Bringing racing together in a social setting, the plan is to open a range of new leisure complexes featuring high-tech simulators that will host friends, family and host corporate events.
The centers will house up to 60 simulators and guests will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of racing modes to suit all skill and talent levels.
The simulators will run on a custom upgrade of rFactor2 and will feature the latest laser-scanned circuits, cars and physical models.
Software development work is currently underway at the game’s headquarters Studio 397 , and the company is part of Motorsport Games.
Agreement has been reached with F1 for an official license for the venues, with the first center expected to open at One New Change in London later this year.
The career centers are expected to expand to up to 30 cities around the world in the long term, including the UK, the US, Western Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Ben Pincus , F1’s director of commercial partnerships, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with best-in-class operators on this global opportunity, which will create an incredible entertainment experience for a worldwide audience and a go-to place for fans and non-Formula 1 fans alike.
“The racing simulators will bring the experience of driving a Formula 1 car to life in a stylish, fun and high-octane environment, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy and get closer to the world of F1.”
The plan has been drawn up by Adam Breeden , who has found success in similar sports-themed entertainment experiences including Puttshack, Flight Club, Bounce, All Star Lanes and Hijingo .
He has created the company Kindred Spirits to execute the project, which has the backing of the investor Imbiba and Formula 1 itself.
Speaking about the deal, Breeden explained, “When people come to one of our centers, we have to surprise them, and this new concept is going to take people’s breath away.”
“With our knowledge of creating the best concepts and operations, and the strength of the F1 brand, we will break down barriers in competitive socialisation, combining cutting-edge technology, a premium F&B offering and a visually stimulating environment, with the glamor and the unparalleled emotion of F1, to create an unforgettable experience full of adrenaline”.
Dmitry Kozko , CEO of Motorsport Games, said the gaming experience would be as real as possible in F1.
“We are honored to work with Kindred Concepts and Formula 1 to help successfully launch this cutting-edge gaming experience,” he said. “Motorsport Games prides itself on the authenticity and realism brought to each of our games and the simulators at this venue will be no different.”
“We hope that each guest will get a real feeling of driving a Formula 1 car in these state-of-the-art simulators in a unique environment.”
