With all the drama unfolding at Motorsport Games, many are wondering what is happening with Le Mans Ultimate in development by rFactor 2’s Studio 397.
Motorsport Games’ Q3 2023 financial breaks the silence, confirming Le Mans Ultimate’s release date. While the game has only been shown in screenshots since it was announced, a short teaser trailer also shows Le Mans Ultimate in action for the first time.
Le Mans Ultimate release date delayed
Originally set for a December 2023 release, Le Mans Ultimate will launch on 20 February ahead of the first World Endurance Championship race at Losail, Qatar, a few days later. You can wishlist Le Mans Ultimate on Steam here.
Releasing on the 51st day of 2024 also provides a subtle reference to the #51 Ferrari 499P driven by Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Le Mans Ultimate will initially be released on PC only, but Motorsport Games is considering porting it to consoles if it sells well.
“We are excited to confirm the updated release date of our planned Le Mans Ultimate title, as we anticipate releasing the game on February 20, 2024," Motorsport Games’ CEO Stephen Hood said in a Q3 2023 earnings report.
"This simulation title, created by the team behind the renowned rFactor 2, Studio 397, will look to bring together incredible sportscar machinery with unparalleled physics alongside innovative gameplay features, such as the collaborative asynchronous co-op multiplayer mode."
“Additionally, the game will feature the RaceControl multiplayer service recently released as an open beta into rFactor 2 to great success, exceeding initial player expectations and driving a recognisable uplift in sales of rFactor 2 content.”
First Le Mans Ultimate teaser trailer
A new teaser trailer provides a first look at Le Mans Ultimate running on rFactor 2’s graphics and physics engine. Le Mans Ultimate had only been shown off in screenshots until now. The endurance racer seems to be shaping up well, with the trailer showcasing the Toyota GR010, Ferrari 488 GTE, Peugeot 9X8, and Porsche 963 Le Mans Hypercars battling it out.
The final game will include the full lineup of 2023 LMH, LMD, GTE, and LMP2 cars along with seven tracks from the 2023 WEC calendar and asynchronous multiplayer.
To say there’s a lot riding on Le Mans Ultimate’s success is an understatement. Financial turmoil led to Motorsport Games selling the NASCAR license to iRacing before laying off 40% of its staff, losing the BTCC license, and suspending the IndyCar game's development. As a result, Le Mans Ultimate is now the only title still in development under Motorsport Games.
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