First F1™ 2016 video revealed, release date announced

June 16th, 2016 by codemasters

Today, we’re delighted to have released the first gameplay video for F1 2016, the official videogame of the 2016 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™, showcasing Daniel Ricciardo and Jolyon Palmer taking on the thrilling Baku street circuit which will host the 2016 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE. We’ve also announced that F1 2016 will release onto PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Windows PC (DVD) on 19th August 2016.

The video shows the two F1 pilots getting to grips with the new circuit, giving their impressions on the track and its challenges as they go. The historic city centre, beautiful seaside promenade and impressive architecture all combine to provide the perfect backdrop to the new track.

Speaking about his experience, Daniel commented: “I can’t think of anything like Baku… For the corners it looks like you want to have maximum downforce but I don’t think you can afford to run it because of the long straight. I think we will have to sacrifice some grip in the corners to keep up on the straight.”

Talking about Baku’s soon-to-be famous Turn 5, Jolyon Palmer added: “There’s some crazy corners and maybe the craziest there is in Formula One, with the up-the-hill left and then straight into a blind right hander… It’s going to be easy to hit a wall. It’s very high speed. The challenge is huge!” Jolyon also said that practising on the new circuit in the new F1 2016 videogame ahead of the race makes him feel as though he understands the  circuit “…probably more than most others, maybe everyone in the field so, it’s going to give me a little advantage.”

Both Daniel’s and Jolyon’s laps have also been released as separate videos.

We’ve also announced that there will be a Limited Edition of the game to pre-order which includes the F1 2016 ‘CAREER BOOSTER’ DLC PACK, which will give players a head start in their F1 career. It gives the user a ‘Research and Development boost’ that applies a percentage increase to all research and development credits earned by the player in each session in the new career mode. Exclusive Career Helmet and Laptop designs are also included. Once the player has selected their choice for their career helmet, this design is then applied to the laptop located within the Career hub.

F1 2016 features the most in-depth career mode ever seen in the series, allowing players to create their own legend over the course of ten seasons dealing with life and drama both on and off the track. The recreation of the sport will be enhanced by the addition of the sport’s iconic Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car and also includes the new American Haas F1 Team. A number of yet to be announced features are also due to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Follow Codemasters F1 games blog and social channels on Twitter and Facebook for future updates.

F1™ 2016 to come to PS4, XBOX ONE and PC this summer

May 27th, 2016 by codemasters

Codemasters®  today announced that F1™ 2016, the official videogame of the 2016 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™, will include the most immersive career mode ever featured in the franchise. F1 2016 will release onto PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Windows PC (DVD and via Steam) this summer.

F1 2016’s new career mode will take gamers deeper into the world’s most glamorous, exciting and prestigious motorsport, both on and off the track. The life-like recreation of the sport will be further enhanced by the addition of the sport’s iconic Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car, as well as the introduction of the challenging new street circuit in Baku, Azerbaijan for the 2016 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE.

“F1 2016 is a massive step forward for the franchise”, said Lee Mather, Principal Games Designer at Codemasters. “The new career mode sits at the heart of the game and allows gamers to create their own legend over a career that can span for up to a massive ten seasons. Beyond improving upon the fastest and most thrilling on-track racing experience in gaming, F1 2016 uniquely offers the drama and vehicle development that goes on behind the scenes. A rich car upgrade system is fully integrated into a new and deep practice development programme which mirrors the tests carried out by the teams in real life.”

Mather continued: “The career mode, together with the re-introduction of the Safety Car, the first inclusion of the Virtual Safety Car and a number of other unannounced improvements means that F1 2016 will have more new features than any other year of the franchise.”

In the new career mode players select an avatar to represent them within the game world as well as choosing a number to take with them through their career. They are then free to choose from any of the FORMULA ONE teams, all with different goals and expectations. It may be more challenging to start further down the grid, but it will also be easier to exceed team expectations. Players can earn contracts and move from team to team, or choose to develop their favourite team into a championship contender.

To complement the on-track experience, and to expand the realism of the Career mode, F1 2016 includes stunning hospitality areas for each team that act as the player’s game hub. In this area they will work with their Research and Development Engineer and Player Agent to develop their progress both on and off the track. To further enhance the immersion, players will also be able to spot other key figures from the paddock within the hospitality areas.

In what is already a very exciting season, the 2016 season sees Azerbaijan become the latest addition to the FORMULA ONE calendar, with capital city Baku playing host to what could very well be the fastest street circuit of the season. Early screenshots show off the new time of day editor which allows players to dramatically customise the visuals of the race experience. The brand-new Haas F1 Team makes their debut in the 2016 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, and in the process become the first all-American-led F1 team in three decades.

Follow Codemasters F1 games blog and social channels on Twitter and Facebook for future updates. Further details will be released on the upcoming game soon.

Race like a champion, as F1 2015 accelerates into stores today!

July 10th, 2015 by codemasters

Codemasters® today announced the launch of F1 2015, the official video-game of the 2015 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™, racing into stores today! Arriving earlier in the season than previous Codemasters FORMULA ONE™ releases, the launch of F1 2015 marks the award-winning series’ debut on PlayStation® 4 and Xbox One. The game is also available for Windows PC.

F1 2015 delivers a truly immersive experience thanks to an all-new ‘broadcast presentation’ style that recreates the unique race day atmosphere of a GRAND PRIX™, complete with introductory grid sequences, new motion-captured pit stops by a real world pit crew, and the iconic podium celebrations. Using voice recognition technology available for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles, players can become immersed in the cockpit, engaging with their race engineer through in-game voice commands with Kinect for Xbox One and the PlayStation®Camera or compatible headsets and microphones for PlayStation 4. Players compete as their favourite FORMULA ONE star in the all-new Championship Season and push themselves to the limit in the challenging Pro Season mode. The game also features fully playable 2014 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™ bonus content.

To celebrate the game’s launch, Codemasters have released a new F1 2015 launch trailer that showcases how F1 2015 takes players closer to the real-world experience of racing in the world’s most glamorous, exciting and prestigious motorsport, thanks to a brand new version of Codemasters’ proprietary EGO game engine. You can watch it here:

In addition to spectacular visual fidelity, F1 2015 offers a significant step forward in the physics-based handling model of the game, which is designed to be inclusive for both seasoned players and those new to the series. The handling model offers enhancements and additions in over 20 areas, including engine and transmission, aerodynamics, fuel tank, force feedback, suspension and most notably, a brand new tyre physics model, to recreate the breathtaking handling characteristics of the world’s fastest and most responsive racing cars.

Follow Codemasters F1 games blog and social channels on Twitter and Facebook for future updates!

F1™ 2015 ‘Features’ gameplay trailer unleashed

July 3rd, 2015 by codemasters

Codemasters® today released the ‘Features’ gameplay trailer for F1 2015, the official videogame of the 2015 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™. The game will be released on July 10^th 2015 and is being distributed by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe in EMEA territories. This will mark the award-winning series’ debut on PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One. The game will also be available for Windows PC.

As shown in all its glory in the new trailer, the all-new Championship Season is the central game mode in F1 2015, which promises to deliver the most immersive F1 experience yet, thanks to an all-new ‘broadcast presentation’ style that recreates the unique race day atmosphere of a GRAND PRIX™. Brand new session intro sequences reflect the spectacle of the sport, along with the build up and excitement of each race, as well as the championship season narrative as it unfolds for the player.

“Our new Championship Season and Pro Season modes deliver a much more engaging and fluid FORMULA ONE™ championship experience than ever before”, commented Lee Mather, Principal Games Designer, Codemasters.

“The race weekend is more than just the in-car and on track experience. Observing your driver working with his team during practice and qualifying and listening to the new commentary that sets the scene for the race and season standings is now present for the gamer. Then seeing the busy grid before a race, with all the flavour and character of it, into the race itself, the new television style cameras and replays, and finally the iconic podium celebrations all add to that race experience. The immersion is further enhanced with the voice recognition technology available for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles, allowing players to engage with their race engineer through in-game voice commands with Kinect for Xbox One and the PlayStation®Camera or compatible headsets and microphones for PlayStation 4.”

“For those gamers who want the ultimate challenge, then the new Pro Season mode, which ramps up all the settings to the most realistic possible, is really for them”, added Mather. “Full 100% race distances, full practice and qualifying sessions, the most competitive A.I. settings, no flashbacks with which to correct mistakes, all locked into cockpit view with minimal HUD assistance…Pro Season will truly separate the weekend drivers from the experts!”

With the 2015 FORMULA 1 BRITISH GRAND PRIX this coming weekend at the iconic Silverstone circuit, this year’s FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP is already proving to be one of the most exciting seasons in many years, with further anticipation around the return of Mexico for the first time in two decades. In addition to a fully playable 2015 season, gamers will be able to play the full 2014 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP season as bonus content. Additional content updates will deliver the full season liveries, enhanced performance data and the Manor Marussia F1 team, who did not attend the pre-season tests.

Gamers can see the ‘Features’ trailer now playing at here. Follow Codemasters F1 games blog and social channels on Twitter and Facebook for future updates. F1 2015 will be published by Codemasters and distributed by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment in Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Russia, Australia and New Zealand.

F1 2015 to debut on PLAYSTATION 4, XBOX ONE and PC this June

March 26th, 2015 by codemasters

Codemasters® today announced that F1 2015, the official video game of the 2015 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™, will release in June 2015 and will be distributed by BANDAI NAMCO Games America Inc. in the Americas. Arriving much earlier in the FORMULA ONE™ season than before, this will mark the award-winning series’ debut on PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. The title will also be available for Windows PC through STEAM.

F1^™ 2015 to debut on Playstation 4, Xbox One, and PC this June

Features a cutting edge handling system powered by an all-new game engine, new championship season and pro season modes, complete with a new ‘broadcast presentation’ style.

SAN JOSE, Calif., (March 26, 2015) – Codemasters® today announced that F1 2015, the official video game of the 2015 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™, will release in June 2015 and will be distributed by BANDAI NAMCO Games America Inc. in the Americas. Arriving much earlier in the FORMULA ONE™ season than before, this will mark the award-winning series’ debut on PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. The title will also be available for Windows PC through STEAM.

F1 2015 is set to take gamers closer to the real-world experience of racing in the world’s most glamorous, exciting and prestigious motorsport thanks to a brand new version of Codemasters’ proprietary EGO game engine. In addition to spectacular visual fidelity, F1 2015 offers a significant step forward in the physics-based handling model of the game, which is designed to be inclusive for both seasoned players and those new to the series. The handling model offers enhancements and additions in over 20 areas, including engine and transmission, aerodynamics, fuel tank, force feedback, suspension and most notably a brand new tire physics model, to recreate the breathtaking handling characteristics of the world’s fastest and most responsive racing cars.

F1 2015 will deliver a truly immersive experience thanks to an all-new ‘broadcast presentation’ style that recreates the unique race day atmosphere of a GRAND PRIX™, complete with podium and grid sequences. Using voice recognition technology available for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles, players can become immersed in the cockpit, engaging with their race engineer through in-game voice commands with Kinect for Xbox One and the PlayStation®Camera or compatible headsets and microphones for PlayStation 4. Players will compete as their favorite FORMULA ONE star in the all-new Championship Season and push themselves to the limit in the challenging Pro Season mode.

Look forward to one of the most hotly anticipated seasons of recent times, including the return of the Mexico Grand Prix for the first time in over 20 years, in the 2015 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, as well as a fully playable 2014 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™ season, available to players as bonus game content.

“F1 2015 marks an exciting new chapter for Codemasters and FORMULA ONE; it’s a shift in direction for the game series, on new formats and our brand new game engine, with the game set to be released earlier in the season, launching this June,” commented Paul Jeal, Game Director, Codemasters.

“The handling is a vast improvement from our previous games. In particular our new tire model is a superb step forward towards realism, letting you explore where the limit is and allowing you to instantly feel much more connected with the car. You can now experience the changes in grip caused by temperature changes, wear, car set-up, debris and weather conditions. Our improved vehicle dynamics much more accurately convey the difference in performance and the feel between mechanical and aerodynamic grip. The new Force Feedback system adds to the feeling of connection with the car and track surface. The more natural and realistic nature of the game physics also serves to ensure that the racing experience is more accessible, enjoyable and rewarding for players of all skill levels.”

“With the second race of the 2015 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP this weekend in Malaysia, the team is busy modelling the new 2015 cars and drivers in readiness for the game’s summer launch. You can see a tease of our first signed off 2015 content in our debut screenshots, as well as an early glimpse of the Mexican circuit. In addition to the 2015 season, we are also delighted to be able to offer the 2014 season as a bonus selectable season*. Even this far out from our games release they truly show the power of our new game engine. ”

Follow Codemasters F1 games blog, official web site and social channels on Twitter and Facebook for future updates. F1 2015 will be published by Codemasters and distributed by BANDAI NAMCO Games in Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Russia, Australia and New Zealand.

See the sights and hear the sounds of the new FORMULA ONE™ cars

August 13th, 2014 by codemasters

FERNANDO ALONSO TAKES ON BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT AT NIGHT IN NEW VIDEO NOW PLAYING www.youtube.com/formula1game

Today Codemasters® released the first hot lap video for F1 2014. The hot lap is the first chance for fans to hear how this year’s radically different turbocharged cars are brought to life in the game, including the distinctive deeper growl produced by this year’s new power units.

The 2014 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX was run as a night race for the first time this year, and the hot lap video shows Fernando Alonso’s Ferrari taking on the 15 corner, 10 year-old Bahrain International Circuit dramatically lit up by hundreds of floodlights and against a striking backdrop of fireworks. The video is now playing at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlJrUWKWI_U

Featuring all of the circuits from the 2014 calendar, Bahrain’s debut as a night race, featuring its full day / night transition, is just one of the circuit changes for this year’s game, alongside the return of the Hockenheimring and the debut of two new circuits – Russia’s Sochi Autodrom and Austria’s Spielberg circuit.

F1 2014 will arrive on October 17^th for the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Codemasters will then introduce a new FORMULA 1™ title in 2015 for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Windows PC and the Xbox One all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. With more to be announced through production for both titles, follow Codemasters F1 games blog and social channels on Twitter and Facebook for updates

F1 2014 and Beyond

July 31st, 2014 by codemasters

Today’s the day we can finally talk F1!

First things first, we’re working on two new Formula 1 titles – one on old gen, the other on new gen.

Coming October 17^th is F1 2014 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. Drawing upon all our experience in developing Formula 1 titles down the years, F1 2014 recreates this year’s incredible season featuring all the seismic changes to the sport, including new turbocharged cars, new circuits plus all the driver moves.

The game also includes refined handling on a pad and a new driver evaluation system that tunes game settings to your skill level to increase accessibility – we want all of our players to race competitively, more quickly. Of course, all the veterans of the series will be able to experience the true challenge of racing this year’s stunning generation of cars, featuring more explosive power delivery but less downforce, by customising your options and turning off all the assists.

Scenario mode has been expanded, we’ve refined career mode options and there’s more info to come, but for now we’ll let Stephen Hood, our creative director on F1, introduce you to some of the headline changes in the sport and the game..

“There’s been a dramatic shift in the sport; the largest shake up in the rules and regulations for a very long time and the new power units provide a very different kind of challenge, for both driver and team. By delivering all of these changes, F1 2014 will make for an exciting and refreshingly different experience. Additionally, with the new driver evaluation system analysing each player’s skill level and suggesting appropriate game settings, plus re-graded difficulty levels including a brand new Very Easy setting, we aim to deliver a thoroughly rewarding F1 experience for players of all abilities, from the novice to the seasoned pro.”

Now onto new-gen. 2015 will see us release our first title on new-generation platforms. The game will launch earlier in the Formula One season and then go onto receive live digital updates. These updates will deliver 2015 content into the game as the season unfolds, ensuring you’ll be competing against the same drivers and teams you watch week in and week out!

We’re incredibly excited about new-gen F1 and we know you are too. We’re not yet ready to reveal everything about it yet, but we’ll have a lot more info to share once F1 2014 launches this October.