Slightly Mad Studios dropped a bombshell that may have slipped over the radar a few days ago, as they have dropped Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 as platforms for Project CARS, in lieu of Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Steam OS.
Considering they have the game already running in gorgeous 4K, it stands to reason that Slightly Mad would prefer to target upcoming platforms. I can’t help raising concerns that they may not have enough time optimizing these platforms, especially when you look at the struggles the launch games are showing now. Still, this may be the right decision overall, as the next year will see more attention raised to these newer consoles, and they can certainly rely on interest from console loyalists to raise the game’s profile.
Speaking of loyalists, the game is still slated for both Wii U and Windows, and this seems testament to Slightly Mad’s commitment to please fans of every persuasion. Project CARS has consistently been previewed the best that it can on PC, but the developer’s statements indicate they also intend to make the game look as good on Wii U as possible.
Of course, if you’re really going to please everyone, you have to bring in the Steam fans, and Slightly Mad has formalized the game’s entry to SteamOS following extensive use of Valve’s storefront/digital delivery system throughout beta and alpha.
Personally, I’m hoping we see some form of cross platform play between all of these. Microsoft has dropped hints Xbox One could interact with Windows players, but Nintendo was more up front about opening the floodgates. I’m willing to bet Valve will be more open to copying Nintendo’s stance than anyone else, but we’ll just have to wait and see.
So, just to make sure everyone’s clear, Project CARS is coming to Playstation 4, Xbox One, Wii U, Windows, and Steam OS, this coming Fall 2014.
