Boris Rotenberg’s ANO SMP Racing is pushing into video game development with a project that aims to mirror the realism fans associate with Assetto Corsa, a renowned racing sim developed by Italian studio Kunos Simulazioni. The news comes from a Kommersant report that outlines the studio’s ambition to carve out a distinctly Russian counterpart to the popular sim racing experience.
The initiative is designed from the ground up as a true simulator. Its control scheme centers on steering wheel input and pedal precision, ensuring a tactile driving experience that appeals to serious sim racers. The leadership is steered by Alexander Moiseev, the former chief executive of Rutube, who described the venture as a bold step toward a homegrown high-fidelity racing title.
Moiseev outlined a grand scale for the effort, stating a target team of about 300 developers to realize the vision. He emphasized the goal of building a game that offers authentic physics, tire models, and dynamic racecraft that could stand alongside the best in the genre, as praised by players and critics alike for Assetto Corsa’s realism.
According to Moiseev, a functional prototype could be ready to demonstrate as early as 2024. He suggested presenters might see it in a showcase tied to the Future Games esports event in Kazan, where developers have previously shown cutting-edge concepts and post-release content ideas.
The project is planned for a three-year timeline to completion, with a release window extended to subsequent platforms. Moiseev also noted that the game would find a home on the VK.Play Russian platform, aligning with local digital distribution strategies and community ecosystems that support regional developers and audiences.
In terms of budget, SMP Racing estimates the annual cost of development at around $18 million, reflecting the scale of hiring, technology investments, and production pipelines necessary to produce a competitive sim at a global standard. The team is banking on the strength of local talent and partnerships to bring this game to life in a manner that resonates with both Russian and international racing communities.
Further context notes ongoing discussions within the industry about the emergence of homegrown racing simulations and how publishers and studios position themselves in relation to established franchises like Assetto Corsa. Industry observers are watching closely to understand how SMP Racing’s approach compares in terms of physics fidelity, car models, and the breadth of content planned for post-launch support. These conversations reflect a broader interest in expanding the catalog of authentic driving simulations that appeal to enthusiasts around the world. (Kommersant)