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IndyCar is finally getting an official video game

By Asher Fair

Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing, IndyCar (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing, IndyCar (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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After almost two decades without one, IndyCar is finally slated to get another officially licensed video game, thanks to Motorsport Games.

Motorsport Games, the publisher of NASCAR Heat 5, is set to become the new creator and distributor of an all-new standalone racing IP, one that fans have eagerly been awaiting for almost two decades.

The company announced today that they have entered into an exclusive agreement to create and distribute an official IndyCar game, adding yet another layer to their overall roster of games.

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The first game of this series is expected to launch in 2023 and will come with an exclusive esports agreement, an agreement which may kick off as early as this year.

For almost two decades, passionate fans of America’s premier open-wheel racing series have been waiting for this moment. On Tuesday, June 22, 2004, Codemasters released the 16th officially licensed IndyCar game, based on the 2003 season, titled IndyCar Series 2005.

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There are a number of racing simulation games that feature various IndyCar mods, including rFactor, rFactor 2, iRacing, Assetto Corsa and Forza Motorsport 7. But to this day, more than 17 years later, IndyCar Series 2005 is still the most recent officially licensed IndyCar game to be released.

We recently spoke to Motorsport Games CEO Dmitry Kozko in the spring about the potential for an IndyCar game, and he hinted that it was something that could be on the radar, saying that he would be “thrilled to work with IndyCar to implement the most realistic and authentic experience possible to the fans that have been clamoring for a game” if that opportunity ever presented itself.

Now this opportunity has finally presented itself and has officially been announced, putting the many dedicated fans of the sport in a position they haven’t been in for nearly two whole decades.

Here is what Kozko had to say about this new deal in a release.

"“Motorsport Games and INDYCAR are thrilled to provide fans with a long overdue dedicated gaming experience. After decades of world class racing, we cannot think of a more deserving league for a video game franchise. INDYCAR shares our commitment to bringing authentic experiences to motor racing enthusiasts. Fans can anticipate the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to meet the same level of excellence and immersive gameplay they expect from Motorsport Games.”"

Here is what Penske Entertainment President & CEO Mark Miles had to say.

"“Our partnership with Motorsport Games will bring the fierce competition of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to a global gaming audience hungry for quality motorsports content. Like the talent and depth of our field, INDYCAR’s universe continues to expand and grow rapidly. Motorsport Games is an industry leader with a track record of innovation and we know our fans will have 2023 and the debut of this new NTT INDYCAR SERIES video game circled on their calendars.”"

Here is what Arrow McLaren SP driver Pato O’Ward, who currently sits in second place in the championship standings, had to add.

"“I am super excited our fans will be able to bring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES into their homes with this new video game franchise. This is such a great opportunity for fans to connect to our series even more, from watching us on the weekends to playing as us on their favorite tracks whenever they want.”"

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Look out for more information about this new franchise over the next few months. There are six races remaining on the 16-race 2021 schedule, starting with the inaugural race on the streets of Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday, August 8. This race is set to be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET.