Codemasters land IRL and Indy 500 game rights.

Software company Codemasters has won the exclusive console and PC game rights to the US-based Indy Racing League in a deal with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The arrangement includes the rights to the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing', the Indianapolis 500 - also known as the Indy 500. The deal further strengthens Codemasters' world-class portfolio of motorsport properties. The company is already responsible for the brand-leading rally sport title with Colin McRae Rally and the best selling saloon car racing game with the TOCA series. The addition of the IRL licence now provides Codemasters with the opportunity to lead in the open-wheel racing game category.

The worldwide deal provides Codemasters with rights to utilise all current, future and historical images of the Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy Racing League that are owned by Brickyard Trademarks Inc. This includes the rights to use the real IRL teams and drivers from the 2002 season onwards.

Codemasters has commissioned Brain in a Jar, the UK games developer known for its previous work on the Ferrari 360 Challenge project, to produce the official IRL game, which will debut in 2003 on PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC.

"We are delighted to be working with Codemasters on this project," said Matthew Gabriel, managing director at Brain in a Jar, "As fans of all types of motorsport, we are looking forward to the challenge of working on such a high profile licence. Brain in a Jar will develop a game worthy of this great racing series."

"Codemasters is responsible for some of the most respected and successful console racing games ever," added Nick Wheelwright, MD at the games company, "Together with Brain in a Jar, we are going to deliver a game based on the exciting IRL series which will continue our own exceptionally high standards."

The Indy Racing League currently runs a 15-race championship that competes on ovals tracks and speedways throughout the USA, with the historic Indy 500 the highlight of its racing calendar. The cars are akin to F1 with General Motors and Nissan manufacturing the 3.5-litre V8 engines, used by all teams. Fast and furious, the 650bhp cars reach 0-100mph in less than three seconds and can race at speeds over 225mph on the larger oval circuits.

"The Indy Racing League and its jewel, the Indy 500, is a hugely prestigious win for Codemasters and one that sits perfectly with our portfolio of international motorsport licenses for video games," commented Anthony Price, group commercial director at Codemasters.

The Indy 500 offers the world's largest racing purse, with over $9million in prizes, and is today a global spectacle televised in 66 countries with a potential reach of more than 313 million homes.

"We're very excited that Codemasters is developing an Indy Racing League video game," concluded Tony George, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy Racing League, "Many fans have requested such a game, and we know it will help increase the worldwide exposure and growth of Indy Racing League teams and drivers, considering the explosive growth of gaming."