CODEMASTERS acquire F1 Racing License from FOM (merged)

[JamboGT]

Ober the years I have bought Grand Prix 1,2,3 and 4 all the F1 games on playstation since the 95 season, obviously excluding 96 and I miss my regular update. My PC won't run rfactor and I miss my new Formula 1 games.

I know its not a big deal but it is still annoying.

 

[icelt]

So I'm guessing that the screen grabs posted in the IGN article are likely from the Wii version...maybe?

 

[Sureboss]

CM:



"The PSP and Wii versions of the game due for release later this year are being developed by an external studio. The next gen versions due for release next year are currently in developement at our internal racing studios."



CM:

"Hi all,

Following on from this mornings announcement, I've noticed quite a few questions on these forums regarding whether the next gen versions of the game being released in mid-2010 will be based on the 2009 or 2010 seasons.

I'm pleased to be able to confirm that after speaking to the dev team and raising your questions and concerns with them that the 2009 Wii & PSP versions of the game will be based on the 2009 season, and that the next-gen versions of the game coming in mid-2010 will be based on 2010 season data."

this now is a major change from the initial FAQ of "based on season 2009" but at least we now know that something must have changed.

Yes, they underestimated development time. Still, at least you know they are doing some kind of quality control with the product.

 

[MS7XWDC]

Yes, they underestimated development time. Still, at least you know they are doing some kind of quality control with the product.

well, they claim "Nothing has been delayed and everything is running to plan. "

which [if true] that the FAQ that said "Based on 2009 Season" was intentionally "misleading" at best, because XBOX, PS3, PC versions will NOT be based on 2009

 

[Sureboss]

Officially, nothing has been delayed. But they are bringing out handheld games based on 09, net gen on 2010 season. Something has clearly changed, just nothing they'd announce publicly.

 

[MS7XWDC]

hence the frustration over the FAQ "changing"

 

[Robin]

Gosh this is dissapointing news, I would have thought it would out soon (near the middle of the F1 season).

Plus the lack of TV commentary has literally ruined it for me. It just sounds like a cop out not to record Brundle and Legard. I really want to play the game from a spectators perspective as most previous F1 games have been set but I do understand how some would prefer it set from the drivers perspective.

Oh and one other thing, if the game (PS3/360) is based on the '10 season what exactly have the dev's been doing all this time! Dont tell me working on the Wii version! They surely can't start anything now because they don't know what the cars will look like on 2010. This just looks like a delay hidden in a very weak disguise.

 

[Sureboss]

Looks are easy to change in comparison to other bits. Game engines take time to develop, physics, etc. It is a delay. Tracks can be made, etc. Besides we knew what this seasons cars looked like 3 months ago.

 

[Robin]

Yes but seeing as this game is for the '10 season they wont be able to model the cars appearance, physics and handling till 3 months or so from the start of that season and for a mid '10 release that schedule is going to be very tight!.

So between now and then what are they going to be doing?, and more to the point what have they been doing since they got the licence. As far as I can see not much as we havent even seen one screenshot of the next gen version. Modelling tracks can't take between now and next feb/march time!

Robin.

 

[Sureboss]

They've had to create the game from scratch. how long have they had the license? We got the news about a year ago, it will be around in another year. 2 years is about right. Track modelling can take a while. Don't forget the physics engine, etc.

 

[Robin]

Don't get me wrong, I hope that because they have a long time to dev it means it will turn out to be an excellent game.

I just hope that they dont waste it away like for example the NFS undercover dev's who supposedly would turn out a better game because of the longer dev cycle (they even had the luxury of the underlying code from MW) and the game still was a massive dissapointment. Thats not a great example but I hope you see what im getting at.

Yes they will be able to do the tracks and other assets like basic laws of physics now but how each individual car handles and recieves damage etc will only be able to be done literally after the 2010 launch, they can't make that stuff up now.

What would have been better is to base it on the 09 season and maybe release it after the seasons over. I guess thats what everyone was thinking was going to happen anyway! But oh well..

Robin.

 

[Alltidxx]

I'm thinking much the same as you, Robin.

 

[Scaff]

An example screenshot released by CM

Now if this is is DS version then I'm impressed (but I doubt it is), if its the PSP version then I wouldn't be surprised, if however its the Wii version then its going to look shockingly poor on even a moderately sized TV.

More screens....

Source - http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=213678

Now given the screen ratio I would say the last two are from the PSP build, the rest, well if they are from the DS that its going to look great and if they are from the Wii then its going to be nasty.

Regards

Scaff

 

[Alltidxx]

Well in terms of graphics I'm actually not worried. Partly because I'm not obsessed with graphics but also because I understand the general market is. Therefore Codies are not likely to let down in this area.

 

[Sureboss]

Don't get me wrong, I hope that because they have a long time to dev it means it will turn out to be an excellent game.

I just hope that they dont waste it away like for example the NFS undercover dev's who supposedly would turn out a better game because of the longer dev cycle (they even had the luxury of the underlying code from MW) and the game still was a massive dissapointment. Thats not a great example but I hope you see what im getting at.

Yes they will be able to do the tracks and other assets like basic laws of physics now but how each individual car handles and recieves damage etc will only be able to be done literally after the 2010 launch, they can't make that stuff up now.

What would have been better is to base it on the 09 season and maybe release it after the seasons over. I guess thats what everyone was thinking was going to happen anyway! But oh well..

Robin.

Damage for the cars would be generic as they wouldn't design each car to have a different crash model, unless I'm misunderstanding what you said.

If they are releasing mid 2010, they will have time to adjust, besides, next years changes aren't as drastic as this years, are they?

NFS: Don't be surprised about anything bad that EA Canada produce.

Last point is valid, however, if the game isn't ready to release they can't release it. The next game is likely to be a start of F1 games by Codies so they want to get off on the right foot, or it will damage their series prospects.

 

[Robin]

I must say if those last shots are from the PSP version they look horrid! Maybe its still in development but I wouldnt buy it looking like that, even if the physics and gameplay were good. The PSP is capable of much better graphics than that.

Robin.

 

[Ardius]

I'd take physics and gameplay over graphics anyday. Graphics are nice but not essential.

 

[icelt]

Eurogamer has now posted the first "hands on" article that I've seen. Unfortunately it is for the Wii version, but at least it is something.

F1 2009 Hands On

 

[Pepsi0]

Eurogamer has now posted the first "hands on" article that I've seen. Unfortunately it is for the Wii version, but at least it is something.

F1 2009 Hands On

IGN has also done the same.

 

[Digital-Nitrate]

The official website is up and running, but so far all it lets you do is "Sign Up", and shows the short teaser trailer:

[YOUTUBEHD]kMQcrw5IXSY[/YOUTUBEHD]


There is also an article about the Game(s) on F1's official website:

Codemasters reveal next generation of official F1 games

A new generation of Formula One video games featuring all the drivers, teams and circuits from the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship was announced on Friday by Codemasters, the developer and publisher of award-winning racing video games, under its exclusive worldwide agreement with Formula One Administration Limited.

The first title in the series, F1 2009™, will debut on Wii™ and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system this autumn. F1 2009 will deliver an authentic and accessible recreation of the current Formula One season, including, for the first time in a Formula One title, the stunning Singapore night race. A trailer video is now live at www.formula1-game.com, Codemasters’ new online destination for the game.

Extending the Formula One experience to further gaming formats, it was also announced that F1 2010™ is in development at Codemasters Studios and coming mid 2010 for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and Games For Windows®. F1 2010 is being created using Codemasters’ EGO™ Engine technology, which most recently powered the BAFTA award-winning Race Driver: GRID™.

Talking about the partnership with Codemasters, Bernie Ecclestone, CEO Formula One Management Limited, commented: “Codemasters has a great heritage when it comes to racing games and their reputation is second to none. We’re working very closely together on the upcoming Formula One titles and are very impressed with what we have seen.”

Rod Cousens, CEO, Codemasters, said: “Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport. For many, it embraces a lifestyle and its audience is far reaching and growing. We are producing a series of games that will deliver the passion, glamour and exhilaration that fans deserve and we know how to do that. F1 2009 is the start of something very special for Codemasters and will set the standard for the high definition versions that will follow in mid 2010.”

“Our studios are working extremely closely with Formula One Management Limited and the teams to produce the most authentic and thrilling experience possible. We are delighted with the level of support and access afforded to us so far, enabling us to get as close to the sport as possible. It is this level of support, understanding and working in partnership that enables to deliver superb Formula One games for whichever platform players choose to race.”

In addition to bringing Formula One to Wii for the first time, F1 2009 marks Lewis Hamilton’s debut in a videogame and will enable players to take to the wheel of his McLaren MP4-24 and battle to retain his drivers’ championship crown. The new 2009 season promises to be one of the most exciting and closely fought, thanks to new regulations on aerodynamics, slick tyres and the introduction of the KERS boost system, which is designed to aid overtaking. The rule changes, including KERS, will be reflected in F1 2009 to deliver a truly enthralling racing experience.

“I know Codemasters is going to make a great Formula One game and I'm really looking forward to racing my virtual Red Bull RB5 around my favourite tracks such as Spa and Monaco,” said Chinese Grand Prix winner, Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel.

"Formula One computer games and circuit simulations can be invaluable for racing drivers so it's great news that our fans will also be able to experience the BGP 001 through this game," added championship leader, Brawn GP's Jenson Button.

Both the Wii and PSP editions of F1 2009 have been exclusively designed to deliver the ultimate racing package for each individual format and its audience. Setting new standards for immersion and authenticity on Wii, F1 2009 will offer a variety of race modes, including a full Formula One season and individual arcade-style challenges. Customisable driver aids will be offered to individual players, so both novice and expert drivers will be able to keep their car on track. In the game’s multiplayer mode, driver aids will enable friends and families of different abilities to play together in wheel-to-wheel split screen co-operative and competitive multiplayer races.

The PSP edition of F1 2009 will have players racing against each other wirelessly in addition to engaging and challenging single player modes exclusively tuned for portable play, including competing in full championships.

As Formula One enters its most exciting season yet, F1 2009 will take Wii and PSP players as close as possible to racing in the world’s most spectacular motorsport when it launches this autumn; F1 2010 will follow for PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360 and Games For Windows in 2010. For the trailer video, race over to www.formula1-game.com.

An example screenshot released by CM

Now if this is is DS version then I'm impressed (but I doubt it is), if its the PSP version then I wouldn't be surprised, if however its the Wii version then its going to look shockingly poor on even a moderately sized TV.

It is from the Wii version... in fact the original image name from Codemasters is titled "f1_2009_wii_first_look_force-india_12.jpg"

More screens....

Source - http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=213678

Now given the screen ratio I would say the last two are from the PSP build, the rest, well if they are from the DS that its going to look great and if they are from the Wii then its going to be nasty.

You guessed correctly about the last two being from the PSP version, and the other three are all from the Wii version.

IGN renamed the images, but based on the original image names from Codemasters, it reveals which version they are from. Here are the original names of the images you posted in the same order:

• f1_2009_wii_first_look_force-india_12.jpg
• f1_2009_wii_toyotashanghai_004.jpg
• f1_2009_wii_first_look_renault_003.jpg
• f1_2009_psp_first_look_22.jpg
• f1_2009_psp_first_look_38.jpg"

I must say if those last shots are from the PSP version they look horrid! Maybe its still in development but I wouldnt buy it looking like that, even if the physics and gameplay were good. The PSP is capable of much better graphics than that.

They are in fact from the PSP version.

 

[Peter]

Those screenshots reminds me of DTM Race Driver 3, in the Williams F1 cars, terrible. Codemasters please don't mess this up, or else i'm sticking to F1 2006 and F1 CE.

 

[Watevaman]

To be honest, those graphics on the Wii version are the equivalent of a late PS1/early PS2 game. I know it's early in development, but they shouldn't "release" shots that look that bad.

 

[JamboGT]

Those screenshots reminds me of DTM Race Driver 3, in the Williams F1 cars, terrible. Codemasters please don't mess this up, or else i'm sticking to F1 2006 and F1 CE.

Thats not fair on Toca Race Driver 3!

 

[doblocruiser]

Since complete hell is breaking loose at the moment in F1 I feel a bit sorry for those guys at Codemasters. Just obtained big expensive license and know this.

Codies, you should have sticked to your BTCC license

Seriously, I don't know how this is going to end but it could also be a major disaster for the game itself! F1 without the "big boys" is a lot less attractive.

Any comments or thoughts on this one guys?

 

[klondike]

Since complete hell is breaking loose at the moment in F1 I feel a bit sorry for those guys at Codemasters. Just obtained big expensive license and know this.

Codies, you should have sticked to your BTCC license

Seriously, I don't know how this is going to end but it could also be a major disaster for the game itself! F1 without the "big boys" is a lot less attractive.

Any comments or thoughts on this one guys?

Id be surpised if the whole situation isent sorted out before the next season starts. Its all politics on a high level. but when it all comes to all. Everyone in the F1 circus is depending on each other, they are just playing with their muscles until they can find a agrement everyone can benefit from.

 

[Peter]

Fresh batch of screenshots from Codemasters:

EDIT:I did a little research, and found out that these are all PSP screenshots. I am convinced, I will be pre-ordering this soon and I expect it to be good.

 

[Peter]

Is there anyone who cares at all about this thread anymore?

 

[Sele1981]

Wohooo that looks horrible If we were in the 1998´s then it would look ok... I thought the Wii has much more power than this...

 

[Peter]

The new ones I posted are all PSP screenshots, and, for a PSP game, they look great.

 

[Sele1981]

Yeah for the PSP version they look good!

But http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/f1-2009-hands-on says that these pictures are from the WII version... that graphics are not final I know... but that looks horrible for me... I mean some games on the Wii look really good for SD graphics...