P1racenews AI automatic summary:
There won’t be a new official F1 game in 2026. Good, says Glenn Freeman, because sports gaming has become needlessly addicted to annual releases
The news of no new F1 game in 2026 is surprising, a departure from the expected yearly releases. Many sports franchises follow a routine of annual releases, emphasizing new features to drive sales at full prices.
The gaming industry is evolving, with successful titles focusing on continuous content updates rather than yearly releases. The development of sports games, including racing games like F1, faces challenges in offering substantial new content every year.
Advancements in game technology and platforms have slowed, resulting in annual releases feeling similar to their predecessors. The era of significant leaps between game releases has passed, making incremental changes the norm.
EA Sports’ decision to make the 2026 regulations an expansion pack for F1 25 represents a strategic shift for the franchise, with a full-scale new game planned for 2027. The promises for F1 27 suggest a fresh and expanded gameplay experience, potentially revitalizing the series.
Overall, the move away from annual releases could lead to a more innovative and engaging gaming experience for fans of the F1 franchise.
