As a huge car fan, I enjoy racing games. I'm absolutely broke, so it gives me some form of competitive automotive racing to participate in. Sure, it's nowhere near as thrilling as the real thing, but can it be used as a tool to help drivers learn new techniques and race tracks?
I think so. I'm a huge fan of Forza for XBox 360, and I love it because it so realistic. I have been to Sebring, and when I play Forza, I feel like I am back there, going through the 17 turns. So, yes, if I intended on visiting a track, I would definitely utilize a racing simulator, or at least Forza, to learn the tracks.
Another thing that I like about it, is that I can learn vehicle dynamics playing the game. If I want to see how fast I need to go in a rear wheel driveto do a reverse flick, I would use a rear wheel drive car in the game, and give it a go. As many times as I want. Legally. In real life, I would have to burn through tires, and find a safe open space to legally do such an experiment.
Now, I don't believe driving simulators, or at least Forza, can offer certain experiences of real racing that is important for every driver to learn. Things, such as sensory input. The game can only stimulate the senses vaguely.
It can not inflict G-forces, the smell of burning rubber, brake and clutch fluid, the feel, or lack thereof of the wheels on the road. And the sound! God, the aural pleasure of the sound of motors revving to their limit. Games can only shake the controller, and play some recording on the tv. Until you've been racing in the real world, you havn't experienced racing.
But! In video games you don't experience the dangers of racing either. The crashes at 150 m.p.h. The loss of brakes, or power, while other cars of varying tonnage fly past.
Racing games provide a good base for people who want to just have fun for a few minutes on the cheap, learn a home track or two, or even better their driving skills through observation and experimentation. I like racing games. Especially Forza 2. (Oh, I can't wait for the 3rd!)
I find racing games to be a lot like any other game, especially sports games. You're basically putting yourself in a fantasy that you would love to do, but just can't. I know that I will never dunk a ball on Kevin Garnett in real life, but that doesn't stop me from brigging the pain via Dwight Howard on NBA 2K9. I also know that I will never own a Nissan GtR with more horsepower than Zues and then take it around a track at 200 MPH. Unless of coarse im playing a video game. Either way both experiences are enjoyable, even if they arent real.
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