Three years after the release of its last game, the MXGP license makes a comeback under the aegis of NACON, which has acquired the rights until 2028. Scheduled for release on November 28, 2024, "MXGP 24: The Official Game" is currently only available for digital pre-order. And it's doubtful that fans will take the initiative
The virtual motocross championship returns, but enthusiasm is slow to pick up
Previously developed by Milestone, the new episode, "MXGP 24: The Official Game", is now in the hands of Paris-based studio KT Racing, known for its contribution to motorcycle titles "TT Isle of Man" and "WRC". Since it was made official, the game has been presented in a low-key fashion, with a brief demo at Gamescom this summer. Then, a new trailer confirming the release date was recently unveiled, leaving fans skeptical to say the least: much of the video is in pilot camera, which seems to conceal a game physics perceived as imperfect. This is the impression given when the camera follows reigning Honda runner-up Tim Gajser (10 points behind Jorge Prado) in a wider shot, where he races in the lead.
The most popular comments under the video reflect the overall disappointment: "You can rest assured, Nacon, not a single soul will pre-order this game after seeing these images" or "We're going to miss the guys at Milestone." Some even suggest postponing the release to fine-tune the experience.
"MXGP 24: The Official Game": content faithful to the championship, with a multiplayer mode
In terms of content, MXGP 24 has a lot going for it. The license features all the official motorcycles and 20 circuits of the 2024 calendar. Players can embody their favorite riders, including Jorge Prado, Jeffrey Herlings, Frenchmen Romain Febvre and Maxime Renaux, and Liam Everts, a recent transfer from the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team.
The game features over 50 MXGP and MX2 class riders, from teams such as Red Bull KTM, Monster Energy Yamaha, Honda HRC, and many others. The comprehensive career mode offers players total immersion: starting as an amateur rider, they can progress to join an MX2 team, and through results, an MXGP team.
The game also includes a 4 km² training area with six circuits, ideal for honing your technique on different terrains, and for the more competitive, competing online. A multiplayer mode lets you compete against the world's best drivers.
With NACON and KT Racing until 2028
This episode marks the beginning of a partnership between NACON and Infront, the promoter of the FIM Motocross World Championship, for the exploitation of the license over five seasons, from 2024 to 2028.
Alain Falc, CEO of NACON, was delighted with the collaboration with KT Racing
We're delighted to be able to offer fans the official game of this popular international competition in the near future. We have naturally entrusted this new project to the KT Racing teams, who have already proved their worth on motorcycle games. They will undoubtedly be able to transpose into a video game all the complexity of this spectacular discipline, which combines reflexes, speed and anticipation.
It remains to be seen whether fans of all stripes (PC, PS5 and Xbox Series) will be out in force for the launch of MXGP 24, or whether they'll be saving themselves for Monster Energy Supercross 25.
