Racing games are my thing, which makes it a bit embarrassing to admit: I’ve never owned iRacing. Without a sim rig, it’s always felt out of reach — a realm reserved for serious setups and even more serious wallets. Sure, you can drive on iRacing with a controller, but good luck with that. As such, my experience with iRacing has always been limited to the occasional stint on a mate’s rig, and plenty of online streaming.
So, when iRacing announced a partnership to build an arcade-style racer with Original Fire Games — the team behind the incredibly charming Circuit Superstars — I was more than a little intrigued. Two studios, two wildly different philosophies. What could possibly go wrong, or maybe, right?
Accessible iRacing Experience
Enter iRacing Arcade. For now, it’s just a demo: you’re dropped into a 6-lap race in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car at Tsukuba Circuit. That’s it for now, but the full release promises a broader lineup of licensed cars and tracks. The marketing also teases a career mode where you develop a racing team from the ground up, earning resources by racing — a concept worth keeping an eye on. Naturally, leaderboards and online multiplayer are also on the cards. This is iRacing, after all.
Visually, iRacing Arcade stands out. The colourful art style pops, with vibrant tracks and distinctive mini-car models. It’s not cartoonish for the sake of it — the look is stylish, striking a balance between playful and authentic.
READ MORE: Review | Formula Legends: ‘Nostalgia Leads, Frustration Follows’ (PC)
The driving experience is equally strong. Steering is crisp and responsive, and there’s a substantial dose of oversteer baked in. Is this remotely realistic for the Porsche on offer? Not particularly, and it makes things decidedly more arcade than simulation. But, more importantly, it’s fun — and that’s the point. It is also approachable — offering that easy-to-pick-up, tough-to-master vibe.
READ MORE: Review | Battlefield 6: Single Player Campaign (PS5)
It might only be a demo, but it is clear that iRacing Arcade isn’t trying to be iRacing Lite. It’s forging its own path, and already feels genuinely fresh. I can’t wait to get my hands on the full release — and fortunately, we don’t have to wait long. iRacing Arcade lands on PC on 3 December 2025, with a console release to follow in early 2026.
Try the demo for yourself on PC via steam now.
