Project CARS

Project CARS is a 2015 racing simulation developed and published by Slightly Mad Studios for Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Distinctive for its crowd-funded, community-driven development through the studio's 'World of Mass Development' platform, in which paying members backed the project and influenced its direction, it set out to deliver a serious, sandbox-style racing sim spanning a wide range of motorsport. The game features an extensive roster of cars, from karts and touring cars to GT, prototype and open-wheel machines, across numerous real and fictional circuits, with a dynamic time-of-day and weather system that meaningfully affects track conditions and strategy. Its open career structure lets players pursue whichever disciplines they choose rather than following a fixed path, and it placed strong emphasis on realistic handling, tuning and visual fidelity. POCG noted the inclusion of Pagani sports cars among its content. Critically well received, Project CARS was praised for its stunning visuals, breadth of content, weather effects and depth, while some reviewers cited a steep difficulty and uneven handling balance. It established a successful franchise, spawning sequels, and demonstrated the viability of community-funded, simulation-focused racing as an alternative to the genre's established publisher-backed series. It launched a successful franchise, with Project CARS 2 and 3 following before the series was put on hold.