After a project that remained very vague since its initial announcements, the first official video game dedicated to the American single-seater in over twenty years is finally taking shape. The title will be simply called INDYCAR Racing The Game; its development has been entrusted to iRacing Studios, and it is now slated for release in early 2027. The platforms have been confirmed: it will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

A Delayed Launch to Aim for the Indy 500

The title omits the usual annual release year found in racing games, and it clearly needs more time than expected, having been pushed back from 2026 to early 2027. This timeframe is no coincidence: it’s timed to coincide with the countdown to the 111th Indianapolis 500, scheduled for May 30, 2027. Tony Gardner, president of iRacing, sums up this schedule in no uncertain terms: “We can’t wait.”

Orontes Engine, Career Mode, and iRacing Bricks

In terms of content, most of the technical details do not date from July 10 but from the initial announcement in August 2025. Development is being led by Orontes Games, which has made a clear choice: unlike the publisher’s other NASCAR games, which run on the Unreal Engine, this single-seater title will be powered by the studio’s in-house engine,the Orontes Engine, which was previously used in ExoCross.

The stated goal is to offer a more accessible driving experience than the demanding PC simulation iRacing, without sacrificing authenticity. To achieve this, the studio is expected to draw on data from its parent company: this includes the hybrid system management, as well as models ofthe Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Barber Motorsports Park, and the streets of St. Petersburg.

As for licenses, the announced program is specific. A multi-tiered Career mode would allow players to work their way up through the Indy NXT development series before advancing to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, featuring real teams and official drivers, who would also appear in an online multiplayer mode. Real drivers are also involved in the development, such as Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske).

The 2026 or 2027 season? Caution is called for

The first images reveal highly detailed models of the grid, such as Pato O’Ward’s No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet and Álex Palou’s No. 10 Chip Ganassi Honda. The only catch: these cars are sporting their 2026 liveries. Is this the final lineup at launch, or will the studio update these liveries to match the 2027 grid when the time comes? Nothing has been decided yet.

It’s also worth noting that IndyCar is set to switch to new chassis and engines by 2028. This digital version could therefore be one of the last chances to drive the current Dallara IR18 and its bulky Aeroscreen before they’re retired from the track. We’ll have to wait for announcements in the coming months to learn the details about the game modes—and, most importantly, the price—as no pre-orders are available at this time.