INDYCAR will once again have its own dedicated video game in 2026, with iRacing Studios helming the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC project.
- iRacing Studios will create and release a new INDYCAR game in 2026 for PC (inc Steam Deck), PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
- It will include the top class and the INDY NXT support category
- It will be created using the Orontes game engine, used for ExoCross, and not related to the upcoming NASCAR 25 game, also under the iRacing umbrella
It’s been a long road to get here, but the first, full-fledged INDYCAR title since Codemasters’ IndyCar Series 2005 will be released next year.
INDYCAR has today confirmed that they have signed a ‘long-term’ licensing agreement with iRacing Studios to release INDYCAR video games, the first of which is expected in the second half of 2026.
The game will run on the Orontes game engine, as used in iRacing Studios’ ExoCross, and will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (and Steam Deck, intriguingly).
The game will have a ‘multilevel’ career mode and feature drivers from the INDYCAR series, as well as its INDY NXT support category.
“…The game will also incorporate elements like car and track assets, technology and driving characteristics developed from other iRacing Studios products,” stated Tony Gardner, president of iRacing.com, hinting the INDYCAR game may borrow from other iRacing Studios’ titles like World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing 24, NASCAR 25 and, of course, iRacing itself.
Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin, an ardent iRacing fan, is slated to help developers with accurate feedback during the process.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the development process for iRacing Studios’ new INDYCAR title,” he said. “It’s already an exciting time to be an INDYCAR fan for so many reasons, and this game will take the fans’ at-home driving experience to the next level!” he concluded.
At the same time as a full-fledged INDYCAR game announcement, iRacing and INDYCAR have also extended their partnership, which sees officially licensed INDYCAR vehicles and tracks in the subscription-based simulator.
INDYCAR’s video game licence: A torrid affair
After terminating its agreement to create an INDYCAR game with Motorsport Games in 2023, INDYCAR signed a deal with iRacing in early 2024.
Despite apparently making significant progress on its INDYCAR game, MSG’s Australian wing, which was focused solely on its development, was liquidated in November 2023, effectively ending development.
This caused INDYCAR to end its licence agreement. However, a settlement was later reached in June 2024, where the unfinished game assets were passed to INDYCAR alongside a $400,000 payment (significantly less than the quoted $2.9 million original sum).
Regardless of the legal wrangling, INDYCAR fans will be delighted to see the series return in virtual form in 2026.
