Horse racing is one of the most popular sports worldwide, with major events such as the Kentucky Derby, the Melbourne Cup, and Royal Ascot typically attracting new audiences to the sport. One key reason is the potential to earn returns when making online horse betting selections. Betting is the first step into gaining a passion for the sport, but that love only grows with the increased knowledge of the equines involved.
Due to the long-term success of the sport, there have been countless gaming titles released throughout history, with fan favourites such as Rival Stars Horse Racing and Phar Lap: Horse Racing Challenge both ranking among the most popular. There is still a passion among fans of the sport for a title that can break boundaries.
But what are some of the features that fans of the sport would love to see involved in a future release?
Inclusion of Legends
One of the most notable gripes that fans have had with racing games in the past is that legends of the sport aren’t included. This could be due to a number of factors and will likely centre on naming rights. However, a new title that is prepared to throw money at a project to appeal to fans could include legends of yesteryear.
This would be an exciting prospect for a fan of the sport, as it could help to settle lifelong debates. Imagine being able to include legends such as Secretariat, American Pharoah, and Flightline in the same race and seeing which runner will come out on top. Horses could be available as add-ons, while the option to be awarded horses for achieving targets could also ensure players spend hours on a title.
Advanced Breeding Mechanics
One common theme in successful horse racing games is that breeding is central to the experience, with players tasked with creating the next champion.
However, realistic genetics and breeding haven’t been common in titles. A complex system will appeal to passionate, more knowledgeable fans of the sport, and the ability to create genetically rare stars is likely to further appeal.
Games could also focus on historic bloodlines that have shaped the sport’s history, meaning that players can follow these and try to breed for specific traits such as stamina and speed from one of their favourite horses.
Quirks are also a factor that many games overlook, and including these personalities helps players bond with their horses.
Immersive Training
Many horse racing games follow the same format, with players tasked with breeding horses and then training them to become champions. However, most games fall short of providing an immersive training experience.
A hands-on approach to training will give players a deeper experience in the game, with their decisions directly affecting a runner’s performance on the track.
Scientific evidence can also be used in the game to ensure realistic outcomes are achieved after training programmes and the implementation of specific diets. All of these factors will give the player greater control than they have previously enjoyed in a racing game.
Improved Racing Mechanics
The vast majority of racing games have been released on mobile devices and PCs. But with the improved graphics and power capacities in the next-generation consoles, we could see a racing game finally take advantage of the options available.
In-race graphics could improve by being played on a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S. This will enable developers to put greater depth into a race itself, enabling players to opt where to race, how quickly to go at different points, and when to speed up.
Advanced AI could also be used to ensure that other jockeys in a race take up unique tactics to challenge a player.
Licensed Tracks, Trainers, and Jockeys
Most racing fans will dream of a release similar to EA FC, where all major racecourses worldwide are licensed.
This will give the player an opportunity to ride in illustrious races such as the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, attempting to break Secretariat’s speed record in the process. Licensing trainers and jockeys would also offer a realism unmatched in previous horse racing games, with the best riders such as Ryan Moore holding lofty ratings, making them harder to overcome.
Being able to challenge yourself against the very best would make for a rich experience, while a Career Mode as a jockey and having the opportunity to work at a stable such as Aidan O’Brien’s could be like reaching the top level of the game.
Only a fully licensed game will appease all racing fans and attract a new audience to the sport through gaming.
