Corsair’s CEO Shares Insights on Fanatec Acquisition

September 20, 2024September 22, 2024 ~ Jeff Kendrick ~ Leave a comment

Corsair has officially announced the acquisition of Endor AG and all its assets. In a letter addressed to Fanatec’s customers, Corsair CEO Andy Paul outlined his vision for the future development of the Fanatec brand.

Dear Fanatec Customer,

I am delighted to announce that Fanatec has joined the CORSAIR family. CORSAIR was founded 30 years ago and is a California-based manufacturer of PC Components and Gaming Peripherals for the gaming enthusiasts.

Fanatec will operate in a similar way to SCUF and Elgato within the CORSAIR family – it will continue to develop and launch products its world-class product range from the current headquarters in Landshut, Germany.

I know you have questions; I wanted to send a letter to answer some of them for you. Firstly, I want you to know that CORSAIR is committed to Sim Racing, the community, and creating great products. There are things at Fanatec that we want to help improve, and I assure you, these are top of our list.

These include:

Customer Service / Speed of Delivery
Warranty
Software Updates

What does this mean for Customer Service/Speed of Delivery?

We know the some of the community are not happy about the current state of Customer Service. I get this – I hear you; we are committed to improving this, we want you to have the support you need should something go wrong. We run a global support and logistics operation, and we will be integrating Fanatec into this, giving you better service and more transparency.

What does this mean for my warranty?

CORSAIR will honour all existing Fanatec warranties. Customers should still reach out to the Fanatec team directly for support via their Fanatec accounts. Our priority is to ensure prompt resolution of warranty issues during this transition of ownership and of course provide continuous improvement of customer support.

What does this mean for Software Updates?

We are used to running a company that has both software and hardware elements – CORSAIR, Elgato, and SCUF all have these needs. We also know that people don’t always get it right. That’s where we will be stepping in and making things better. It won’t be perfect straight away, but I am committed to ensuring we improve this over time.

What does this mean for Fanatec going forward?

Overall, Fanatec joining the CORSAIR family means that CORSAIR’s expertise and resources will enhance the Fanatec product lineup and make significant improvements to the logistics and customer service. Global availability of Fanatec products will also expand through CORSAIR’s extensive channels. As I have said, Fanatec and its customers will benefit from CORSAIR’s world-class support, including warranty and software updates.

We are incredibly excited about this new chapter for Fanatec, and we would like to thank the community for its continued support. All of us at CORSAIR are committed to raising the brand to new heights and we look forward to sharing this bright future with you!

Andy

Andy Paul, CEO and Founder, Corsair Gaming

Corsair Acquires Fanatec Amid Financial Restructuring: A Strategic Move for Future Growth

July 9, 2024July 11, 2024 ~ Jeff Kendrick ~ Leave a comment

Facing recent operational and financial challenges, the company has reached a critical juncture, prompting the need for innovative strategies to ensure its continued survival and prosperity.

In light of these circumstances, Corsair, a leader in the gaming hardware and peripherals sector, has made a strategic acquisition. As of May 31, Fanatec is now owned by Corsair. This acquisition signifies not just a change in ownership but also marks a significant step in a broader legal and financial restructuring process under the StaRUG framework.

This partnership allows both companies to leverage their strengths and explore new market opportunities. Corsair has extended a loan of approximately 4 million euros to Fanatec, providing the necessary financial support.

The acquisition of Fanatec by Corsair is a significant milestone for both entities. Fanatec will benefit from the stability and resources needed to navigate its recent difficulties, while Corsair will expand its portfolio and solidify its presence in the racing simulation market. This union paves the way for mutual growth and success in the evolving gaming industry.

iRacing Arcade Game Announced – New Casual Racing Title

July 9, 2024July 11, 2024 ~ Jeff Kendrick ~ Leave a comment

Get ready for a thrilling new addition to the arcade racing world. iRacing has just announced a partnership with Original Fire Games to develop and publish a fresh “racing game aimed at the broader casual racing market.”

Tentatively titled “iRacing Arcade,” this highly anticipated game is set to launch in 2025 for both PC and consoles. According to the announcement, this new title will leverage the infrastructure of Circuit Superstars, the popular game from Original Fire Games, to deliver an enhanced driving experience.

“iRacing has long been interested in expanding into other niches in the race gaming market, and we’re thrilled to be doing that with Original Fire Games,” said Tony Gardner, president of iRacing. “We have a lot of respect for what they’ve done with Circuit Superstars, as a lot of our team have played and loved the game. Their existing game is fun, very high quality, and the driving is great, three of the things we insist all our games have. Teaming up with them is the perfect opportunity for us to enter this space with a strong foundation that we can build upon.”

Original Fire Games co-founder Carolina Mastretta shared her excitement: “What we created with Circuit Superstars showed us that there is a hunger for arcade-like racing experiences that are true to motorsport. As an industry leader in the sim racing space for nearly two decades, iRacing has the talent, expertise, and technology that can help us catalyze the potential of the foundation we’ve built so far.”

The development of iRacing Arcade will be spearheaded by Original Fire Games, with iRacing providing various technologies and development resources. The game promises to feature a career mode and other in-depth gameplay elements to enhance the arcade racing experience.

But that’s not all—iRacing has a busy schedule ahead! This month, they are launching ExoCross, and next year, they plan to release their first NASCAR game.

Stay tuned for more updates on iRacing Arcade and other exciting releases from iRacing and Original Fire Games!

Over the Edge: Pro Late Model Madness at Lernerville

July 5, 2024 ~ Jeff Kendrick ~ Leave a comment

This video from the OSR Youtube channel features great racing from my point-of-view in the iRacing Dirt Pro Late Model open setup series.

I didn’t do well in qualifying. I was mediocre in my heat race, but finished well enough to transfer to the A-Main. I did fairly well in the feature, starting twelfth and finishing the night in the top five. I hope you enjoy the video!

Buckle Up for ExoCross: iRacing’s Futuristic Off-Road Racing Adventure

June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 ~ Jeff Kendrick ~ Leave a comment

Get ready to blast off into the future of off-road racing with ExoCross, the brand new game from iRacing! This isn’t your grandpa’s mud bog – ExoCross throws you behind the wheel of high-tech machines built to conquer challenging terrain on far-off worlds.

Deformable Terrain & Grippy Tires:
ExoCross promises a unique blend of realism and arcade-style fun. The game features deformable terrain, meaning your tires will actually leave tracks in the dirt and sand. This adds a layer of strategic thinking as you navigate your path and potentially exploit ruts created by other racers.

4-Way Contact Patch Traction (4CPT) takes things a step further. This innovative technology simulates the way tires actually make contact with the ground, making for more realistic handling and control. Imagine “soft-bodied tires” that conform to the terrain, giving you a truly immersive driving experience.

A Bold New Direction for iRacing:
ExoCross marks a departure from iRacing’s traditional focus on simulation racing. However, developed in collaboration with Orontes Games, it promises to be a thrilling addition to their lineup. We recently had the chance to play the game firsthand, and we’re excited to share our thoughts below!

Prepare for high-flying jumps, heart-pounding drifts, and intense wheel-to-wheel competition. ExoCross offers a unique blend of realistic physics and arcade-style fun, making it a blast for both hardcore sim racers and casual gamers alike.

This video will give you a first look at ExoCross, including:

A glimpse at the futuristic vehicles you’ll be racing
Stunning visuals of the diverse alien environments
Exciting gameplay showcasing the fast-paced action
Information on the different game modes available

Whether you’re a seasoned off-road enthusiast or a curious newcomer, ExoCross is sure to ignite your racing spirit! So buckle up, grab your virtual helmet, and prepare to explore the future of off-road racing!