F1 2014 will consist of two waves of releases.  The first wave arrives in Australia and New Zealand on October 16th for the Xbox 360 game console system from Microsoft, Windows PC and the Sony PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.

Developer Codemasters will then introduce a new FORMULA 1 title in 2015 for the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system, Windows PC and the Xbox One.

For this year’s season the F1 2014 game has incorporated all the new regulations in use in the real world.  According to Codemasters the rule changes this year represent the most significant in the sport’s 60 year history.

This includes new aerodynamic regulations and turbocharged power units. All but two teams have changed their driver line-ups and new circuits have been added to the roster.  According to the developers players will experience how 2014’s radically different new cars feel to drive as the season’s cars, circuits and teams are authentically represented.

“This is the year it all changes – for the sport and for the game,” explained Stephen Hood, Creative Director for the F1 series at Codemasters.

Hood explains “There’s been a dramatic shift in the sport; the largest shake up in the rules and regulations for a very long time and the new power units provide a very different kind of challenge, for both driver and team. By delivering all of these changes, F1 2014 will make for an exciting and refreshingly different experience. Additionally, with the new driver evaluation system analysing each player’s skill level and suggesting appropriate game settings, plus re-graded difficulty levels including a brand new Very Easy setting, we aim to deliver a thoroughly rewarding F1 experience for players of all abilities, from the novice to the seasoned pro.”

F1 2014 delivers a range of enhancements to create the most accessible FORMULA 1 video game from Codemasters to date.  The idea is to extend the driver evaluation system, identifying player ability and tune game settings to an appropriate level, whilst re-graded difficulty settings enable players to compete at incrementally higher levels as they become more experienced.  Experienced gamers, who enjoy a more serious simulation of the demands placed upon F1 drivers, can customise their settings to provide a true challenge.

Yes it is the middle of the real-world race season; however Codemasters have managed to get this year’s version of the game out a little earlier than previously.  Well a couple of weeks at least.   “Our title for the new generation formats will mark a huge step forward for the F1 series. We want to be out there earlier in the season and deliver new season content updates digitally as the 2015 season progresses; it’s very exciting for the series and our players” explained Hood.  

Of course that may not console PS4 or Xbox One errrrr console owners who will have to wait to seasons end to get their version of the game, built from the ground up for the next-gen consoles.  In fact these versions will be just in time for the 2015 season and be digitally updated with any rule or team changes that manifest themselves in the real-world championship.