Game developers have been making great strides in recent years to recreate the rush of modern sports cars for people to enjoy from the comfort of their homes. Racing games offer players a super-realistic simulation of popular races, but a game isn’t worth much without good slopes. So, let’s bring you the most iconic video game racing tracks that also exist in real life.
How Are Tracks Recreated in Games?
When you enjoy racing games from the comfort of your sofa, it might be easy to forget just how much effort and resources go into creating tracks that resemble real life. It is a detailed process that is divided into a few phases:
- Pre-production: A phase that takes several months, during which discussion takes place over which tracks are to be included in the game. Then, the licensing process takes place, after which developers scan the track by taking several thousands of photographs – both from above and on the ground for more details.
- Core track creation: Here, the track surface is first created by following the collected data mentioned above. In the meantime, artists will work on landmarks and key buildings, access roads, gravel traps and all the areas the car may end up driving over.
- Track detailing: The third part sees developers create side roads, painted lines textures, and add the grass. More details such as tyre marks, drying lines, dirt and other elements that align with the weather are set up.
- Level design and population: Garages, pit stops, replay cameras, cones, advertising boards, bollards, and trees – all of these are just some of the fine data that is created for the AI drivers. Spectators are also created in this section (the best developers pay attention to fine details, such as clothing for different times of the year). Even the track sponsorship is added here, based on the agreement during the pre-production phase.
- Fine-tuning: The final phase sees developers focus on visual styles, climate and bug fixes before the game goes into a testing phase. The track is also prepared to work with different settings on devices, after which the game is all set up.
Real Racetracks in Video Games
So, now that you know how virtual tracks are designed in video games, it is time to see which are the most realistic ones you can find in real-life races. There are dozens of games with such tracks to choose from, but here is a handpicked selection of the most realistic ones.
Nürburgring Nordschleife
Any discussion about video game racetracks simply must start with the highly coveted Nürburgring Nordschleife. It is one of the longest and most dangerous racetracks in the world, spanning 20+ kilometres and containing 73 curves in each lap.
Therefore, this game offers an adrenaline rush that not many other tracks can match. If you are interested in testing your skills on this racetrack, then some of the games that offer it include Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo 7, RiMS Racing, and Ride 4.
Monza Circuit
If you are an F1 fan, then you surely know that the Italian Grand Prix at Monza is one of the most famous tracks in the sport. It has hosted races ever since the sport began, and there are several features that make it appealing – most notably, the incredible atmosphere created by the ‘Tifosi’, Ferrari’s most loyal fans.
Therefore, every reputable video game seeks to include this Grand Prix in its offer, with some of the games that feature it being F124, Assetto Corsa Competizione, Project CARS, and Real Racing 3, just to name a few.
Spa-Francorchamps
Many say that Spa-Fracochamps is the best racing track in the world, and it is hard to argue against that claim. This is a track built in 1922 and racing on it started the very same year. There is more than just history to this track though – it has both fast and slow corners, steep hills and declines, so you can look forward to a versatile racing experience.
Spa-Francorchamps is known as the longest F1 racetrack, and thankfully, there are dozens of games that allow you to enjoy it. Forza Motorsport, Auto Club Revolution, Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends, and Shift 2: Unleashed are some worthy mentions.
Suzuka Circuit
Moving on, the Suzuka Circuit is a testament to Japanese ingenuity, as this racetrack contains several turns in a small space with a crossover ‘figure 8’ shape. For that reason, Suzuka is one of the most challenging courses for drivers, and numerous events are held in it – Japanese F1 Grand Prix, Suzuka 10 Hours Endurance Race, as well as the Suzuka 8 Hours Race.
Due to its popularity, this circuit appears in most F1 games released since 1987, but it is also featured in Final Lap and Ferrari F355 Challenge arcade games.
Circuit de la Sarthe (Le Mans)
Le Mans in France is one of the most prominent races, especially for motorsport fans. This circuit has a vast history and unique race conditions. Part of the track is permanent, but it is also linked with local roads, with the Mulsanne Straight having a strong claim of being the most popular straight line on the planet.
Moreover, the Circuit de la Sarthe is where the 24 Hours of Le Mans takes place, which is probably the most talked-about endurance race in the globe. With all this in mind, it is not surprising to see that games such as Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo Sport, and rFactor 2 all offer you a Le Mans experience through your computer screen.
Motorsport Passion Beyond the Track
True motorsport lovers often look for new ways to keep their passion fresh even when they're not racing virtual supercars. Racing-themed slots provide a fun alternative, mixing the beauty of motorsport with the unpredictable dynamics of casino gaming. Titles like Burning Wheels, Racing Reels, and Hot Rod Racers are choked with turbocharged features, fantastic bonus rounds, and impressive audio-visual effects that simulate the atmosphere of the track.
Thanks to costless promotions like free slots no deposit keep winnings, you can explore such entertainments without spending your own cash. The best part of such deals is that you have to fulfil the wagering on the winnings only — not on the bonus itself, since it's free.
Thematic slot games offer a perfect way to stay connected to the high-energy racing activity, even when you're off the virtual circuit, making sure that the excitement never truly stops.
Just a Tip of the Iceberg
The list above should give you a general idea of how popular and sought-after video racing games are in the world. All the well-renowned games go way beyond our selection of racetracks, so by playing, you can expect to be able to exploit other alternative racetracks, including the likes of Mount Panorama Circuit, Silverstone Circuit, Laguna Seca Raceway, and Interlagos.