Racing games are one of the most important cornerstones in video games. The genre has been around almost as long as the medium and has been found in arcades and consoles for generations. In the early to mid-2000s, racing games were one of the most popular genres out, and even now, fans want to revisit some of their best titles. But the genre doesn't have the same momentum that it did over a decade ago.
As video games continued to advance, so did racing titles. Game series like Need For Speed and Forza Motorsport continue to adapt and release new titles to keep up with the changing medium. However, players don't seem to have the same interest in the genre as they used to. It's a shame because these games have only been getting better and offer up mechanics that other games couldn't even think of.
That being said, where racing games seem to be losing traction, driving in other games is still at an all-time high. This is potentially because racing games can only offer competitive sprints or circuit races. While fun, they can become stagnant. Other titles like Grand Theft Auto offer racing mechanics with a variety of cars while giving also offering a completely separate experience outside of driving. That practice has helped keep players by offering variety and not one singular purpose.
Racing games have always been considered sports games and like other sports games. The title focuses on realism. Since their beginning, racing games have continued to innovate and create real-world environments. Even titles like WRC 9 offer realistic terrain that is perfect for players who love a challenge. However, that also means that the more realistic it gets, the more niche the audience becomes, and it eventually gets harder to reel in new players.
To compete with open-world titles, games like Need For Speed have started to implement that same open idea while also adding a story mode to keep players advancing. For the most part, the plan has worked and has helped get the word out on the genre. These worlds often include various types of races, time trials and online races. It helps keep things fresh in the genre while giving players something to earn, with rewards being anything from cars to money to buy new parts.
Customization has also become even more detailed than ever, with various options having realistic effects on the vehicle. Rather than focusing on parts that make it go fast, players can test out new additions to create their ideal ride. Games like WRC 9 utilize this to make rally racing even easier. On top of that, decals and other visual options have become available to make the perfect car.
DLC content also pushes the limits by creating courses reminiscent of tracks based on brands like Hot Wheels or environments like dense Jungles. Thanks to those factors, racing games are better than they've ever been. While the genre may not have the same pull it used to, other mediums like film help keep it alive. As long as video games continue to be a draw and players still love to race, there will always be a place for racing titles, even if everyone isn't quite ready to hop back in the driver's seat again.