Racing Games
The need for speed
Racing games evolved from text-based simulations to photorealistic experiences, spanning arcade fun to hardcore simulation.
Overview
Racing games transport players behind wheels real and imagined. The genre spans spectrum from arcade drift-fests to precise simulations demanding racing-line knowledge. Gran Trak 10 (1974) started the arcade lineage; Night Driver (1976) pioneered first-person perspective; Pole Position (1982) proved the genre’s commercial power. Today’s racers render photorealistic cars on laser-scanned tracks.
Fast facts
- First arcade racer: Gran Trak 10 (1974).
- First-person pioneer: Night Driver (1976).
- Arcade classic: Pole Position (1982).
- Simulation branch: Indianapolis 500 (1989), Gran Turismo (1997).
- Modern split: arcade versus simulation approaches.
Subgenres
Racing game varieties:
- Arcade: accessible, spectacular (OutRun, Need for Speed).
- Simulation: realistic physics (Gran Turismo, iRacing).
- Kart: power-ups and chaos (Mario Kart).
- Combat: weapons and destruction (Twisted Metal).
Technology showcase
Racing games pushed graphics:
- Sprite scaling: pseudo-3D techniques.
- Polygon 3D: Virtua Racing, Ridge Racer.
- Lighting: reflections and time-of-day.
- Physics: tyre models, suspension simulation.