Electronic Arts has announced F1 22, the latest in Codemasters’ long-running line of officially licensed Formula One games that will let players get into the open cockpit of a ludicrously fast race car and test their skills in a new season packed with new hybrid vehicles, circuits (e.g., the Miami International Autodrome), and more. This year’s installment will be released for the PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (EA App, Origin, Steam, Epic Store) platforms on July 1, 2022, and F1 fans can get three days early access by pre-ordering the F1 22 Champions Edition beginning today.
“We look forward to welcoming our players to the new era of Formula 1,” said Lee Mather, F1 Senior Creative Director at Codemasters. “Alongside the real-world changes, we have updated the physics to accommodate the new aero rules and re-worked the tyre model, making the handling more true to life. With new and updated circuits, Adaptive AI, F1 Life, and expanded gameplay options, there has never been a better time for players to take their seats and live the life of an F1 driver.”
Take Your Seat for the New Era – Launching July 1, 2022 (EA)
Codemasters and Electronic Arts Inc. today enter a new era of Formula 1 with the announcement of EA SPORTS F1 22, releasing worldwide on Friday, July 1. In the biggest shake-up for over a decade, players will take their seats for the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship in new hybrid cars, as overhauled rules reimagine the race weekend with the inclusion of F1 Sprint races. With a more competitive and unpredictable line-up, players will test their skills across the 2022 calendar, including the International Autodrome for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. In another first, players can step into the glamorous world of Formula 1 with F1 Life, a customisable hub to show off their collection of supercars, clothing, and accessories, earned via gameplay, Podium Pass, and the in-game brand store. Players can pre-order the Champions Edition now, which includes three days early access and a time-limited Miami inspired content pack.
The redefined race day allows players to customise their set-up with new Immersive and Broadcast options that affect formation laps, safety car periods, and pit stops. Select Immersive, and players will face risk-reward challenges, which could be the difference between a place on the podium or finishing outside the points. Broadcast takes the pressure off, with controlled and authentic cinematics that keeps players close to the action. For the ultimate immersive F1 experience, the new PC VR functionality via Oculus Rift and HTC Vive enables players to feel the drama from right inside the cockpit.
For new and casual fans, the new Adaptive AI keeps less experienced players competitive throughout each race, with opposing AI racers tailored to match the skill level. Accessible menus and handling also return to help players get to the action quickly without the need to understand the complexities of the sport. The refreshed Practice Programs offer more variety with new scoring systems and on-track visualisations. This helps players navigate each twist and turn to perfection before racing for those all-important championship points.
F1 22 also boasts enhancements to returning features, including My Team, allowing players to choose their starting budget based on three entry points: Newcomer, Challenger, and Front Runner. The game sees real-life track updates to Australia, Spain, and Abu Dhabi to reflect recent changes. F1 22 also features its critically acclaimed 10-year Career, complete with a two-player option, and Multiplayer is back for epic races against the global racing community.
EA reclaimed the rights for the F1 series after acquiring British game developer and publisher Codemasters in 2021. Codemasters has been involved with the franchise for over a decade, having initially published F1 2009, an installment that was developed by Sumo Group subsidiary Sumo Digital (Crackdown 3, Sackboy: A Big Adventure).