The Ultimate Game-Changing Forza Motorsport Feature Every Sim Racing Fan Must Experience

Highlights

Forza Motorsport's innovative approach to player progression allows racers to focus on upgrading their dream car without worrying about their bankroll.

Introducing Car Points as an independent currency exclusively for enhancing vehicles distinguishes Forza Motorsport from other racing games and incentivizes players to dedicate more time to their cherished cars.

By separating the currencies for upgrades and purchases in Forza Motorsport, players no longer have to struggle with the decision of whether to advance their current car or save up for a new one, thus establishing a groundbreaking benchmark for the simulation racing genre.

Pre-release marketing for Forza Motorsport heavily emphasized the technical advancements that contributed to the game's exceptional graphical and gameplay experience. However, one of the game's most significant innovations has not received the same level of recognition. Instead of simply providing players with a collection of high-end cars and real-world tracks, developer Turn 10 Studios revolutionized player progression. By reimagining the way players pay for vehicle upgrades and unlocks, Forza Motorsport simplifies the process of enhancing their dream car rather than amassing a large sum of money.

Forza Motorsport's modifications to its in-game currency aim to empower players. By using Car Points for vehicle upgrades instead of requiring players to use the credits earned from races, Forza Motorsport aligns with Turn 10's constant assertion that the game's cars are "built not bought." This decision to separate the in-game currency used for upgrading cars from the one used for purchasing them enables Forza Motorsport players to focus on personalizing their vehicles without worrying about financial constraints. Furthermore, it provides a model for other simulation racing games to follow in the future.

Forza Motorsport’s Car Points Make the Upgrade Process Feel More Personalized

In a departure from previous entries, Forza Motorsport players now earn two different types of currency as they race: Credits and Car Points. Credits are obtained by winning races and can be used to buy high-end cars from a selection. However, Forza Motorsport sets itself apart from other racing games with the introduction of Car Points, which are tied specifically to each vehicle. These Car Points, earned by completing races, are used to upgrade cars throughout the game.

This seemingly minor change greatly impacts how players approach their car collection in Forza Motorsport. With the ability to upgrade cars without using the same funds for purchasing new rides, the game incentivizes players to spend more time with their favorite vehicles. This gives a more personal touch to the unlock and upgrade process, as winning races with a particular car unlocks more options for its improvement. This innovative approach to player progression eliminates the need to postpone upgrades while saving up for a new car, setting a new standard in the simulation racing genre.

The Vehicle Upgrade and Unlock Mechanics in Forza Motorsport Set a New Standard

Decoupling the currencies used for upgrades and purchases is not only a new feature in the Forza Motorsport franchise, but also a departure from the typical approach to progression in the sim racing genre. In most sim racers, players rely on a single pool of in-game currency for both vehicle upgrades and buying new cars. While this can be convenient for those who have a lot of money to spend and want to instantly upgrade their dream car, it can also cause unnecessary anxiety for players who debate whether to save or spend their winnings.

This issue becomes especially troublesome in games where in-game currency can be bought with real-world money. In racing games like Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo 7, which heavily emphasize microtransactions, players may be forced to choose between upgrading their favorite car or saving up to buy the next vehicle on their wish list. Constant prompts to open their wallets and top off their balance can take away the enjoyment of player progression, shifting the focus from the exhilaration of the race to meticulous financial management.

Forza Motorsport offers players the opportunity to make upgrades to their cars without compromising their ability to purchase their next vehicle, a unique departure from traditional racing games. This innovative approach to game progression sets Forza Motorsport apart and can serve as a blueprint for other developers to enhance the overall player experience, not only within their own games but also within the simulation racing genre as a whole. Forza Motorsport can be played on PC and Xbox Series X/S platforms.