EXPERIENCE THE DRAMA OF MOTORSPORT – GRID® OUT NOW

October 8th, 2019 by Isher Dhillon

Get Your Heart Racing and Experience the Prestige and Glory of Victory

GRID® is now available worldwide on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X and Windows PC (DVD and via Steam), giving race fans intense wheel-to-wheel action on some of the most challenging street tracks and race circuits. Having won the prestigious Best Racing Game at the gamescom Awards 2019, GRID gives players choice and accessibility allowing them to play their way with a superior handling model that caters to both sim players who want a fun experience and casual fans looking for a challenging racing game. The latest trailer can be viewed here or below;

From lights out, players will experience the true drama of motorsport. GRID isn’t about a procession of cars; with 400 AI personalities ranging from calm to aggressive, drivers stray from the racing line to prevent opponents from passing, they might brake late and do whatever is necessary to remain ahead of the pack. GRID features 104 career events across 12 race locations, the best drivers including Fernando Alonso and his esports team, FA Racing Logitech G and the return of the revered Ravenwest Motorsport.

“As a team, we are incredibly proud of the game we have made and excited that players around the world can finally get their hands on it,” said Chris Smith, GRID Game Director at Codemasters. “We set-out with three goals; make a game that puts the player in control and allows them to play their way. For the game to feel alive and celebrate the drama of motorsport. Lastly, make a game that is for everyone; to have the best handling which appeals to both core racing fans and casual players. We have put all of this into GRID and we look forward to hearing feedback from our players.”

For future news and details follow Codemasters game blog and social channels on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

GET YOUR HEART RACING AS GRID® PREPARES FOR LAUNCH

September 18th, 2019 by Isher Dhillon

Take Your Place in the GRID World Series and Experience the Drama of Motorsport

Codemasters® ignites the drama of motorsport with the latest GRID® trailer that premieres today. Having recently won Best Racing Game at the gamescom Awards 2019, the trailer highlights player choice, showcasing multiple car classes on some of the most challenging track and street circuits in various settings including night time and heavy rain race conditions. GRID releases on 11th October on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X and Windows PC (DVD and via Steam).

Against the backdrop of a remixed version of The Light by Sophie and the Giants, the trailer comes to life with the Audi R8 1:1 battling wheel-to-wheel with the Honda CRX MightyMouse on the twisting point-to-point Okutama Sprint. The action cuts to traditional race circuits in Zhejiang and Brands Hatch and the first Nemesis is created as the SRT Viper GTS-R and Chevrolet Corvette C7.R trade paint as they jostle bumper-to-bumper to retain the racing line.

The trailer culminates with the Prototype class featuring the Acura DPi and Cadillac DPi-V.R racing through the streets of Shanghai at night and fades with a climatic fight to the finish. With 104 events at launch including challenges against FA Racing Logitech G and Fernando Alonso, players enter the GRID World Series against long-time adversaries, Ravenwest. With accessibility and choice at its core, players have access to four cities, eight circuits with over 80 racing routes. Featuring over 400 AI personalities ranging from calm to aggressive, measured to unpredictable, every race will feel unique and alive.

“As a team, we wanted to capture the essence of the original GRID which, in its day innovated the racing genre with best-in-class handling and the introduction of Flashback. We want to build on GRID’s legacy and create a game that focuses on three core pillars of choice & accessibility, motorsport stories and racing for glory, all of which are captured in the trailer,” said Chris Smith, GRID Game Director at Codemasters. “Accessibility and Choice allows players to race their way with handling options for both the core sim racer and casual players. Secondly, it’s about Glory and Prestige. We want players to feel excited no matter where they finish – whether that’s in first place or coming out on top against your arch nemesis. Lastly, it’s about the unpredictable stories that happen in Motorsport; it’s why we watch motorsport on TV. It’s the drama and those the key moments that get you sitting on the edge of your seat. GRID isn’t about a procession of cars. It’s tight overtakes, bumper-to-bumper scrapes and competitive racing action. We want everything including the car to be able to tell a story at the end of the race through its bumps and scrapes. GRID gives players drama, excitement and unique motorsport stories in every race.”

For future news and details follow Codemasters game blog and social channels on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

DiRT RALLY 2.0™ WORLD SERIES TO LAUNCH SEPTEMBER 2019

September 2nd, 2019 by Isher Dhillon

Have you got what it takes to become a DiRT Rally legend, and win from a prize pool of $10,000? Version 1.8 will put that to the test with the introduction of its official esports series.

Codemasters® today confirmed that the DiRT Rally 2.0™ World Series will commence on 10th September. In partnership with Motorsport Network, the competitive gaming Championship is open to all players on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices and Windows PC (DVD and via Steam). Players will compete in a series of online challenges, culminating in a live final at the Autosport International Show at the Birmingham NEC on the weekend of 11th January 2020.

The DiRT Rally 2.0 World Series heats will be played across three months, consisting of three weeks of qualifiers each with a pre-determined location, stage and car class. All weekly winners across the three formats will qualify for the quarter finals with an additional place going to the players who have the fastest cumulative time each month. The quarter and semi finals will take place over the weekend of 7-8th December and will be broadcast live across DiRT Rally 2.0 and Motorsport Network channels. Players can choose between wheel or pad for the qualifiers. The DiRT Rally 2.0 World Series Final will be played on wheel only.

The dates for the DiRT Rally 2.0 World Series qualifiers are as follows:

Rally:
– 10th September: Poland – Kopina – H2 FWD
– 17th September: Argentina – Las Juntas – Group B 4WD
– 24th September: New Zealand – Te Awanga Forward – R5
– 8th October: Spain – Comienzo en Bellriu – Rally GT
– 15th October: USA – North Fork Pass – Group A
– 22nd October: Australia – Mount Kaye Pass – Group B 4WD
– 5th November: Poland – Czarny Las – H3 RWD
– 12nd November: New Zealand – Waimarama Point Reserve – R2
– 19th November: Spain – Decenso por carretera – R5

Rallycross:
– 10th September: Hell, Norway – RX1600
– 17th September: Trois-Rivières, Canada – RX2
– 24th September: Lohéac Bretagne, France – RX Supercars
– 8th October: Montalegre, Portugal – RX Supercars
– 15th October: Silverstone, England – RX2
– 22nd October: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain – RX1600
– 5th November: Mettet, Belgium – RX2
– 12nd November: Höljes, Sweden – RX1600
– 19th November: Hell, Norway – RX Supercars

“After six months of planning, we are finally ready to launch the DiRT Rally 2.0 World Series and we can’t wait to get started,” said Ross Gowing, DiRT Rally 2.0 Game Director at Codemasters. “Our players are passionate and love the thrill of competing. We look forward to crowning our inaugural World Champions in January and wish all our players the very best of luck.”

“We are delighted to be working with Codemasters to deliver the official DiRT Rally 2.0 esports programme,” said Stephen Hood, President of Motorsport Network. “The quality of their game, combined with our capabilities within the growing esports space, will serve to provide the community with a first-class series in which to showcase their talent.”

Motorsport Network serves its fans through an integrated digital ecosystem that speaks 17 languages and reaches over 30 million people every month. This includes a portfolio that spans everything from racing websites such as Autosport.com and Motorsport.com to ticketing and events and an OTT racing television network, Motorsport Network.

 

To participate, players must start the game on their chosen platform and navigate to the World Series tab in the main menu. Drivers then select Qualifiers and select Qualifier Rally or Qualifier Rallycross. For more information go to the DiRT Rally 2.0 Website, Facebook and Twitter.

DiRT RALLY 2.0™ SEASONS 3 & 4 LAUNCHING FROM AUGUST 2019

August 12th, 2019 by Isher Dhillon

Codemasters® today confirmed that DiRT Rally 2.0™ Seasons Three and Four will launch from 27th August. Season Three returns to its rally roots with fan-favourite locations Finland and Greece complemented with brand new vehicles including the Peugeot 206 Rally and Volkswagen Golf Kitcar. Players also receive the latest of the 2019 FIA World Rallycross Championship season updates with Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. As with previous Seasons, players will receive a mix of locations, cars and liveries.

DiRT Rally 2.0’s Season Three content will be released as per the following schedule:

– Week 1: SUBARU Impreza (2001), Ford Focus RS Rally 2001
– Week 3: Argolis Greece, Special Livery Pack
– Week 5: Peugeot 306 Maxi, Seat Ibiza Kit Car
– Week 7: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Special Livery Pack
– Week 9: Peugeot 206 Rally, Volkswagen Golf Kitcar
– Week 11: Jämsä Finland, Special Livery Pack

Season Three combines a mix of Rally and Rallycross (RX) content with the much-loved SUBARU Impreza (2001) and Ford Focus RS Rally 2001 and Rally locations Greece and Finland, all returning from the original DiRT Rally. Week Seven sees the latest of the new RX locations with Yas Marina Circuit, a mix of asphalt and loose surface sections located in the stadium sector of the Abu Dhabi venue. Yas Marina Circuit’s Rallycross layout was introduced as the opening round of the 2019 FIA World Rallycross Championship and is making its videogame debut in DiRT Rally 2.0. Players will also receive F2 Kit Car favourites with the introduction of the Peugeot 306 Maxi and Seat Ibiza Kit Car.

Season Four of DiRT Rally 2.0 launches November 19th as per the following schedule:

– Week 1: Killarney International Raceway, South Africa
– Week 3: Lydden Hill, UK, Special Livery Pack
– Week 5: Renault Clio R.S. RX, Renault Megane R.S. RX, Ford Fiesta Rallycross (MK8), Special Livery Pack
– Week 9: Peugeot 208 WRX, Ford Fiesta Rallycross (STARD)
– Week 11: Ford Fiesta RXS Evo 5, Audi S1 EKS RX quattro, Seat Ibiza RX, Special Livery Pack

Season Four begins with a new RX location, South Africa, followed by Lydden Hill which fans will know well from DiRT Rally and DiRT 4. Season Four also celebrates the 2019 FIA World Rallycross Championship season, with 2019 season versions of several cars making their way to DiRT Rally 2.0.

“It’s been six months since we launched DiRT Rally 2.0 and the response from our community has been really positive,” said Ross Gowing, DiRT Rally 2.0 Game Director at Codemasters. “We spend a lot of time listening to our players and we’re delighted to bring them remastered classics alongside new vehicles and locations to give them a completely new experience.

Seasons Three and Four are a perfect blend of classic and new with the likes of Greece and Finland which were established on the original DiRT Rally, through to new RX circuits in Abu Dhabi and South Africa. There is so much variety that will appeal to old and new players alike. We’re also delighted to update the FIA World Rallycross Championship with new 2019 vehicles as well as bodywork and livery updates.”

Players will have the opportunity to purchase Seasons Three and Four and each piece of content separately on their digital store of choice.

DiRT Rally 2.0 is available on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices and Windows PC (DVD and via Steam). Keep up with all the DiRT Rally 2.0 news and follow updates from the studio on Website, Facebook and Twitter.

GRID® WORLD EXCLUSIVE FIRST HANDS-ON AT GAMESCOM

August 9th, 2019 by Isher Dhillon

GRID Playable on Deep Silver & Xbox Booths

Codemasters® today announced that GRID® will be fully playable to the public for the first time at gamescom 2019. The long-awaited return of the much-loved racing franchise will feature on the Deep Silver & Friends stand in Hall 9 and the Microsoft Xbox booth in Hall 8.

Fans will be able to experience high-speed racing like no other from Tuesday 20th August to Saturday 24th August. Players will compete against AI drivers with 400 different race personalities, establish rivals and battle nemeses. Create your own motorsport stories whilst pushing the most iconic cars to their limits.

“The team have been amazed by the love and the positive reception GRID has received since its announcement in May” said Chris Smith, GRID Game Director at Codemasters. “We are so excited to bring our vision for dynamic motorsport racing to the gamescom community. I truly look forward to seeing all the players having fun with GRID and creating their own racing stories, I hope to see you there. “

GRID can be played on the Deep Silver & Friends stand in Koelnmesse Hall 9 and the Microsoft Xbox booth in Hall 8.

GRID is released on October 11th, 2019 on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X and Windows PC (DVD and via Steam) and November on Google Stadia. Players who pre-order the Ultimate Edition will get three days early access.

For future news and details follow Codemasters game blog and social channels on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

DiRT RALLY 2.0™ VR PUTS PLAYERS IN THE DRIVING SEAT

August 8th, 2019 by Isher Dhillon

Codemasters® is delighted to confirm that the long-awaited DiRT Rally 2.0™ VR upgrade is out now on PC. DiRT Rally 2.0, complete with VR, is available on the Oculus Store* and via Steam as a free update. Players who purchase the Oculus edition will receive five exclusive car liveries and be able to compete in special daily, weekly and monthly challenges. Codemasters has released a gameplay trailer to coincide with the announcement which can be viewed via the DiRT Game YouTube channel.

Players can put themselves directly into the driver’s seat and fully experience every inch of each stage. From the mixed surfaces of Poland to the heated tarmac in Spain, players will now be able to fully appreciate the track degradation as it cuts-up as cars pass through the stage.

“Since launch our community has been very vocal about wanting a VR version of DiRT Rally 2.0, so we’re delighted to bring this to the PC version,” said Ross Gowing, DiRT Rally 2.0 Game Director at Codemasters. “It turns out that for many of our players VR is the only way to experience a rally game, and this will enable them to enjoy playing like never before.

Keep up with all the DiRT Rally 2.0 news and follow updates from the studio on Facebook and Twitter.

* All DiRT Rally 2.0 post release content will be made available for Oculus at a later date.

RACE FOR GLORY IN FIRST GRID® GAMEPLAY TRAILER

July 10th, 2019 by Isher Dhillon

Intense Race Action Like No Other with New Cars, New Settings and Unrivalled, Unpredictable Racing

Sparks fly, cars spin-out and nemeses are formed in the first GRID® gameplay trailer released by Codemasters®. As the lights turn green, cars jostle for the lead as they hurtle towards the first corner in the long-awaited return of the much-loved racing franchise which comes to PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X, Windows PC (DVD and via Steam) and Google Stadia. The trailer can be viewed below or at – https://youtu.be/RJqJaXv3rmg

Displaying some of the new race locations, the action builds as the chasing pack hunt down the leaders. From the heat of the Havana streets to the track circuit of Brands Hatch, the driving is both skilled and unpredictable, showcasing the excitement and drama players will experience when the game is released on console and PC on October 11th, 2019. The stunning visuals of San Francisco and Zhejiang Circuit put the driver at the heart of the action and give a true sense of speed, as cars look for the smallest window of opportunity to get ahead either by conventional means or by putting a rival into the wall.

The race culminates with the Pontiac Firebird Modified and Chevrolet Camaro SSX Concept going head-to-head on the final corners and long straight of San Francisco. One mistake could be the difference between the sweet taste of victory or the bitter regret of what might have been. Played out to the backdrop of the anthemic ‘The Light’ by Sophie and the Giants, the trailer demonstrates both the risks and the rewards of pushing some of the most iconic racing cars to their absolute limits.

GRID is a racing experience like no other. Taking inspiration from the original franchise, GRID is a fresh take on the genre with new content, new experiences and new stories waiting to be written. GRID is about unpredictable racing where anything can happen when the lights turn green. It’s a brand-new chapter of the GRID franchise; a game that resets expectations.

“The response to the GRID announcement has been incredible and there is genuine excitement for us to reveal much more of the game,” said Chris Smith, GRID Game Director at Codemasters. “We set out to create an exhilarating racing experience which is like no other and the new trailer gives our fans a glimpse of what to expect. Players will encounter challenging and combative racing from all the AI drivers and this creates a living, breathing world where anything is possible and finishing positions must be earned. Whether it’s competing in the middle of the pack or going wheel-to-wheel for victory, there are no easy wins and our players will both enjoy and marvel at our most competitive GRID to date.”

For the latest GRID news go to the website and social channels on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Rise Up Against Your Rivals In F1® 2019 – Out Today

June 28th, 2019 by Isher Dhillon

Introduction of F2™, driver transfers, car customisation, esports and new launch trailer

As the battle intensifies in the 2019 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™, players can now create their own rivalries with the launch of F1® 2019. Releasing two months earlier than previous iterations, and ahead of the FORMULA 1 MYWORLD GROSSER PREIS VON ÖSTERREICH 2019 this weekend, the F1® 2019 Anniversary Edition is released today on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X and Windows PC (DVD and via Steam). To celebrate the launch, the new Launch Trailer can be viewed below or here.

With the longest development cycle of any Codemasters® F1® game, F1® 2019 features of series of firsts including the 2018 FIA Formula 2 Championship™ where players can compete alongside F1® rookies George Russell, Lando Norris and Alexander Albon. The game launches with the F2™ feeder series; a scenario-based introduction which alters the outcome of the game based on the player’s success, actions and responses. The F2™ 2019 season will be added via a free digital download later in the year.*

Another first is driver transfers which appear in Career Mode and mostly occur at the end of each season. Established stars including current F1® World Champion, Lewis Hamilton and arch-nemesis, Sebastian Vettel can form an unlikely partnership or continue their rivalry in the racing colours of completely new teams. All new contracts are based on performance, so talent will have the opportunity to sign for a title contender with a series of strong results or be relegated to a team whose goals are much less ambitious.

F1® 2019 features 18 classic cars celebrating every decade from the 1970s through to 2010. Players can re-live great moments from yesteryear in the best performing cars of their generation including the 1972 Lotus 72D, 1988 McLaren MP4/4, 1996 Williams FW18 through to the 2010 Red Bull RB6. In addition, players can also race the McLaren MP4-25 and the Ferrari F10 from the 2010 season as part of the F1® 2019 Anniversary Edition. Players can also customise a 2019 regulation car, created in collaboration with Ross Brawn and Pat Symonds, with a series of liveries and compete online in Multiplayer mode.

With the F1® New Balance Esports Series continuing to grow at pace, players can keep updated with the latest news, event details, watch livestreams and highlights all through the new in-game Esports area. Later this year, players who wish to compete competitively and try to win a place on one of the ten F1® teams can register and take part in future heats directly through the game.

For future news, follow Codemasters F1® games blog and social channels on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

*Online connection required to download the F2™ 2019 season content

Dominate your rivals and celebrate victory in F1® 2019 – Launches this week

June 25th, 2019 by Isher Dhillon

Introduction of F2®, driver transfers, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost challenges, are all part of F1® 2019 legends edition and more…

As the battle intensifies in the 2019 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™, players can now create their own rivalries with the launch of F1® 2019. Releasing two months earlier than previous iterations, players who purchased the F1® 2019 Legends Edition, can now enjoy three days early access on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X and Windows PC (DVD and via Steam). To celebrate the launch, the new Features Trailer can be viewed below or here.

With the longest development cycle of any Codemasters® F1® game, F1® 2019 features of series of firsts including the 2018 FIA Formula 2 Championship™ where players can compete alongside F1® rookies, Lando Norris, George Russell and Alexander Albon. The game launches with the F2™ Feeder Series; a scenario-based introduction which alters the outcome of the game based on the player’s success, actions and responses. The F2™ 2019 season will be added via a free digital download later in the year.*

Another first is driver transfers which appear in Career Mode and mostly occur at the end of each season. Established stars including current F1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton and arch-nemesis, Sebastian Vettel can form an unlikely partnership or continue their rivalry in the racing colours of completely new teams. All new contracts are based on performance, so talent will have the opportunity to sign for a title contender with a series of strong results or be relegated to a team whose goals are much less ambitious.

F1® 2019 features 18 classic cars celebrating every decade from the 1970s through to 2010. Players can re-live great moments from yesteryear in the best performing cars of their generation including the 1972 Lotus 72D, 1988 McLaren MP4/4, 1996 Williams FW18 through to the 2010 Red Bull RB6. In addition, the F1® 2019 Legends Edition features Ayrton Senna’s McLaren MP4/5B and Alain Prost’s Ferrari F1-90 from 1990 alongside the McLaren MP4-25 and the Ferrari F10, part of the F1® 2019 Anniversary Edition which launches on Friday 28th June. Players can also customise a 2019 regulation car, created in collaboration with Ross Brawn and Pat Symonds, with a series of liveries and compete online in Multiplayer mode.

With the F1® New Balance Esports Series continuing to grow at pace, players can keep updated with the latest news, event details, watch livestreams and highlights all through the new in-game Esports area. Later this year, players who wish to compete competitively and try to win a place on one of the ten F1® teams can register and take part in future heats directly through the game.

“We are absolutely delighted with the inclusion of F2™, Senna and Prost, and Career Mode Driver Transfers, as major, new additions to the F1® Franchise, as well as integrating league racing and F1 Esports for fans who want to race competitively,” said Paul Jeal, F1® Franchise Director at Codemasters. “Driver Transfers, in particular, are something that we know our players have craved for several years, and it’s fantastic to now have that functionality integrated into our 10-year Career mode and build upon the seasonal rule changes we introduced in F1® 2018 to create unique player storylines from season to season.”

“The extra development time has enabled the team to both improve and add several new features,” said Lee Mather, F1® 2019 Game Director at Codemasters. “The addition of F2™, complete with their rules and unique race weekends will give racing fans a new experience and we are particularly proud of the visual uplift to key tracks including Monaco and Bahrain, complete with all-new night-lighting effects. The early release date will enable our fans to develop their own rivalries two months earlier than previous seasons and we can’t wait for them to get their hands on the final game.”

For future news, follow Codemasters F1® games blog and social channels on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

*Online connection required to download the F2™ 2019 season content