New IndyCar Video Game To Launch In May
Codemasters, makers of the last official IndyCar Series game in 2003, will unveil “GRID 2" which can be pre-ordered with a special IndyCar edition.
“Gamers who pre-order Codemasters’ GRID 2 at Best Buy can choose the GRID 2: IndyCar edition, which includes: The exclusive Dallara IndyCar and the Pace Car to race in single-player, multi-player and an exclusive online event, and the opportunity to expand the game with two new routes around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval," according to the manufacturer.
Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports, engine partner Honda and driver Simon Pagenaud stayed over in Sonoma on Thursday, one day after its cars ran first and third in testing, to assist Codemasters with capturing live engine sounds.
Chevy IndyCar program manager Chris Berube also confirmed the 2012 Manufacturers’ champion has been aiding the series with audio from its engine for video game use.
“We’re doing some recording for the new IndyCar video game," Pagenaud said on Wednesday. “They’ll put microphones on the car to capture all the sounds of the Honda. I won’t be doing hot laps, but it should be a good experience. I’m happy to see IndyCar going in that direction and trying to give young kids something to get to know our series. It should be cool."
Dale Coyne Racing’s Justin Wilson is one of the more enthusiastic racing video game purveyors in the paddock, and says he’s looking forward to having new IndyCar titles to play this year.
“For IndyCar, they need to go in every direction," he said. “Everyone has different tastes, and as long as they’re done properly, I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with. I’ve become a big fan of iRacing.com and their IndyCar simulator, but I’d love to play more games as they become available.
“My introduction to Indy car video games came around 1992 or so when Nigel Mansell transitioned from F1 to Indy cars, so I’ll be right there when we have some new ones to try."
With an expected delivery date of May 28th, GRID2: IndyCar will be released for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC gaming.