PLAION, a leading independent developer, publisher and distributor of entertainment products, is proud to announce a newly signed publishing deal with Straight4 Studios. The newly formed studio is led by veteran sim racing developer, Ian Bell, whose resume includes titles such as Need for Speed: Shift, Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends, Shift 2: Unleashed, and the GTR and Project CARS franchises.

“The much-anticipated return of one of sim racing’s most iconic development teams has been immeasurably strengthened by our strategic partnership with PLAION. The whole team has been energized by what PLAION will bring to our game,” said Kevin Boland, Chief Development Officer at Straight4.

The strategic partnership will be focused on development of a yet to be announced sim racing title which is being built by many of the key talents behind Slightly Mad Studios along with a team of other industry veterans.

“Our vision for this new game is a hardcore racing sim with a commitment to bringing the community the kind of simulation and modding tools they want. PLAION immediately understood our ambition and potential and we have every confidence that this new partnership will play a defining role in pushing the sim racing industry to a whole new level of realism and fun,” said Ian Bell, CEO at Straight4 Studios.

“We’re always on the lookout to find new partners to work with and bring something truly special to our audiences. Straight4 Studios has a fantastic vision and a team with an outstanding list of games under their belt. Racing Sim fans, this will be one to look out for,” said Klemens Kundratitz, CEO at PLAION.

The new title will launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox and will be the spiritual return to the glory days of sim racing’s past while featuring a new, bespoke physics engine and cutting-edge graphics.