Players of the rFactor 2 motorsport simulation will benefit from a partnership between Studio 397 and Goodyear. The tyre maker is helping the Studio 397 physics team understand the very deep and complex construction and reactions of racing tyres. The Netherlands-based video game developer says it has benefitted from “an exceptional collaboration and sharing of data and insight of late.”
Goodyear is contributing to the pursuit of increased realism in virtual racing via its collaboration with Studio 397, developer of the hyper-realistic rFactor 2 simulation engine. The tyre manufacturer says its partnership has led to a major step forward in replicating race tyre model behaviours in the virtual environment. Such developments allow esports drivers to get closer than ever to the experiences of their real-life counterparts. The engine, which uses thousands of data points to create an immersive and authentic experience, is used in the Le Mans Virtual Series, of which Goodyear is an official partner.
Pirelli’s Diablo Superbike tyres feature in the latest video game based on the FIM Superbike World Championship. Developed by Milestone, the game allows players to choose the tyres to be fitted, modifying the behaviour of the motorbike based on the compound used. The realism of the game was boosted by the involvement of professional riders and experts, including Pirelli itself. The manufacturer supplied tyre data to help the game-maker simulate the performance of real Pirelli World Superbike tyres. Pirelli branding is also seen in-game in the realistically rendered circuits.
Falken Tyres Europe GmbH is about to set to set foot in the world of virtual racing after forming a partnership with leading online sim racing platform iRacing. The Falken GT4 Challenge offers keen sim racing enthusiasts a chance to put their skills to the test and win a set of Falken’s tyres for their road car; including the brand new Azenis FK520 flagship.
Halfords’ Tyre Safety video game, 20,000 Miles in Two Minutes, launched in October for tyre safety month, was aimed to test driver’s knowledge and raise awareness around tyre safety standards. As of today, the game has been played over 7,000 times, revealing that many drivers lacked basic safety knowledge.
Tyre aficionados are in for a treat when Farming Simulator 22 arrives in just over a week’s time. Not only are Continental and BKT present in the simulator, Michelin has also become an official partner. It says this partnership “allows all players to take advantage of the environmental and productivity performance benefits” of the Michelin agricultural tyre range.
Halfords has been drawing motorists to a two-minute tyre safety video game to test drivers’ knowledge during Tyre Safety Month. The game, 20,000 Miles in Two Minutes, has condensed a tyre’s 20,000-mile lifespan into two minutes – testing how drivers will react to and overcome road hazards as they make their way along a dual carriageway.
Polyphony Digital Inc., developer of the Gran Turismo series for Playstation consoles since 1997, has chosen Brembo as the official technical partner in braking systems for Gran Turismo 7. The new video game will be available for PS4 and PS5 consoles from 4 March 2022.
Harvest time is drawing to a close, but farmers needn’t fear withdrawal symptoms during the colder months. Farming Simulator 22 is due for release on 22 November and will deliver new vehicles, maps, brand, production chains and crops. The Continental brand will be present in the Giants Software game too, with agricultural machinery and supporting vehicles wearing Continental tyres for the first time.
From information related to pressure to tyre warm-up times, from grip coefficients to tread wear dynamics: Pirelli is contributing its technical and racing experience to the new RiMS Racing simulation game by RaceWard Studio. RiMS Racing is a new motorcycle simulation concept that blends the adrenaline of riding on two wheels with a deep mechanical knowledge of the motorcycle; both aspects equally influence a player’s chances of success.
With the pandemic situation continuing to place 2021 motorsport series in doubt, racers are preparing to get involved in Esports. While digital competition has been a growing trend for several years, interest in digital motorsport spiked in response to the suspension of series across Europe in 2020. A leading Mini Challenge competitor, Dan Zelos is looking forward to his return to the track on 16 January, as the championship’s official eSeries commences. Zelos is supported by Davanti Tyres; the UK tyre brand will also boast a presence in the competition as Zelos pilots his Davanti-branded Mini around virtual versions of every circuit on the 2021 calendar.
Goodyear’s comeback to world championship motorsport has been marked already with with wins in the FIA World Endurance Championship and a new partnership with the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup. But with the suspension of live motorsport, the brand has entered another world of motorsport for the first time, moving into virtual racing. The two major track series follow Goodyear’s entrance into the European Truck Racing Championship Digital Racing Challenge and the eNASCAR league.
Truck racing is the latest motorsport code to start a simulated season, as Coronavirus lockdowns continue to preclude live racing. The FIA European Truck Racing Championship, supported by Goodyear, welcomed drivers and fans to the ETRC Digital Racing Challenge on 24 May. Live racing in the championship has been suspended until 29-30 August, when the opening event will be held at Most, Czech Republic.
Bridgestone will be the official tyre supplier to the latest installment of the RIDE motorcycle racing video game series. The tyre manufacturer signed a partnership with the Italian game developer, Milestone for RIDE 4. The game for two-wheel enthusiasts will launch worldwide on 8 October 2020 on Playstation 4, XBOX One and PC. Bridgestone explained that the partnership targets solidifying its position as a market leader for motorbike tyres. The game also allows it to “showcase its products and legacy in the competitive racing world,” it added.
Nankang Tyre has launched two tyre games for Android and iOS mobile devices: Tyre Maker and Tyre Run. Both are available free to download worldwide on Android and iOS. The Taiwan tyre manufacturer says part of the purpose of the apps is “to relieve the boredom of being stuck at home due to COVID-19.” The games were developed in collaboration with digital design company King One Design. Users can download Tyre Maker here on iOS devices, or here on Android devices, while Tyre Run is available here (iOS) or here (Android).
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