Excitement is shifting into full throttle as EA Sports’ F1 25 gears up for its launch on May 30. Packed with a host of upgrades, tweaks, and fresh features, this latest installment aims to cater to both newcomers and seasoned racers, making sure everyone finds their sweet spot on the track. I recently caught up with the developers at EA Codemasters to discuss the game’s newest elements that players can look forward to.
“We’re always open to feedback,” shares Gavin Cooper, the Creative Director at EA Codemasters. “The community’s voice shapes many of our features this year.”
Feedback is coming in from every angle, not just from official forums but also from Esports drivers and content creators who got an early look at F1 25. Their input has been crucial in refining aspects like car handling, enhancing the TV-style presentation, and improving the real driver voiceovers. “Hearing the actual drivers’ voices as you play adds a layer of authenticity,” Gavin explains. “We’ve nearly doubled the number of voice lines compared to what we offered in F1 24, creating moments that feel more immersive.” You don’t just hear driver soundbites; there’s an exchange between real drivers and in-game engineers, capturing the real camaraderie and intensity of racing.
Gavin is keen to address an issue that’s bugged fans in the My Team mode – the engine sounds. “Now you can hear the correct engine audio based on your supplier choice,” he reveals. “It’s something our community has been keen on for quite some time.”
Let’s dive into My Team, a fan-favorite mode that’s seen a significant revamp. This time around, you’re taking on the role of a team owner, managing two drivers instead of being the owner-driver. “We realized the owner-driver role wasn’t authentic,” Gavin admits. “Managing two drivers brings more strategic choices, making tasks like contract negotiations and prioritizing upgrades much more engaging.”
Managing personalities, egos, engineering duties, and corporate responsibilities will keep players on their toes. Coupled with expanded R&D, an enriched sponsor system, and the option to bring in iconic drivers, there’s no shortage of strategic maneuvering to keep hardcore fans engaged.
For fans of “Braking Point,” the massive story mode doesn’t disappoint either. “We’re always looking to enhance narrative impact,” notes Gavin. Players now have choices that lead to different story paths and impact race objectives, providing a diverse narrative experience.
And once you’re through with “Braking Point”? You can bring your Konnersport team into the Career Mode, a first for the F1 series. It’s just another way F1 25 provides flexibility in gameplay options.
Gavin sums it up, “The game offers a whole range of paths. Whether you’re playing as an official or custom driver, or trying out the new teams like Konnersport or Apex, there are plenty of choices before you even dive into integrating Icons in My Team.”
As for the game’s immersive details, the developers haven’t skipped the fun extras. Improved customization includes an enhanced decal editor, font and color options for driver numbers, and more. Additionally, LIDAR scanning has refined the design of five tracks, and you can now experience tracks like Silverstone and Zandvoort in reverse layouts, offering a fresh twist.
Behind the scenes, the development of such a detailed game is no easy feat. With teams alternating work on “even” and “odd” year releases, there’s always a group focused on core elements like handling and AI. “The split-team model is vital,” Gavin explains. “It allows us to set up big features annually, despite the overlap when building the game.”
It’s a strategy that mirrors the teamwork of top F1 teams and comes into play perfectly when the stakes are high. Ready to hit the start line, F1 25 will be available on PS5 this May 30, giving you a taste of all the detailed work and passion poured into it.
