Anticipation is hitting high gear as EA Sports revs up for the launch of F1 25 on May 30. This latest installment promises plenty of upgrades and new attractions aimed at both racing rookies and seasoned track pros. I got the chance to chat with the folks at EA Codemasters about what they’re bringing to the table.
Gavin Cooper, the creative director at EA Codemasters, mentioned, “Feedback from our community plays a huge role in shaping our features each year.” They’re not just listening to fan forums but also tapping into input from Esports drivers and content creators who have had early access to F1 25 while it was still in development.
The upcoming game boasts improvements in car handling, enhanced TV-style visuals, and an updated voice-over from actual drivers. Gavin pointed out, “With nearly double the voice lines compared to F1 24, hearing real drivers adds an authentic vibe.” This means interactions between the drivers and in-game race engineers echo the real-life drama and teamwork found on the track.
Another exciting tweak involves the popular My Team mode. Gone are the days of being a sole driver-owner. Now, you’re managing a two-driver team, encouraging players to dive into strategic decision-making. “Switching to a team manager role opens up more tactical choices,” Gavin shared, suggesting the gameplay will have more depth as players decide which driver to focus resources on, especially concerning contracts and upgrades.
Braking Point, the expansive story mode, sees fresh enhancements too. Players have a more significant influence on the story’s path by choosing between two drivers, with their choices affecting both race goals and the storyline’s conclusion. This intertwining narrative structure adds yet another layer of excitement, giving players personalized experiences while maintaining a robust central plot.
Once players wrap up Braking Point, there’s a unique perk: the chance to carry their Konnersport team into Career Mode, a first for the series. Gavin gleefully noted the variety of choices on offer, whether you want to race as an official driver, create a custom driver, or explore other team scenarios.
The game’s design is awash with intricate details, courtesy of advanced tools like LIDAR scanning. This adds realistic features to tracks such as Bahrain and Miami, enhancing things like safety barriers and vegetation. Plus, to keep even the savviest drivers on their toes, several tracks like Silverstone are available in reverse versions, offering novel challenges in known settings.
EA Codemasters’ two-team approach, where development is split across alternating years, ensures they keep innovating. As Gavin explained, this setup allows them to work on crucial elements like AI and handling each year while fitting in major new features.
F1 25 continues to build on its championship formula, proving the power of collaboration and consistent evolution. Get ready to gear up and hit the track when this thrilling racing experience drops for PS5 on May 30.