F1 2015 Next-Gen Graphics Not Coming For Xbox 360 And PS3? All Season’s Content Not Available At Launch

By Staff Writer

May 03 2015, 06:43 AM EDT

With its release coming earlier than usual, fans are getting hyped as this year's instalment in the F1 series features new game engine designs that would rival Slightly Mad Studios' Project CARS.

Due to the change in F1 2015's release date, the game won't be seeing all of this season's content at launch. F1 2015 has been developed with new-gen graphics for next-gen consoles, threatening the possibility of the game's release in Xbox 360 and PS3 platforms.

F1 2015 was built using a new version of developer Codemasters' EGO game engine which will include improved graphics and additional advancements. For instance, the physics-based handling model enhances engine and transmission, aerodynamics, force feedback, fuel tank, suspension, and tyre physics. The team is "aiming for" 60 fps on both PS4 and Xbox One consoles, with 1080p resolution on PS4 and 900p on Xbox One, bringing it up to par with developer Slightly Mad Studios' upcoming racing game, Project CARS.

With the help of the new engine, Codemasters was able to set a release date closer to the start of the season unlike the usual October release for previous F1 games. The team achieved this by developing F1 2014's content into the new engine and then quickly building in 2015's content as it emerged.

However, because of the change, not all of 2015's content will be available at day one. It will contain the season's new tracks and most of the cars though, as well as the full 2014 season content. Other content will be introduced to the game shortly after its launch as part of a post-release update.

Now that the game is designed to run for more powerful hardware, F1 2015 will most probably not be released on Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles, at least not in this season. "This is purely a next-gen game. The engine was designed for next-gen consoles," F1 series principle games designer Lee Mather said. However, Codemasters would "never say never" to bringing the game to Xbox One and PS3 platforms.

F1 2015 is coming to PS4, Xbox One, and PC on June 12 in Europe.