SONY F1 Game Programming Team in Pole Position at Three Sisters.
29-11-04

In the ever competitive world of the computer games industry Sony Games Designer, Nick Burcombe, wanted to take the Playstation 2 F1 development team to a new level of understanding in order to strengthen the competitive edge of the world’s most successful F1 series.

In order to do this, Nick had to get them on track, in proper race cars - but in the right educational environment.

‘We got in touch with several race schools but we had problems in finding somewhere that could deliver the right type of event. We needed our team of over 40 programmers to not only drive a real race car, but understand its dynamics to help us take the game forward. This was not a straight forward jolly, it had to deliver very specific circuit and car technical insights and this ruled out the majority of venues’, explains Nino Ceraolo, Studio Communications Manager.

‘Three Sisters Race Circuit came up with a package which included multiple driving experiences, classroom sessions with Race Car Technicians, and due to the natural amphitheatre nature of the venue, we we’re also able to watch our colleagues whilst on track to learn from observing their racing lines.’

‘Towards the end of the day, we all regrouped for a spectacular endurance race in the 70 mph Pro-Karts. It was terrific fun, but also allowed us to use some of the skills we learnt throughout the day,’ Nick enthuses.

‘Ultimately, the event achieved its objections and then some. Our team learnt a great deal about how a proper single-seater race car feels to drive and that will give us an immediate return by transferring into the F1 2005 game. We also bonded as a team by experiencing an exhilarating experience together and had plenty of fun at the same time.’

‘We’re returning to Three Sisters in July 2005, this time to entertain some key clients, and look forward to getting back on track again.’

<Back