Sim racing on consoles got a little more interesting with a new contender.
After blowing up on PC, Rennsport is finally bringing its ultra-realistic racing to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2025.
With full crossplay and a focus on realism, it could give Gran Turismo 7 a run for its money. But does it have what it takes to challenge Sony's long-standing racing juggernaut?
Made by Competition Company and Teyon, Rennsport isn't just a racing game. It's designed to be a hardcore sim experience from the ground up. The game was a PC exclusive and has been in early access, slowly improving its physics, car handling, and content. Nacon is on board as the console publisher, and now the racing sim is trying to reach a bigger audience.
Rennsport's biggest selling points are its laser-focused realism, use of Unreal Engine 5, and isiMotor-based physics engine. It's also heavily involved in esports, having already hosted high-stakes competitions like the ESL R1 series. Thanks to the competitive advantage and cross-platform racing, console players won't just be cruising. They'll be part of a world that's all about precision and high-stakes racing.
It's hard to miss GT7's killer visuals, huge car list, and realistic driving, but it also comes with a heavy emphasis on online progression and microtransactions. Unlike that, Rennsport favors a more community-centered approach. It might not have tons of content yet, but it features tracks like Daytona, Monza, and Spa, along with licensed GT3, GT4, and hypercars.
One of the best things about Rennsport is how it supports crossplay and cross-progression. Players on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC can race together without a hitch, with progress syncing across platforms. Unlike GT7, which is stuck on PlayStation, this is a whole other story.
It's clear Rennsport has potential, but it's up against some challenges. GT7 has had years to build a dedicated player base and remains a flagship PlayStation title with consistent updates and expansions.
GT7 also features a wider range of cars and tracks, along with its well-known career mode and impressive visuals. However, Rennsport is targeting a slightly different crowd. Its esports focus, free-to-play model, and mod-friendly nature make it appealing to those who want a purer simulation experience.
The real question is whether console players will warm to a game that focuses on competitive racing instead of casual gameplay. Rennsport's console debut is exciting, but it won't necessarily dethrone GT7. It's defining its own space as a hardcore, competitive sim racing platform focused on esports and realism.
For players looking for an alternative to GT7 with crossplay and a fresh approach, Rennsport could be exactly what they're looking for.
It all comes down to how the developers manage accessibility and realism, and how much content we get at launch.