemasters also announced that the playable demo of DiRT Showdown is due to launch worldwide on May 1, 2012. The demo will feature a solo and multiplayer event and will be available from Xbox Live Marketplace, PlayStation Network and Steam on PC.
When the DiRT Showdown demo goes live, Codemasters will invite fans to join the free new online hub for Codemasters Racing games, RaceNet† (See Notes). RaceNet will launch in beta as an evolving interactive community platform for Codemasters Racing games and allow fans to track their Races, Rivals and Rewards.
A special “Hoonigan” edition of DiRT Showdown is now available to pre-order exclusively from Walmart. Sporting unique packaging, the DiRT Showdown: Hoonigan Edition will include an in-game cash boost, an online XP multiplier plus Monster Energy skins for the Kohler D350, Duke Coupe and Ford Fiesta Gymkhana 3 and Hoonigan skins for the Holbrook Growler, Logan Vulture and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X JUN(as seen in the “Ultimate Hoonigan” video), redeemed via an online code.
DiRT Showdown will deliver a new world of competitive and combative racing as players race, crash and hoon their way to “Showdown” finals on a chaotic tour of motorized mayhem when it launches May 29, 2012 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and PC. For all the latest updates straight from the studio, crash over to www.dirtgame.com, www.facebook.com/dirtgame or follow the team at www.twitter.com/dirtgame.
Just as the 2012 Formula 1 season is about to go underway Codemasters announces the release date (September 2012) of F1 2012as well as announcing that a new game mode “Young Driver’s Test” will be included in the next installment. In the game the Young Driver’s Test seems to combine a tutorial along with career mode. The game will walk the players through a few driving techniques then they will be sent out to earn a spot on a team. It is likely that a players performance during the test will determine what team they will end up on. In the first development diary for F1 2012 game directors Paul Jeal and Stephen Hood visited the real Young Drivers test at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi to see if playing their game helped the drivers with their test. How helpful is the game when compared to the real thing? You will see all that from the young drivers themselves in the video below.
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