As the launch date of May 30th approaches, the anticipation for EA Sports F1 25 is revving up significantly. This upcoming release boasts a slew of enhancements, adjustments, and fresh features that cater to both newcomers and seasoned racing enthusiasts. I recently sat down with the team at EA Codemasters to delve into the exciting new gameplay elements they’ve crafted for this eagerly anticipated racing game.
"We’re constantly tapping into feedback," remarked Gavin Cooper, Creative Director at EA Codemasters. "Our community’s insights play a crucial role in shaping this year’s features."
The developers took into account insights not only from official forums and known sources but also from Esports racers and influential content creators who got an early look at F1 25 during its development phase.
This collaborative approach has led to a game refined in numerous areas, from vehicle handling to a polished TV-style presentation and improved real driver voiceovers. Gavin shared, "Hearing the drivers’ voices while playing adds a significant layer of authenticity." In fact, F1 25 doubles the amount of voice lines from its predecessor, F1 24, providing more situational context. Players can expect engaging exchanges between drivers and race engineers, mimicking the camaraderie and tension of a real race.
Gavin also highlighted that one of the fan complaints, the similar-sounding engine noises in the My Team mode, has been resolved. "You can now select audio specific to each engine supplier, giving your car a distinct sound based on your choice—something fans have been demanding for quite some time."
Your very own dream team
Speaking of the My Team mode, it’s been turbocharged, promising to get fans’ adrenaline pumping. You’re no longer the owner-driver; now, you step into the role of a team owner managing two drivers. "We know the owner-driver concept doesn’t mirror the real sport," Gavin explained. "Managing two drivers introduces intriguing decisions for players. Previous preferences were straightforward, often defaulting to self-prioritization. Now, you’ll deliberate on critical aspects like contract negotiations and upgrades."
You’ll still be the one in command during race weekends, but juggling two distinct personalities, along with overseeing Engineering, Personnel, and Corporate operations, adds a layer of complexity. These elements affect perceptions among your team, rivals, and future prospects. Even with expanded research and development and sponsorship systems impacting perks, upgrades, and driver relationships—plus the power to recruit legendary drivers into AI teams—this is just part of what awaits eager players.
Braking Point drives the narrative experience forward
Braking Point enthusiasts, the extensive story mode, won’t find themselves left behind. Gavin emphasized, "We’re always exploring how players can shape the narrative." Players now have the choice between two available Konnersport drivers during pivotal moments, creating ripple effects that influence both race goals and storytelling outcomes. Incorporating this branching narrative approach was a substantial undertaking for the development team.
Gavin elaborated, "We’re managing a core narrative intertwined with various subplots and secondary stories, shared through phone calls, social media, and news updates. These threads may favor one driver but eventually intersect with the overarching storyline. Maintaining a coherent, engaging narrative specific to each driver has been challenging, yet incredibly rewarding."
After finishing Braking Point, players will find a special treat—bringing the Konnersport team into Career Mode for the very first time in the series, enhancing the flexibility of gameplay within F1 25.
“There’s a multitude of possibilities you can explore,” Gavin noted. “Race as an official driver or as your own creation, with the additional option of joining the 11th team, Konnersport or Apex. The choice between an official or custom driver is just the beginning before you even bring Icons into My Team.”
Immersive details at every turn
The development team hasn’t overlooked the smaller, yet delightful extras in retaining depth across various modes. Deeper customization options now include an improved decal editor alongside selectable driver number fonts and colors. Thanks to LIDAR scanning, five tracks (Bahrain, Miami, Melbourne, Suzuka, and Imola) boast a realistic overhaul complete with accurate vegetation, safety barriers, and fan zones.
Moreover, reverse track layouts are now available for Silverstone, Zandvoort, and Austria, allowing races in Grand Prix, Time Trial, Multiplayer, and from Career Mode’s second season. Gavin chuckled, "It’s the feature that surprises people. Just when you think you know those tracks, playing them backward feels like you’re discovering brand-new terrains. It’s a whole new challenge."
F1 25 has consistently led the pack, with its development process mirroring the complexity of orchestrating an actual racing season. Gavin shed light on an innovative approach where the team splits between those focusing on ‘even’ and ‘odd’ year releases, ensuring each game iteration is meticulously crafted. "A central team handles essential aspects like handling and AI annually," he explained. "This split allows us to implement major features each year. Despite the overlapping nature and shared work environment, success boils down to effective processes, clear communication, and placing the right talent in the right roles."
Just like top-tier F1 teams, the EA Codemasters crew relies on exceptional teamwork, and everything clicks when the time is right. Be sure to experience EA Sports F1 25 for yourself when it zooms onto PS5 on May 30.
