6 racing game franchises that deserve a modern release

The world of racing games has witnessed many popular franchises, though some have been unable to stand the test of time. However, racing enthusiasts have always appreciated the unique gameplay elements found in several of these discontinued titles. Some of these titles were even from tier-one developers like Ubisoft and EA, making fans if there is a chance of them getting a modern release.

Below are six franchises that deserve a modern sequel, and the reasons their games became so popular in the first place. Though some games live on in newer guises, the ones mentioned below are unlikely to see new entries anytime soon.

Note: The contents of this article are subjective. The list is also not meant to be a ranking.

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6 racing game franchises that deserve a modern day release

1) Project Gotham Racing

Project Gotham Racing 4 remains the series' last entry (Image via Microsoft Game Studios)

Latest entry: Project Gotham Racing 4 (2007)

Before the Forza series became Microsoft's primary racing franchise, the honor was held by Project Gotham Racing, which saw its first two games released on the original Xbox and the final two on the 360. All four main-line games were critically acclaimed, with fans and critics praising the arcade driving style along with other gameplay elements like the fourth entry's unique weather system.

After the game's development studio Bizarre Creations switched hands to Activision Blizzard, a final spiritual successor to the PGR series by the name of Blur was released. Though fans have yearned for a new game in the series for many years now, the series has been dormant for over 17 years at this point. Moreover, with the development studio shut down, a modern release seems out of the picture.

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2) Project Cars

The realism in Project Cars' first two entries garnered praise (Image via BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment)

Latest entry: Project Cars 3 (2020)

Developed by Slightly Mad Studios, the Project Cars franchise has had three main entries in the series along with a mobile game called Project Cars GO. While the first two entries, namely Project Cars and Project Cars 2 emphasized realism and authentic vehicle handling, this streak was broken when Project Cars 3 was developed as an arcade racing game.

A sudden switch to a more casual handling model polarized fans of the original, and as a result sales numbers were affected. A sequel was in the works, until the studio's new owners EA ceased all development for the IP. A return to the series featuring the original approach to the game's handling model may help it recapture a portion of the racing game market.

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3) Midnight Club

Midnight Club LA remains the last entry in the franchise (Image via Rockstar)

Latest entry: Midnight Club: Los Angeles (2008)

Though best known for their work on the Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption series, Rockstar created four street racing games under the "Midnight Club" series of games. Starting with the 2000 release of Midnight Club Street Racing, the series witnessed its final entry in the form of 2008's Midnight Club: Los Angeles.

With Rockstar seemingly having switched focus solely towards their GTA and Red Dead IPs, it seems unlikely that a smaller-scale franchise such as Midnight Club may be resurrected anytime soon. However, many fans still eagerly await a new Midnight Club game even to this day.

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4) Driver

A still from Driver San Francisco (Image via Ubisoft)

Latest entry: Driver: San Francisco (2011)

The Driver series by Ubisoft is considered a classic when it comes to narrative-focused action-adventure racing games. While the first iteration was released in 1999, Ubisoft was rather displeased with sales figures for 2011's Driver: San Francisco and has not released a new title since then.

Featuring several unique gameplay elements, the franchise, especially the latest entry, is considered an underdog. Ubisoft's focus now seems to be solely on the Crew series, though a return to Driver would do old fans a favor.

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5) Burnout

Burnout Paradise (Image via EA)

Latest entry: Burnout Paradise (2008)

Though the Burnout series has not seen a new main-line entry since 2008's Burnout Paradise, elements of its gameplay have made their way over to other EA titles. Burnout's fast-paced arcade-esque gameplay has been featured in several modern Need for Speed titles, as the developers moved onto other racing game IPs.

Titles like Hot Pursuit and Most Wanted feature elements from the Burnout series, though the franchise itself has been on an extended hiatus. Cinematic crashes, takedowns, and a great soundtrack made this franchise stand out, and a modern release will definitely be appreciated.

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6) MotorStorm

A still from MotorStorm Apocalypse (Image via Sony)

Latest entry: MotorStorm: RC (2011)

Sony took advantage of the offroad racing hype with the MotorStorm series across the late 2000s and early 2010s. A PlayStation exclusive, MotorStorm titles were released on the PS2, PS3, PSP, and PS Vita. Moreover, with its focus on off-road, no-holds-barred racing, it soon carved out a niche in the market.

However, much like the PGR series mentioned above, the studio was shuttered by owners Sony and no main entry has been released since. This is likely due to an increased focus on the Gran Turismo series, which seems to have become the only racing game Sony's focus seems to be on.

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