Arcade-style racing games prioritize fun and a fast-paced experience over realism, often featuring unique car behaviors. A key difference from simulation racers is their more liberal physics; whereas real racing requires speed reduction for turns, arcade-style games encourage “powersliding” to maintain speed. Collisions are also more exaggerated. These games often license real cars and leagues, but are equally open to more exotic settings and vehicles, with races taking place on highways, winding roads, or in cities. Popular franchises include Battle Gear, Out Run, Ridge Racer, Daytona USA, Need for Speed, Sega Rally, Cruis'n, Burnout, Rush, Midnight Club, Project Gotham Racing, TrackMania, MotorStorm and Forza Horizon.
Some arcade racing games use hydraulic motion simulator arcade cabinets, particularly those from Sega since the 1980s, to simulate the look and feel of driving. During the mid-late 2000s, street) racing games imitating the import scene became popular, such as Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition and entries in the Need for Speed and Test Drive series. Some arcade-style racing games also include weapons to impede opponents, like in the Mario Kart series, or vehicular combat elements as seen in Twisted Metal, Destruction Derby and Carmageddon.
Simulation style racing games strive to convincingly replicate the handling of a real automobile. They often license real cars or racing leagues, but may use fantasy cars if official licenses are unavailable. Vehicular behavior physics are a key factor, and the rigors of professional racing, such as tire condition and fuel level, are usually included. Proper cornering technique and precision racing maneuvers are prioritized.
Aids like traction control, anti-lock brakes, and steering assistance can be enabled in many simulators. Sound plays a crucial role in player feedback, with engine and tire sounds communicating the car’s physical state. Some simulators are customizable, with fans decoding tracks, cars, and executable files, and forming internet communities with online championships. Examples of these simulators include Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo, GTR2, Assetto Corsa, iRacing, Project CARS, and Automobilista 2.
Kart racing games have simplified driving mechanics, unusual track designs, and action elements. They often feature characters from platform games or cartoon television series driving "wacky" vehicles. Kart racers are more arcade-like than other racing games, often offering modes where players can shoot projectiles or collect power-ups. Vehicles typically resemble go-karts, lacking gear sticks and clutch pedals.
The subgenre was popularized by Nintendo's Super Mario Kart in 1992, which spawned the Mario Kart series. Since then, over 50 kart racing games have been released, featuring characters from various franchises.
Anti-gravity racing games feature vehicles that hover or glide using anti-gravity technology. These games often have science fiction themes and futuristic track designs, and may also include vehicular combat elements.
In arcades, anti-gravity racing dates back to the 1980s with games like Star Rider and Cosmos Circuit. Nintendo's F-Zero (1990) and Psygnosis' Wipeout (1995) defined the genre on home consoles.
The basis for racing video games were electro-mechanical driving games. The earliest mechanical racing game dates back to 1900 with Yacht Racer. Mechanical car driving games originated in British amusement arcades in the 1930s, and were adapted in the United States by International Mutoscope Reel Company with Drive Mobile (1941).
The first rudimentary racing video game was released in 1972 with the Magnavox Odyssey's Wipeout. Atari released Space Race in 1973, and Gran Trak 10 in 1974. Taito’s Speed Race (1974) used vertical scrolling, inspired by earlier electro-mechanical games. In 1976, Sega released Road Race, later rebranded as Moto-Cross and Fonz. Atari’s Hard Drivin’ (1989) and Namco’s Winning Run (1988) were early examples of 3D polygon graphics. Sega’s Virtua Racing (1992) combined features of earlier games with 3D graphics and multiplayer linking. In 1997, Gran Turismo was released for the PlayStation, considered the most realistic racing simulation of its time. In 2000, Angel Studios introduced free-roaming racing with Midnight Club: Street Racing.
[unverified] The evolution of racing video games continues with increasingly realistic graphics and physics, and a wide range of subgenres catering to different player preferences.
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