It’s fair to say that 2025 has been a challenging year for racing games, both for industry insiders and fans. Reports of redundancies have been all too frequent, and iconic franchises such as Forza Motorsport, Need for Speed, and Dirt have faced uncertainty regarding their futures. Despite these challenges, the year has also brought exciting developments in the genre. Let’s take a look back at the driving game highlights of 2025.
Reviving Nostalgia: RaceRoom and Forza Motorsport
RaceRoom Racing Experience, developed by KW Studios, has experienced a resurgence as it approaches its 13th anniversary. The free-to-play game gained momentum with the introduction of two new DLC packs celebrating ’90s touring car racing. This year, RaceRoom expanded its Super Tourer roster with the addition of the Alfa Romeo 156 and Opel Vectra, as well as the legendary 2002 DTM grid. A clever strategy of offering free access to all content for a month helped solidify its revival, reminding players of RaceRoom’s enduring appeal.
Meanwhile, Forza Motorsport marked its 20th anniversary with a significant update. The highlight was the return of Fujimi Kaido, a fan-favorite 10-mile circuit absent since Forza 4. While the franchise’s future remains uncertain, this update served as a fitting tribute to its legacy.
Breaking Boundaries: Forza Horizon and Wreckfest 2
In a move that would have been unimaginable a few years ago, Forza Horizon 5 launched on the PlayStation 5, opening the game to a new audience. This cross-platform release reflects a growing trend of Microsoft games appearing on Sony consoles. The success of Horizon 5 on PS5 has already led to confirmation that Horizon 6 will follow, albeit not immediately at launch.
Wreckfest 2 also made waves this year. The sequel to the original Wreckfest, known for its chaotic racing, launched in Early Access with new cars, tracks, and improved graphics. Developer THQ Nordic has stayed true to the formula that fans love, focusing on the thrill of virtual car destruction.
Strengthening Franchises: The Crew Motorfest and Indie Racers
The Crew Motorfest has continued to grow in strength, celebrating its second anniversary with the addition of a second island and new content. The game became the first to feature cars like the Ferrari F80 and BMW M2 CS, solidifying its place as a leading title in the franchise.
Meanwhile, a new wave of indie titles has brought a fresh perspective to racing games. Formula Legends and iRacing Arcade have charmed players with their adorable takes on motorsport, blending nostalgia with innovative gameplay.
Looking Ahead: Tokyo Xtreme Racer, Gran Turismo, and Assetto Corsa
The reborn Tokyo Xtreme Racer captured hearts with its nostalgic highway racing and customizable Japanese cars. The full game release, featuring previously absent models like Honda, has fans eagerly anticipating its PS5 debut in February.
Gran Turismo 2: Beige Edition has seen a revival thanks to a burgeoning modding scene. The mod adds 120 new cars, including the quirky Chrysler PT Cruiser, to the classic 1999 title. Additionally, Gran Turismo 7 received a significant update with Spec III and its first paid DLC, the Power Pack, rejuvenating interest in the game.
Finally, Assetto Corsa Rally surprised the community with its announcement at the Sim Racing Expo. Despite initial skepticism due to its sibling’s rocky launch, the rally-focused title has intrigued fans with its potential.
As 2025 draws to a close, the racing game genre demonstrates resilience and adaptability. While some franchises face uncertain futures, others have embraced change, offering fresh experiences and rekindling nostalgia. The year has been a testament to the enduring appeal of racing games, and fans eagerly await what 2026 will bring.
