Gaming has never been better, particularly for sim racing, which has evolved over the years. In fact, sim racing rigs can be traced back to the early 1980s and 1990s with the introduction of arcade racing games. Back then, there were cockpit-style arcade machines with steering wheels, pedals, and force feedback.
Brief Evolution of Racing Rigs
Consumer-grade steering wheels and pedals were introduced in the early 2000s, which have made sim racing more popular. There was even high-end gear like direct-drive wheels and load-cell pedals that have been made more accessible in the 2010s. In fact, online racing leagues also gained popularity during that time.
In the 2020s, modern racing rigs and esports began to emerge, in which sim racing rigs are now able to provide ultra-realistic experiences for the modern gamer. The more recent upgrades include hydraulic pedals, motion platforms, and VR integration, as well as button boxes. Many professional drivers are also using racing rigs for training, with a growing community for esports.
The Future of Racing Rigs
The evolution of sim racing rigs is growing rapidly due to the introduction of new technologies that seem to push the boundaries of realism. That said, you might want to see what the future holds with this kind of trend.
First off, there will be more advanced force feedback and direct drive wheels with this trend going forward. Better force feedback motors will provide smoother and more precise control, while haptic feedback in seats and pedals will provide a simulation of road textures, tyre slip, and engine vibrations.
Part of this evolution is the emergence of AI-powered simulators. The role of AI will revolutionise the sim racing platform by providing an analysis of your driving styles, giving feedback, and adjusting settings for a more personalised training.
A cloud-based sim racing experience will be the future as well. So, there will be no more high-end PC requirements because cloud gaming will allow high-quality sim racing on any device that you have. This means that there will be lower hardware costs, which will also make sim racing more accessible.
Where to Start as a Beginner
You can start simple and upgrade only when you gain experience. One of the most important factors to consider is choosing your racing setup first. You may want to choose entry-level wheels and pedals to go with your interest in sim racing.
A basic cockpit or mounting solution will help you get a good start. This includes the desk clamp, wheel stand, and cockpit to make the game more immersive. Initially, you may want to use a single monitor, which is recommended for beginners, while triple screens or VR should be reserved for better immersion as you make progress.
It is also part of your endeavour to pick a racing game and platform to start with. You may choose a beginner-friendly game at first or jump into more realistic sims when you get the hang of it.
If you need more professional help picking a setup based on your space and budget, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We will make the process a bit easier for you!
