Excitement is revving up to full throttle as EA Sports gears up to launch F1 25 on May 30. This release is set to deliver a thrilling array of improvements and fresh features that promise both newcomers and seasoned racers an experience that feels just right. I recently got a sneak peek into these exciting updates by speaking with the brains behind the game at EA Codemasters.
Gavin Cooper, the Creative Director at EA Codemasters, mentioned, “Feedback is never in short supply for us. The community’s voice shapes a lot of what we’ve implemented this year.” Capturing opinions from far and wide, including official forums and insights from Esports athletes and content creators who got an early look at F1 25, has been integral to the development process.
The game seeks to refine various aspects, from its car handling to a more polished TV-style presentation, while also enhancing the real drivers’ voiceovers. Gavin explained, “Listening to the drivers’ real voices in-game adds a layer of authenticity. We’ve nearly doubled the voice lines compared to F1 24, providing richer context.” This means you can hear direct conversations between drivers and race engineers in the heat of the moment, capturing the camaraderie and tensions of real-life racing.
For those who felt My Team mode needed variety in engine sounds, there’s good news. Gavin shared, “Now we’ve customized audio for different engine suppliers, making each engine sound unique. That’s something fans have wanted for a long time.”
On the My Team front, expect major changes. This time around, you step into the shoes of a team owner managing two drivers. Gavin pointed out, “Being an owner-driver isn’t true to the sport, but managing two drivers brings strategic choices into play. Deciding who to prioritize for contracts or upgrades adds depth.” You’ll select who handles the car during race weekends, but the dynamics of managing diverse personalities, alongside overseeing Engineering, Personnel, and Corporate facilities, add layers to your in-game reputation.
Fans of the Braking Point story mode won’t be disappointed either. “We want players to influence the storyline more,” Gavin said. Players can now choose between two Konnersport drivers during key events, changing race goals and the story’s outcome. Introducing these branching narratives was a challenging but rewarding task for the team.
Once you finish Braking Point, there’s a treat in store—the option to integrate your Konnersport team into Career Mode. This is just one of the many ways F1 25 expands customization and gameplay flexibility.
“The game offers a myriad of paths to explore,” Gavin noted. “You can dive in as an official or custom driver, or create an eleventh team with Konnersport or Apex. The choice is yours, even before incorporating Icons into My Team.”
Beyond the core modes, they haven’t overlooked the smaller details. Enhanced customization options now include a more sophisticated decal editor, the ability to adjust driver numbers’ fonts and colors, and LIDAR-scanned references creating a more realistic track ambiance. For the first time, players can also race in reverse track layouts, offering a fresh twist on familiar courses.
F1 25’s consistent success lies in its complex development process, with teams dedicated to either ‘even’ or ‘odd’ year releases. Gavin explained, “We have a dedicated central team focusing on perennial aspects like handling and AI, ensuring annual features seamlessly integrate into the game. It’s all about teamwork, communication, and having the right people.”
Just like a well-oiled racing team, this method results in a cohesive and thrilling gaming experience. Mark your calendars for May 30 and get ready to hit the virtual tracks with EA Sports F1 25 on PS5.