Motorsport enthusiasts and gamers worldwide can now rev up their engines as the much-anticipated Le Mans Ultimate, the official game of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, becomes available in Early Access starting February 20. Developed by the talented team at Studio 397, a part of Motorsport Games Inc., this marks a significant milestone in the world of racing simulations.
Le Mans Ultimate isn't just another racing game; it's a return to the roots of endurance racing video games, being the first officially licensed and dedicated 24 Hours of Le Mans game in over two decades. The game captures the heart-pounding excitement of the Le Mans Centenary year in 2023, offering players the chance to drive all the celebrated cars and navigate the renowned circuits that defined that historic racing season.
What sets Le Mans Ultimate apart is its commitment to realism, thanks to extensive collaboration with manufacturers, notably Ferrari, to meticulously recreate the Le Mans Centenary-winning 499. The game boasts improved realism, handling, and graphics, featuring all the Hypercars, LMP2, and GTE-Am models from legendary manufacturers like Porsche, Ferrari, and Aston Martin. This PC-based game is built upon Studio 397's advanced physics technology, ensuring an immersive and authentic racing experience.
Players can relish the thrill of driving on circuits featured in the 2023 FIA WEC, including Sebring (USA), Portimão (Portugal), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Monza (Italy), Fuji (Japan), Bahrain, and the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans (France). Every detail is meticulously recreated using laser-scan data, providing an unparalleled level of accuracy.
Stephen Hood, CEO of Motorsport Games, expressed his excitement, stating, "This is a significant milestone for a business we have worked to transform and give focus to over the last several months." He highlighted Studio 397's prowess, calling them "one of the very best technology teams in the business." Hood emphasized the strategic focus on game, technology, and platform, paving the way for a complete ownership of an ecosystem rarely found in a company of their size.
The Le Mans Ultimate project aligns with Motorsport Games' vision of transforming the racing and driving game experience. The partnership with the ACO (Automobile Club de l'Ouest) has been reaffirmed, with immediate plans for the continued development and expansion of Le Mans Ultimate to provide gamers with a world-class entertainment experience.
Endurance racing has witnessed a renaissance, evident in the increasing interest and viewership of events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and World Endurance Championship. With new Hypercar machinery and prestigious competitors like BMW and Lamborghini joining the grid in 2024, the game promises a rich and appealing content roadmap for future updates.
Le Mans Ultimate caters to both solo players and online racing enthusiasts. The RaceControl service powers regular online events with the capability to handle thousands of concurrent users, offering an immersive multiplayer experience. Single-player mode, Race Weekend, allows players to test their skills against competitive AI drivers after familiarizing themselves with the sophisticated machinery and circuits.
Players can support the game early by purchasing it in Early Access, gaining immediate access and the opportunity to provide valuable feedback for future development priorities. Le Mans Ultimate promises a collaborative development process, with regular updates on the game's progress, fixes, features, content development, and quality-of-life enhancements.
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