Bikes may be a niche within the larger sim racing hobby, but there are plenty of games looking towards two wheels, some of which even provide full experiences for major championships. Here are the picks.
Yesterday, we took a look back at the top racing from the 2023 season in sim racing form by running through all the games featuring officially licenced series from last year. Beginning our list with four-wheel motorsport, there was plenty to go through from major world championships to lesser-known national series.
Well, it is time to finish off the list by today focusing on what the world of bike racing has to offer. Whilst perhaps less popular than four-wheel racing in the virtual space, two wheels have their place. Though unfortunately as you will see from the following selections, the choice is far less impressive. Nevertheless, plenty of good options are on show, so here they are.
MotoGP games release every year for your two-wheel sim racing needs. Image credit: Milestone
The most prominent World Championship in bike racing has received annual releases in its current form since 2013. As one would expect from an officially licenced game focusing on one series and one series only, MotoGP 23 gets all the circuits, bikes and riders from last year along with plenty of game modes making the racing interesting.
But unlike the Formula 1 gaming franchise, developer Milestone actually goes to the effort to include Moto2, Moto 3 and MotoE feeder series in just as remarkable detail. Just this week, the Italian studio released its latest game in the series bringing the 2024 season to life.
Get the 2023 TT Races Roster DLC for last year's bikes, liveries and riders in TT IOM: RotE3. Image credit: Raceward Studios
Sadly though, even simply attending the yearly event is a challenge with limited trips to the island and hotel prices soaring between May and June. That is where the race's official game comes in, TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3.
Featuring a fully accurate recreation of the 37.7-mile track made up of public roads, it is a brilliant game for experiencing the thrill of the Tourist Trophy without risking life and limb. Released early last year, the game originally featured the main personalities from the 2022 event as it returned from Covid cancellations. But November saw a 2023 TT Races DLC add 29 riders for 43 new liveries accurate to last year's running.
A niche 2023 bike racing championship is available in MX vs ATV. Image credit: Rainbow Studios
But amongst the chaos in the latest MX vs ATV Legends game exists a fairly serious DLC featuring all the content one needs to live out the 2023 AMA Pro Motocross Championship. We never said these series would be top-flight level after all. Getting 12 circuits and all the top riders and bikes, the DLC is available for around €20 and is perfect for all those three fans of the series.
What 2023 championship would you love to see feature in sim racing? Let us know in the comments.
Yesterday, we took a look back at the top racing from the 2023 season in sim racing form by running through all the games featuring officially licenced series from last year. Beginning our list with four-wheel motorsport, there was plenty to go through from major world championships to lesser-known national series.
Well, it is time to finish off the list by today focusing on what the world of bike racing has to offer. Whilst perhaps less popular than four-wheel racing in the virtual space, two wheels have their place. Though unfortunately as you will see from the following selections, the choice is far less impressive. Nevertheless, plenty of good options are on show, so here they are.
MotoGP 23: The Famous One
Previously in our rundown of 2023 motorsport championships present in racing games, we kicked things off with the pinnacle of four-wheel racing. Well, why not do the same for this article focusing on the world of bikes? Therefore, one of the most recognisable annual bike racing games - and surely one of the few - is MotoGP 23.MotoGP games release every year for your two-wheel sim racing needs. Image credit: Milestone
The most prominent World Championship in bike racing has received annual releases in its current form since 2013. As one would expect from an officially licenced game focusing on one series and one series only, MotoGP 23 gets all the circuits, bikes and riders from last year along with plenty of game modes making the racing interesting.
But unlike the Formula 1 gaming franchise, developer Milestone actually goes to the effort to include Moto2, Moto 3 and MotoE feeder series in just as remarkable detail. Just this week, the Italian studio released its latest game in the series bringing the 2024 season to life.
TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3
Moving away from the top of the ladder when it comes to closed circuits and entering the mind-boggling world of road racing, the Isle of Man TT is surely on the bucket list of every two-wheel enthusiast. From the stunning scenery on offer around the course to the technical circuit and amazing atmosphere.Get the 2023 TT Races Roster DLC for last year's bikes, liveries and riders in TT IOM: RotE3. Image credit: Raceward Studios
Sadly though, even simply attending the yearly event is a challenge with limited trips to the island and hotel prices soaring between May and June. That is where the race's official game comes in, TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3.
Featuring a fully accurate recreation of the 37.7-mile track made up of public roads, it is a brilliant game for experiencing the thrill of the Tourist Trophy without risking life and limb. Released early last year, the game originally featured the main personalities from the 2022 event as it returned from Covid cancellations. But November saw a 2023 TT Races DLC add 29 riders for 43 new liveries accurate to last year's running.
MX vs ATV Legends: The Surprising 2023 Series
Speaking of DLC, the Isle of Man TT is not the only arguably niche 2023 racing event or series to feature officially in racing games. The MX vs ATV name has long been associated with the most outlandish form of bike and quad racing from jumps to rolling around in the mud and performing epic stunts.A niche 2023 bike racing championship is available in MX vs ATV. Image credit: Rainbow Studios
But amongst the chaos in the latest MX vs ATV Legends game exists a fairly serious DLC featuring all the content one needs to live out the 2023 AMA Pro Motocross Championship. We never said these series would be top-flight level after all. Getting 12 circuits and all the top riders and bikes, the DLC is available for around €20 and is perfect for all those three fans of the series.
What 2023 championship would you love to see feature in sim racing? Let us know in the comments.