NASCAR 14 skipping PS4 & Xbox One because of install base

[KN1GHTMARE]

The latest title in the NASCAR franchise, NASCAR '14, will launch on current-gen platforms because next-generation market share doesn't yet justify the cost of development, Eutechnyx's EVP, Ed Martin told Extra Mustard.

According to Martin, "the nail in the coffin" to bypass the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One was when SCEE CEO Jim Ryan announced last May that Gran Turismo 6 was debuting on PS3 and not PS4 because of the current console's install base. Ryan explained at the time that the PS3 has an install base of 70 million units, while "on launch day we'll have an install base of zero units" for the PS4.

NASCAR '14 will feature official teams, tracks and drivers from the racing sport. It will also include a career mode, as well as league competition with rankings, statistics and challenges. The NASCAR Highlights mode lets players race in real-life scenarios from NASCAR's current season. Developed by Eutechnyx, who also created NASCAR: The Game 2013 and NASCAR The Game: Inside Line, NASCAR '14 is due for release on Xbox 360, PS3 and Windows PC Feb. 18 for $49.99.

Source: Polygon

I'm sure this is decision smaller to mid size developers are struggling with and justifiably so. By the time that this next holiday season rolls out I'm sure this won't be an issue any longer, but in the mean time this may be a bummer for many of you hardcore racing sim fans. I have never personally ben a huge fan of the Nascar game series since the controls often feel clunky to me as do the animations. Granted I have't played one of these games recently, so for all I know they;re vastly improved. Ho do you guys feel about the series? Are you disappointed by this news? Let us know!

 

[NuclearDragon]

This actually makes sense. I mean it sucks for NASCAR gaming fans, but the PS4 and Xbox One just aren't deep enough pools at the moment for some developers to bother getting their beaks wet with. Like you said, next year they'll be all about PS4 and Xbox One.

 

[KMJ_84]

So this is the second game being released this year that is skipping 'next-gen'. EA's decision to not release Fifa - World Cup 14 on next gen was due to the fact that the majority of their market share still lies with PS3 and Xbox 360.

 

[SpaceTiger]

It's a good choice to skip next gen for certain titles near the start of that generation for the exact reason Nuke (and KMJ) said. It's like you can have 5M+ on PS4, but that's no guarantee that 5M+ PS4 owners will buy NASCAR or FIFA. You might get 1M+ or so whereas on PS3 with the large number of people who still own a PS4 you could definitely pull 4M+ or 5M+ at the minimum.

That's also something most of the current gaming media should wrap its head around. Like when they said Amazon showed people weren't flocking to "next-gen" games. People aren't just going to drop what's working for them to go with the PS4 and those that haven't aren't guaranteed to buy all those games that were released.

 

[Ghost_of_Crash]

I am not concerned about NASCAR skipping PS4/X1. I could care less about that particular game, really. Sucks for NASCAR fans/gamers.

 

[SpaceTiger]

Oh I don't care for NASCAR or the games, but for those huge fans of the series who happen to have a PS4 or Xbox One, that has to be a bummer.

 

[NuclearDragon]

Does one studio hold the license for NASCAR or is it that only one studio wanted to do NASCAR games?

 

[Razor]

Eutechnyx holds the license for the main NASCAR games, but there's a bunch of side licenses for spinoff games.

 

[Tomba]

NASCAR will loop back around next year. I wouldn't be too worried for NASCAR fans.

 

[Ghost_of_Crash]

Eutechnyx holds the license for the main NASCAR games, but there's a bunch of side licenses for spinoff games.

There are side NASCAR games? Like NASCAR for kids and all of that?

 

[SpaceTiger]

Yeah NASCAR for kids, NASCAR quiz games, all that stuff.