Trying to capture a realistic feel for the F1 series of racing games has been part of Codemasters overall goals for the franchise for a number of years now. And with F1 2018 offering a number of improvements to the career mode that play off the fact that it features all the official teams, drivers and all 21 circuits of the 2018 season means that stuff like R&D and car progression is becoming a little more RPG.

Check it out.



“We already had an extensive R&D system in last year’s game but wanted to expand this for F1 2018 based both on feedback from our community and where we want to take the Career experience too,” commented Lee Mather, game director, F1 2018. “We have made significant changes to the in-game pricing structure, added ERS upgrades, given each of the Formula 1 Teams their own unique R&D tree, and added a fog of war around the development.

“Probably the most significant addition is the introduction of rule changes, meaning that each season you don't know where the other teams are going to be performance wise. It makes every year unique and drives you to want to do season after season.” Lee continued. “The player will be notified by their engineer that a rule change could be taking place at the end of the year and they can choose to use R&D points to preserve upgraded items to protect areas that have already been developed. Doing so could see the player starting the following season in a stronger position. However, the other teams will also have to contend with the rules changes, meaning you take to the grid in Melbourne not knowing which teams are the fastest.”

It all sounds pretty in-depth and quite exciting for F1 fans looking to simulate a full season of competition. F1 2018 launches August 24 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.