Forza Motorsport, Xbox Studios's cinematic 2023 live-service racing sim, is getting a nice visual upgrade in an upcoming update (titled Update 15) shortly after the first anniversary of its release. On December 9, Forza Motorsport will get Ray-Traced Global Illumination (RTGI), making the racing game and all its shiny cars look more realistic. RTGI will be available for all PC versions of Forza Motorsport as of December 9—as long as the game is up-to-date that is—although it will need to be manually enabled in the game's graphics settings. After being enabled, RTGI will apply to both gameplay rendering and in-game cinematics, as well as the built-in photo mode.

While Forza Motorsport's minimum recommended GPU specification is an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, you will need at least an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20-series or AMD RX 6000-series graphics card to take advantage of RTGI, with the game's developer, Turn 10, recommending an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or better for high graphics and RTGI settings. For the uninitiated, RTGI helps increase realism by simulating how light interacts with surfaces and materials, more accurately rendering indirect lighting and shadows in-game. In NVIDIA's blog post announcing the updated visuals for Forza Motorsport, it recommends using the RTGI in conjunction with DLSS Super Resolution or DLAA to get the highest frame rates. Forza Motorsport is available for PC on Steam (currently 50% off), the Microsoft Store, and PC Game Pass

Corsair is delighted to announce that they have signed a definitive agreement with Endor AG to acquire the Fanatec Sim Racing product line. This includes the existing employees at Endor who manage and operate the Fanatec product line. The headquarters will remain in Landshut and continue to develop future Fanatec Sim Racing products. The transaction is expected to close imminently.

Fanatec is widely celebrated for bringing the thrilling world of Sim Racing into many homes and racing centres, building a huge following of loyal and passionate enthusiasts. Known for its high-quality hardware and innovations in the Sim Racing industry, Fanatec has set the benchmark for immersive racing experiences. Its dedicated Sim Racing products include force-feedback steering wheels, pedals, shifters, and complete cockpits for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC-based racing simulators.

Here at Corsair's Computex suite, we saw a unique prototype of a modular sim racing cockpit and this is not surprising since we know Corsair to have intentions of entering the world of sim racing. This hybrid racing frame offers great adjustability, allowing easy changes between a semi-reclined position for Formula racing and an upright position for GT-style racing. It's perfect for fans who enjoy different types of racing.

Made with a strong steel frame, the cockpit can handle intense racing with high-torque wheelbases and heavy-duty pedals. The design reduces flex and increases stability, providing an immersive experience that makes users feel like real drivers.

Corsair announced today that it has entered exclusive negotiations to acquire sim racing specialist Endor AG, owners of the world famous Fanatec brand. Corsair has reached an agreement with Endor to fund its short-term cash needs while both companies negotiate a restructuring of Endor's approximately €70 million of debt, which will ultimately result in Corsair acquiring Endor. "Fanatec is an incredible brand with a strong community, and we believe Corsair is the ideal home for Fanatec's loyal customers, employees and business partners," said Corsair CEO, Andy Paul. "This transaction would solve the company's significant debt load and position the company for growth and continued product portfolio expansion."

This sentiment is echoed by Endor. "We are very pleased to have found a strategic investor in Corsair who knows our market well and wants to invest for the long term," said Andres Ruff, CEO and Chief Restructuring Officer of Endor. Endor is a leading manufacturer of dedicated sim racing hardware, including force feedback steering wheels, pedals, and complete cockpits for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC-based racing simulators. This acquisition bolsters the investment Corsair has made in the simulation space, and means it is uniquely positioned going forward to provide peerless sim racing solutions.

Buckle-up, grab the wheel and floor it because best-selling gaming headset and accessory maker Turtle Beach Corporation, today announced its first-ever racing gaming simulation setup, the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race, is now available. Designed for Xbox and Windows PCs, this groundbreaking universal wheel & pedal system comes from the brand's multi-award-winning VelocityOne simulation team and features the latest technologies and premium materials to help drivers take pole positions and checkered flags. VelocityOne Race is available today for $649.99 MSRP at Turtle Beach and participating retailers worldwide.

"VelocityOne Race leaves competitors in the dust with its incomparable racing simulation performance, overall design, and build quality," said Cris Keirn, Interim CEO and SVP of Global Sales, Turtle Beach Corporation. "Turtle Beach has once again delivered a gaming simulation accessory that resets the bar for the category. VelocityOne Race features the latest technologies serious sim racing fans and drivers will love, at a price that is hard to beat."

As we enter the third week of the year's shortest month, we have a ton of new games to look forward to, with the major release this week being a gaslamp fantasy game with an open world and some multiplayer co-op action. As for the remaining games this week, we have an indie sci-fi shooter, a racing sim, a terminator franchise title, a couple of survival games set in different locations, with the latter one being a multiplayer game as well.

Nightingale / This week's major release / Tuesday 20 February
Nightingale is a PVE open-world survival crafting game played solo or cooperatively with friends. Build, craft, fight and explore as you venture through mystical portals into a variety of amazing and fantastical realms. You are stranded beyond our world, cut off by the collapse of the arcane portal network. This catastrophe has left you fighting to survive in a labyrinth of beautiful and dangerous Fae realms. Your goal: become a skilled Realmwalker, and navigate the web of transdimensional portals. Only then can you discover your way to the magical city of Nightingale, the last known bastion of humanity.

Best-selling gaming headset and accessory maker Turtle Beach Corporation, today announced the latest addition to the brand's esteemed line of gaming simulation gear with the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race. Designed for Xbox and Windows PCs by Turtle Beach's multi-award-winning VelocityOne simulation group, this groundbreaking universal wheel & pedal system is engineered to take the pole position and checkered flag as it resets the bar in racing simulation performance.

"Our VelocityOne gaming simulation products have already dominated the flight sim accessory market, and we're excited to expand Turtle Beach's catalog further by bringing this same level of ultra-realism and premium simulation performance to the world of racing"

Cooler Master, a leading provider of PC components, gaming peripherals, and tech lifestyle solutions, has today announced its strategic partnership with HubAuto Racing at the celebrated 70th Macau Grand Prix for the FIA GT World Cup. This collaboration melds the thrill of GT3 racing with the immersive world of SIM racing, spotlighting Cooler Master's innovative Dyn X racing simulator system.

Kevin Estre and Thomas Preining, renowned for their achievements in the motorsport world, will commandeer two Porsche 992 GT3R cars under the Cooler Master and HubAuto Racing banner. This venture not only amplifies Cooler Master's footprint in the racing arena but also offers a prime stage to demonstrate the exceptional capabilities of the Dyn X racing simulator system.

The wait is almost over. We are days away from the launch of EA Sports WRC, the biggest rally game Codemasters has made to date. EA Sports WRC is out November 3, let's go through everything you need to know before the big day. Jump straight into the action as soon as the game launches. Pre-load on the dates below.

November 3, the worldwide launch of EA SPORTS WRC at 04:00am UTC across all platforms. Get into the game earlier by, pre-ordering the digital version for up to 3 days early access starting on October 31 at 07:00 UTC across all platforms and EA Play Pro.

Here's how Forza Motorsport makes you fall in love with cars and build community through competition and skill. We're about to be at the starting line for a new era of Forza Motorsport, and today we're excited to tell you more about our vision behind the game. We also shared the first hour of gameplay with media and creators over the past few weeks, so keep an eye out for impressions of what they thought of the experience. And for those of you who can't wait, we shared a video on Forza Monthly featuring some of the gameplay from the first hour of the game.

BUILDING SKILL THROUGH COMPETITION
The Forza franchise has always been about falling in love with cars and building a community of car lovers and gamers. Forza Motorsport does this through competition and skill. In the new Forza Motorsport, we have completely rethought what it means to play Motorsport. This is a massive game with over 500 cars and 20 tracks, all featuring 24-hour dynamic time-of-day with weather. These cars were handpicked by our team, curated to deliver the absolute best experience across both Builders Cup and Featured Multiplayer for clean, thrilling and competitive racing.

Electronic Arts is excited to introduce EA SPORTS WRC, the official game of the FIA World Rally Championship coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via EA App, Epic Store, and Steam on November 3, 2023. Developed by the team behind the critically acclaimed DiRT Rally series, with over 25 years of off-road videogame heritage, EA SPORTS WRC is a truly next-generation rally game and the quintessential title for sim-racing enthusiasts.

Ross Gowing, Senior Creative Director at Codemasters: "EA SPORTS WRC is the purest form of motorsport where every stage is a fight against the clock, the terrain, and yourself. This is the rally game we've always wanted to make, combining our studio's deep knowledge and expertise with the power of the official WRC license representing the pinnacle of rally motorsport."

Cooler Master, a leading innovator in PC Hardware, today announced the launch of Dyn X, a breakthrough product for virtual racing and flying simulations. The Dyn X is more than a simulator; it's a gateway to a whole new world of adventures.

"Cooler Master has always been at the forefront of innovation, and the Dyn X is a testament to our unwavering commitment to elevating gaming experiences," said Jimmy Sha, CEO of Cooler Master. "Whether you're taking on a new racetrack or taking flight, the Dyn X offers unprecedented customization, comfort, and immersive gameplay." The Dyn X consists of two main components: a racing seat and a cockpit. Both are designed using high-quality materials, feature universal compatibility, and adopt modern race-inspired aesthetics. The Dyn X provides users with the opportunity to craft a simulation environment that aligns perfectly with their preferences.

Hey Everyone! We're delighted to reveal Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, based on the off-road experience with the most advanced physics by the creators of the critically acclaimed SnowRunner! Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive partner once again to bring a new game in the MudRunner franchise. After gathering more than 15 million players with MudRunner and SnowRunner, the studio returns with Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, a new entry in the series that will push the boundaries of the franchise's iconic off road experiences.

With Expeditions, you'll recognize elements that define the MudRunner experience - untamed lands, difficult terrains, and unprecedented vehicle-driving physics - while pushing the formula even further. As shown in last week's Gamescom reveal trailer, Expeditions is a real call to adventure, where you'll utilize newly gadget-packed vehicles and an expert crew to explore uncharted gorgeous landscapes and discover breathtaking landmarks.

F1 ️ World, a new feature for F1 ️23, with a lot to offer as an exciting new way to enjoy the game, serving as a central hub for multiple game modes. You can also watch a video from Maxime MXM to know more about F1 ️ World (below). Here's what the new hub features:

Series
Designed to offer a range of competitive events that take you on a single player global tour of F1 ️, spanning a variety of game modes and tracks, with primary and secondary objectives to complete.

EK had a secret invite-only launch event in Taiwan this week, only letting the press know to expect something the company had never done before. We arrived to be greeted by a big racing simulator rig, currently titled EK Sim Racer, which the company is planning for retail launch in time for PAX West in early September. What distinguishes the EK Sim Racer is an extremely clean design that makes it look more like a finished car and has every feature you can think of. There's the expected seat with full motion, a 32:9 curved display, haptic feedback in various places, timing belts and a responsive wheel with plenty of buttons and sticks alike, and of course RGB lighting. The lighting in the front also acts as a visual indicator of the steering and braking in real time for the audience to look at, as we suspect this will be a product more likely to be seen in an arcade than in someone's home given the physical form factor—it will ship pre-assembled. Powering the EK Sim Racer is a pre-built EK liquid cooled system, although this is optional and you can use your own PC with the launch edition expected to sell for $19,999 by itself or $24,999 with the PC included.

Following on from the reveal of EA SPORTS F1 23 last week, dive into the details you might have missed and more about what to expect ahead of launch on June 16, 2023 for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. F1 23's handling and physics have had a significant upgrade on previous years, resulting in better handling, low-speed traction, and overall vehicle driveability. Veteran players will immediately notice a difference, as vehicle behaviour in particular is more authentic thanks to three key areas of reworking: acceleration, braking, and cornering.

Updates to physics calculations for the slip of the tyres and how this interacts with the inertia of the car have been made. Plus, the way each car's engine delivers torque has been refined, with more progressive steps relative to gear and throttle input. On-track surfaces such as kerbs and rumble strips will be noticeably more pronounced, thanks to improvements made to the underfloor of each car, delivering a more true-to-life experience. Adopting feedback from real F1 teams and drivers such as Anthony Davidson, players will notice a closer balance between mechanical grip from tyres and aerodynamic grip from the cars. All these changes result in F1 23 offering the most authentic F1 driving experience around.