Will There Be Real Racing 4? The Future of Mobile Racing Simulation
The short answer, sadly, is likely no, Real Racing 4 is not in development and appears to have been cancelled. While never officially announced, reports and industry whispers suggest that Electronic Arts (EA) shelved the project due to monetary concerns, believing it wouldn’t meet projected financial targets. This is a significant blow to fans of the franchise, who have been eagerly awaiting a true sequel to the acclaimed Real Racing 3.
The Cancellation of Real Racing 4: A Deep Dive
The absence of any official announcement made the situation ambiguous for quite some time. Gamers rightfully held out hope that EA would surprise them with the next installment of the Real Racing series. However, the consensus now is that Real Racing 4 is dead in the water. Several reports, none of which have been denied by EA, indicate the project’s demise.
The primary reason cited for the cancellation is purely financial. EA, like any publicly traded company, is driven by profit. It seems that the potential return on investment for Real Racing 4 didn’t meet the company’s expectations. This might be due to the increasing costs of mobile game development, the evolving market for racing games, and the success of Real Racing 3 as a continually updated and monetized platform.
This decision seems to align with EA’s more recent strategy of focusing on fewer, bigger titles and maximizing the longevity of existing games through updates and microtransactions. While this approach can be lucrative, it also means that some promising projects, like Real Racing 4, are unfortunately sacrificed.
The fate of Real Racing Next is also unclear. Given the context of Real Racing 4’s apparent cancellation, it’s reasonable to speculate that Real Racing Next might have suffered a similar fate, facing internal doubts and ultimately being shelved. This highlights the volatile nature of game development, where even promising projects can be scrapped behind the scenes.
The Legacy of Real Racing 3
Despite the disappointment surrounding Real Racing 4, it’s crucial to recognize the impact of Real Racing 3. Launched in 2013, it set a new standard for mobile racing games with its realistic graphics, extensive car list, and authentic track designs. The game has continually been updated with new content, cars, and features, keeping it relevant and engaging for its player base.
Real Racing 3’s success also pioneered a freemium model in the racing genre, which has become increasingly common on mobile platforms. While some criticize the freemium approach, it has undoubtedly allowed Real Racing 3 to reach a massive audience and remain profitable for over a decade. The game features Race Dollars (R$, Gold, and Motorsports Dollars (M$) as currencies, offering a way for players to progress, but sometimes pushing to make the users pay to win.
Real Racing 3 is geographically based out of Southbank, Melbourne, though featuring various international race tracks.
Real Racing 3 also includes NASCAR within the MotorSports category. This has had it’s ups and downs, even being removed from Real Racing 3 for sometime due to expiring licensing deals.
While the graphics and physics of a potential Real Racing 4 would undoubtedly be significantly improved compared to its ten-year-old predecessor, the developers would be challenged to enhance the existing, already impressive graphics and physics.
The Future of Mobile Racing
The cancellation of Real Racing 4 raises questions about the future of mobile racing games. Will developers continue to focus on updating existing titles, or will new, ambitious projects emerge? The answer likely lies in a combination of both. The mobile gaming market is constantly evolving, and developers must adapt to changing trends and player preferences. The popularity of the genre has caused developers to try new things. For instance, Asphalt 10: Speed has been delayed to the summer of 2024. This delay is due to product spying occurring in China.
One thing is certain: the demand for high-quality mobile racing games remains strong. Whether it’s a fully simulated experience or a more arcade-style racer, players are always looking for the next adrenaline-pumping title. With the continued advancement of mobile technology, the potential for even more immersive and realistic racing games is immense.
For those interested in further exploring the educational aspects of gaming, including racing simulations, the Games Learning Society offers valuable resources and research. You can visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Real Racing and the state of the racing game genre:
What happened to Real Racing 4?
The game was reportedly cancelled due to EA believing it wouldn’t meet financial targets.
Is there NASCAR in Real Racing 3?
Yes, NASCAR is the 3rd group in the MotorSports category in Real Racing 3.
Which country is Real Racing 3 based on?
Besides taking place in various international race tracks, Real Racing 3 includes a fictional but geographically accurate racetrack based on Southbank, Melbourne, with the Flinders Street Station depicted as one of the landmarks.
How many cars are in Real Racing 3?
There are over 400 cars in Real Racing 3.
What is the fastest car in Real Racing 3?
The Bugatti Bolide is the fastest car in Real Racing 3, at 542kph/337mph.
What is the longest race in Real Racing 3?
The Le Mans track is the longest in Real Racing 3, featuring over 550 props and 7000 trees.
Why was Real Racing 4 cancelled?
EA’s decision to cancel Real Racing 4’s development is reportedly due to monetary concerns.
What is M$ in Real Racing 3?
M$ stands for Motorsports dollars, one of the three types of currency in the game.
Why is Real Racing 3 so good?
Real Racing 3 is known for its realistic graphics, tight controls, and extensive car list. However, some players find the freemium model intrusive.
Why did Real Racing 3 remove NASCAR?
The NASCAR content was removed due to the licensing deal with NASCAR expiring and not being renewed.
Is Real Racing 3 a pay to win game?
Real Racing 3 can be considered pay-to-win to some extent, as spending real money can significantly speed up progress.
Is Real Racing 3 the best?
Real Racing 3 is considered one of the best mobile racing games, but its freemium model can be a drawback for some players.
Does Real Racing 3 have realistic physics?
Yes, Real Racing 3 is known for its realistic physics and driving experience.
Does Real Racing 3 have F1?
Yes, Real Racing 3 includes Formula 1 cars and events.
What is the M limit in Real Racing 3?
The M$250,000 M$ Max is a hard limit on daily M$ race winnings.
The cancellation of Real Racing 4 is a disappointment, but Real Racing 3’s legacy and the potential for future mobile racing games remain strong. The evolution of technology promises even more immersive and realistic racing experiences.