NASCAR video game: New name, release date revealed

The new NASCAR video game has officially been announced by Motorsport Games, and with a different name than in years past.

Motorsport Games, a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, today announced the release of the new NASCAR video game.

The NASCAR Heat 5 publisher, which recently announced the first officially licensed IndyCar game since 2004, is introducing a new officially licensed game that will somewhat break away from the recent Heat series.

This game is titled NASCAR 21: Ignition and is set to be powered by Unreal Engine and Studio 397’s highly-acclaimed rFactor physics engine, giving users a more authentic driving experience, immersive gameplay, dynamic AI and stunning visuals.

The game is scheduled to launch on Thursday, October 28, 2021.

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The game will feature the official drivers, teams and tracks from the 2021 Cup Series season and include broadcast quality pre-race build-up and post-race replays.

Drivers will be face-scanned into the game to provide their realistic representations, and heightened attention to detail has been given to the tracks, grandstands and pit experiences. Broadcast voice-over work will be provided by MRN Radio.

Gamers who pre-order either the Standard ($59.99) or Champions Edition ($89.99) will be given early access to the game two days in advance, and they will also be given a “Traxion.gg” paint scheme.

Individuals who purchase the Champions Edition will also receive exclusive availability to unlock the legendary Bill Elliott as a playable character as well as his paint schemes, in-game career boost and the season pass ($29.99), which will include all three DLC packs. The season pass will release additional paint schemes and three other legendary drivers as well.

Players will have the ability to dive straight into the action with Race Now or start in the engaging career mode as they build their reputation in the sport and battle their way towards the championship. Career mode provides each user with driver-focused progression and clear goals and structures on the road to glory. Online races will be supported for up to 40 players.

Here is what Motorsport Games CEO Dmitry Kozko had to say in a release.

"“Motorsport Games is thrilled to offer our most true-to-life simulation of NASCAR to date with NASCAR 21: Ignition. We’ve designed this game with our fans and players in mind, bringing them features, modes and options they have long clamored for. NASCAR 21: Ignition captures the atmosphere, pageantry and fierce competition of the NASCAR Cup Series, while offering authenticity, competition and accessibility through the game’s core foundations.”"

Here is what Nick Rend, NASCAR’s managing director of gaming and esports, had to add,

"“Our partners at Motorsports Games have dedicated an incredible amount of talent and resources towards completely redeveloping the game and delivering a product that our fans will be excited to play. NASCAR 21: Ignition utilizes Epic’s Unreal Engine to bring the most realistic NASCAR race experience directly into the home of our fans, while introducing NASCAR-style racing to a broad audience of gamers.”"

Pre-orders for the game will begin tomorrow for Sony PlayStation 4, Microsoft Xbox One and PC through the Steam store. Make not of the fact that the game will have a free upgrade path for the Sony PlayStation 5 and Microsoft Xbox Series X/S post-launch.