EA plan their own take on Formula One racing for gamers

Publishing behemoth Electronic Arts have acquired the official FIA licence to produce authentic Formula One games. EA will publish games on PC, PlayStation and possibly N64. The licence allows them to use all the teams, drivers, circuits and logos for both the FIA Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships.

“Formula One is one of the world’s most prestigious sports licences and teaming the number one EA SPORTS brand with the leading global racing franchise is a dream come true for Formula One racing fans,” commented EA president John Riccitiello modestly. “We believe that our world class creative organisation can successfully translate the passion that fans feel for Formula One into best-selling products for both consoles and PCs”.

Psygnosis have already published three F1 games for the PlayStation, but F1 ’98 was a mess compared to its predecessor, F1 ‘97. Video Systems successfully brought the licensed F-1 World Grand Prix to the N64, but EA are promising to bring management elements into their titles.

“EA’s Formula One games will let motorsports fans worldwide become drivers and owners, negotiating the curves as well as the contracts,” said European vice-president Tom Stone. In the past, EA have concentrated on the NASCAR games which are big in America. Let’s hope that they can bring out the European passion for Formula One that Psygnosis so successfully translated into F1 ’97. But will they sign up Murray Walker to do the commentary?