The recent downsizing within Motorsport Games, involving a staggering 40% staff reduction, cast a shadow of doubt over the fate of the much-anticipated IndyCar game.
The layoffs had a profound impact on Motorsport Games Australia, the core team steering the development of the official IndyCar game.
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The Unexpected Halt
Motorsport Games delivered an unexpected blow by halting the progression of the IndyCar game.
This decision followed the closure of the Motorsport Games Australia division, which ultimately led to the suspension of the game’s development.
Suspending IndyCar Development: A Financial Move
CEO Stephen Hood cited the closure of the Australian development studio and the suspension of the IndyCar game in a bid to curtail operational expenses and phase out underperforming or financially unviable projects.
Originally slated for a 2023 release and later postponed to 2024 due to financial constraints, the future of the game now hangs in the balance.
A Murky Outlook
Penske Entertainment, the entity owning the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, expressed disappointment in Motorsport Games’ inability to sustain the IndyCar game’s development due to resource constraints.
However, they hinted at forthcoming steps in due course, leaving the game’s future uncertain but not entirely devoid of hope.
Possibilities Amidst Uncertainty
Amidst the suspension, Motorsport Games confirmed retention of the game’s technology and assets, eyeing a potential revival in a different domain within the company.
While Studio 397, the sole team under Motorsport Games following the closure of the Australian division, concentrates on the impending release of Le Mans Ultimate, possibilities surface regarding the fate of the IndyCar game.
Prospective Scenarios
Speculations abound about the potential sale of the IndyCar game license to another developer to garner finances and resume development.
Contenders like EA and iRacing emerge as potential candidates to either expand their motorsport gaming portfolio or revitalize the IndyCar game post its suspension.
The Grim Financial Landscape
The IndyCar game’s suspension adds to Motorsport Games’ recent setback of losing the BTCC game license, contributing to a bleak financial report.
The third quarter of 2023 witnessed a net loss of $3.5 million, painting a somber picture compared to a net loss of $8.5 million during the same period in 2022.
The fate of the IndyCar game remains uncertain, embroiled in the intricate dynamics of the gaming industry’s shifts and financial challenges.
Speculations and hopes persist for its revival or potential acquisition by other gaming entities amidst Motorsport Games’ restructuring and financial struggles.
