The racing game genre on PS4 has taken a few hits recently, most notably the server troubles suffered by DriveClub PlayStation Plus Edition and the corresponding delay of the non-PS Plus edition. With the Project CARS release date delayed by four months, as Bandai Namco announced today, there’s yet another racing-game speed bump.
The delay effects Xbox One owners as well.
Originally the Project CARS release date was scheduled for November 18. Today Bandai Namco announced it has delayed the release date until March 17, 2015. The release date delay, according to Bandai Namco, was to “position the title away from the competitive holiday scene dominated by household names.”
In short, the company was worried about sales. However, the four-month delay also gives developer Slightly Mad Studios more time to polish their next-gen racing game.
Commenting on the Project CARS release date delay, Slightly Mad Studios said: “Our goal has always been to deliver a landmark title that encompasses the wishes and desires of racing fans from all around the world; something with features and content powered by the community that provide a truly unforgettable and pioneering experience” said Ian Bell, Head of Studio at Slightly Mad Studios. “Whilst a tough decision to make, the change in release date allows the game the greatest chance of success and visibility, and the opportunity to polish the game even further to the high standards that both ourselves and our community demand and expect. We’re eager for you all to see what we’ve been working on in just a few months.”
Project CARS has the largest track roster of any recent racing game, as well as dynamic day/night cycles and weather patterns. The game also supports Oculus Rift and Project Morpheus, the latter of which is particularly interesting for PS4 owners. Could this mean the new March 17 release date is indicative of an impending launch of Sony’s virtual reality headset?