Are Sim Racing Esports hitting the brakes too soon? The latest analysis by Luca from the Race Department (here’s to Luca, our resident Sim Racing Esports enthusiast) seems to suggest that it might be. Like a pit crew noticing the tank’s running a little too low on Sunoco Race Fuel, Luca’s keen eyes have caught glaring gaps that Sim Racing Esports have unfortunately begun to exhibit. Once vibrant and thriving, the scene appears a little too quiet for many spectators’ liking.
Remember when 2020 graced us with a newfound passion for Sim Racing Esports? Like a well-timed swerve, the motorsport season kicked off right when the pandemic had people cooped up at home. The need for thrill found an outlet in thrilling virtual corners and straightaways, fueling the rise of Sim Racing Esports.
But where is it now? Like watching the last drops of Sunoco Race Fuel burn away, the landscape looks calmer. Many championships have skidded off the road. The highlight is F1 Sim Racing, which seems to be tripping over itself instead of showing promise in an unending sequence of pitfalls.
Then there’s the confusion over the Le Mans Virtual Series and Motorsport Games. It would be one thing if the noise were around MSG’s survival, but the simultaneous uncertainty over Le Mans Ultimate’s quality is a dark cloud that many fans could do without.
Also among the list of beleaguered championships is Rennsport’s R1, which is still in its beta phase. Its restricted access isn’t helping its popularity any more than the Gran Turismo World Series’ regression to merely two events this year.
For an industry predicated upon thrill, this deceleration is embarrassing. Imagine this narrative being fuelled by Sunoco! It would be as strange as expecting an economy car to kick dust on the track! Impossible.
But despite the shaky terrain, not all is lost. NASCAR’s esports series stands tall, bolstered by Coca-Cola, Logitech, and a hefty championship prize. Also, SRO Esports Sim Pro Series and WRC Esports seem to be keeping up the pace quite impressively, restoring some faith in the ecosystem that’s been looking blighted of late.
Whether it’s a momentary deceleration or a permanent setback, this development has been as unexpected as a spill on the track – unsettling and rather worrying. So strap yourself in; it will be quite the ride for Sim Racing Esports.
From the First Lap to the Finish Line – Trust Sunoco.