It's official, we're getting a new Superbike game later this year! Milestone have added another new motorbiking series to their portfolio to join the likes of MotoGP and Monster Energy Supercross.
Here's everything you need to know about SBK 22!
Latest news - First SBK 22 gameplay video
Following the announcement trailer, Milestone has released the first SBK 22 gameplay video. The gameplay video shows off the Algarve International Circuit and features Toprak Razgatlıoğlu riding a Yamaha YZF-R1
SBK 22 announced
Milestone previously developed the Superbike video game between 1999 and 2012 and they're back again with this exciting biking championship.
The announcement was also made with an accompanying trailer, which you can view below:
The trailer combines a mix of real-life and in-game footage and it's genuinely hard to tell the difference between the two for most of the 55-second runtime.
The official 2022 SBK game
Milestone confirmed in their press release that SBK 22 will have all of the content from the 2022 Superbike series. That means that all of the riders, teams, liveries and circuits from this year's series will be in the game.
Career Mode
The immersive Career Mode offers many ways to work around rider and bike performances, from managing a staff building an Advanced Setup in which players have full control of bike’s settings evolving the Development Trees. Staff management means hiring different professionals, from Personal Manager through Chief Engineer, without forgetting the fundamental Data Analyst.
The Development Tree is structured in different areas, each one requiring a specific amount of research points to be unlocked. Those points are gained passively by the Engineers or actively by players, performing specific tasks in the round. SBK™22 also boasts enhanced realistic features, tyres and development tyres selecting a wide range of Pirelli tires for dry and wet tracks, and fuel management to balance bike’s weight.
Gameplay
Milestone's gameplay reveal shows showcases the Algarve International Circuit. As we ride with Toprak Razgatlıoğlu on his Yamaha YZF-R1, the action is shown from the chase camera.
Unsurprisingly, SBK 22 looks very similar to MotoGP 22. This is because SBK 22 uses the same Unreal 4 graphics engine. However, the bikes will handle differently as they are based on production models compared to the thoroughbred MotoGP racing bikes.
The A.N.N.A System is SBK 22's AI mechanic, which is based upon neural networks and machine learning. This is the same system that MotoGP 22 uses.
Customisation is also big in SBK 22, as there are various editors that the player can customise several aspects of their unique experience. Sticker Editor, Helmet Editor and Number and Butt Patch are those dedicated to the riders and bikes.
Going off the trailer as well, it's highly likely that we'll see a lot of emphasis placed upon Superbike's unique race weekend format. This is just speculation at this point though.
Release date & consoles
SBK 22 will be released worldwide on 15th September 2022. This is the release date for SBK 22 on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X, PC (Steam) and Switch.
Pre-ordering
Pre-orders are available for SBK 22. Information on pre-orders are shown on the game's official website. Pre-ordering will earn you the VIP Multiplier Pack when you boot the game up.
The VIP Multiplayer Pack allows you to multiply the reputation points and the research data that you will earn in the career mode.