Esport – What are the games and for whom?

Nb: The objective of this article is not to cover all the games available, nor even to go into the details of each one. The idea is to offer you an overview of what exists, particularly so that the uninitiated can see more clearly.

In this selection, we are going to offer you around ten so-called racing games. First of all, know that if you are looking for a very “simulation” game, it will most of the time be on PC, even if consoles are not far behind. All current racing games have an online mode. This means you can play online with other connected players anywhere on the planet. Some of them also have a career or championship mode where you play alone against the game's AI and not against real virtual pilots.

Another increasingly common point in simracing: rating. We will come back to this in a future article but note that it is a system which evaluates your level in relation to other players, so as not to group super “pilots” with steering kamikazes or simply beginners. As for the different types of games, again there is something for everyone: GT, single-seaters, rally, etc. The objective is above all to have fun and take full advantage of these simulations.

The motorsport enthusiasts that you are do not necessarily have the vocation to become professional simracers! Finally, note that all titles can be downloaded directly to your machine (no need to go to the store to buy a CD) and that most of them are available on all three machines (PC, PS4, Xbox One).

Play on PC

To play on PC you must have a Steam account (store.steampowered.com), it is a platform (a virtual store) where you can download your game. However, there are some exceptions like WRC 8 or Forza Motorsport which are available on other virtual stores. We will clarify all of this for you.

Play on consoles (PS4, Xbox One)

On console, you just need a PSN or Xbox Live account to access the game. But be careful, to be able to play multiplayer, you must have a subscription (approx. €50 / year). This subscription also allows you to play multiplayer on all other games, such as Call of Duty.

How do online races work?

In current simulations, it is possible to play online, but in different ways. Participate in events directly managed by the game or browse online lounges. Concretely, you go into the multiplayer mode and you will see different races. For example: Monza, GT3 category, 5 minute qualifying, 10 lap race. Then simply join said lounge.

It is also possible to create your own races or championships with just your friends. The worst part of online racing is being with brainless drivers. Believe us, it's very common to get taken out on the first braking because Jacky, at the back of the grid, thinks he can go from 20th place to 10th on the first braking. This is why the rating system (evaluation of your level) is practically present in all games today.

Forza Motorsport 7

Media: PC, One

Available on: Microsoft Store

Virtual reality: No

Gameplay: Easy to access and arcade style

Forza is perhaps the most arcade of all! On the other hand, “FM7” has a garage that makes all other games pale in comparison.. More than 700 cars, ranging from city car to F1. In short, it's a bit like the champagne race, with a career made up of diverse and varied challenges, a multiplayer mode and Esport competitions.

Gran Turismo Sport

Media: PS4

Available on: PSN

Virtual reality: Yes (but not for 100% of the content)

Gameplay: Easy to access but still requires a few hours to really go quickly

Just like Forza, the concept of this game is based on offline progression to earn credits and thus buy cars. Online, GT Sport offers races approximately every 15 minutes with drivers of the same level as you. It also includes a rating system via licenses. And if you're a driving god, you can take part in FIA Esport events. In short, the must to get started!

Dirt Rally 2.0

Media: PC, PS4, One

Available on: Steam, PSN, MS Store

Virtual reality: Yes (on PC)

Gameplay: You will have to be persistent if you want to make times. Not immediately accessible to everyone

Dirt Rally 2.0 is the rally game you need to have if you like discipline. On the other hand, no WRC because the license belongs to its competitor. The particularity of this game is that it offers challenges every day. A special stage, a compulsory car and only one chance! This mode is available in weekly and monthly events. No WRC but… GrA, GrB, R5 and former rally glories like the Lancia Stratos. On the other hand, the game has the World RX license, advice to fans of Rallycross. Finally, the driving feeling is very good, it is a very good rally simulation which requires a few hours of driving to get the hang of it.

WRC 8

Media: PC, PS4, One

Available on: Epic Games store, PSN, MS Store

Virtual reality: No

Gameplay: WRC 8 requires a good amount of steering.

As the name suggests, WRC 8 is the official game of the World Rally Championship. Here, it is above all the Career mode which is highlighted with the possibility of experiencing a “virtually” pilot career. You must manage your team's R&D and their skills to progress in the game. It will then be up to you to do the work on the special stages to achieve scratch scores. Various challenges are offered such as Esport races during real rally weekends. And for those nostalgic, there are of course old rally glories.

F1 2019

Media: PC, PS4, One

Available on: Steam, PSN, MS Store

Virtual reality: No

Gameplay: Fairly simple to access

A real success for F1 fans. F1 2019 is the guarantee of having a good time behind the wheel. In addition, this year, you also have access to Formula 2. F1 2019 focuses on the offline championship. You start your career as a rookie and try to climb the ladder and go all the way to the title. If the game is not very “simulated”, it is nonetheless very well done. On the other hand, there is no rating system, which means that the multiplayer races are lively.

Project Cars 2

Media: PC, PS4, One

Available on: Steam, PSN, MS Store

Virtual reality: Yes

Gameplay: Aimed at at least informed players

Project Cars 2 shines with its garage racing, its multitude of categories, but also the number of tracks it offers. Unlike a GT Sport, all cars are available at the start. PC2 has a rating system and online games are often very competitive. However, it is criticized for its gameplay which is not unanimous among simulation regulars. If you follow his approach, you will have a blast!

Assetto Corsa Competizione

Supports: PC (PS4, One: released June 24)

Available on: Steam, PSN, MS Store

Virtual reality: Yes

Gameplay: Requires a good level

In “ACC”, you only drive GT3s. Don't go looking for anything else. Its particularity, its rating system. Every time you ride, even in training, the game takes into account the way you ride. I might as well tell you that you have to be clean. We therefore advise you to prepare yourself before even hoping to ride online. On the driving side, it's simulation and the pleasure behind the wheel is total. If you like challenges…

iRacing

Media: PC

Available on: Steam

Virtual reality: Yes

Gameplay: For experienced pilots

iRacing is not a racing game like any other. First of all, it is a formidable simulation which requires many hours of play. It has a very punitive rating system in the form of licenses. But be careful, the title works on subscription ($100/year excluding promotion). For that price, you get a few cars and a few tracks to start with. You will then have to purchase the cars and circuits separately depending on the competitions in which you participate. FYI, the game is 100% in English.

RaceRoom Racing Experience

Support: PC (free-to-play)

Available on: Steam

Virtual reality: Yes

Gameplay: For experienced pilots

RaceRoom is free-to-play. It is therefore free with a starter pack, you must then purchase the cars and circuits that interest you. It is also and above all an excellent racing simulation. DTM, Protos, GT3, WTCC, WTCR, something to really enjoy. The rating system is currently being implemented and the brand new interface will arrive within a few weeks. Even if you are a beginner, we strongly advise you to try this title.