SBK 09

Racing enthusiasts are certainly spoilt for choice this year.

From Fuel to Dirt 2, past Gran Turismo 5, Split/Second and Blur, there is a plethora of promising racers due to hit shelves over the next 12 months. But in terms of two-wheels, there’s one game in particular that gamers are looking forward to: the latest in Black Bean’s ever-popular SBK series.

Based on the Superbike World Championship (a licence owned by Infront Motorsports), the game is set to feature all the official tracks, teams and riders to offer an authentic motorbike racing experience.

“SBK09 is the state-of-the-art of motorbike simulation,” says Black Bean UK marketing manager Dave Turner.

“The close relationship with Infront Motorsports has allowed an incredible co-operation with the teams and riders and their feedback, together with the critics and request by the fanbase has allowed Milestone to tune the
game and make it incredibly realistic and at the same time extremely fun to play. It’s easier for the beginner to get a grasp on handling and control as much as it is rewarding for the simulation lover or biker to see the two wheel monsters behave exactly as they woud in real life situations.”

ON YOUR BIKE
The SBK championship has been growing steadily in popularity since 2007. The competition has seen some thrilling races over recent years, and its viewing figures have risen – even snatching some fans from rival championship MotoGP.

And it is this growth that has made Black Bean optimistic that this year’s competition could be its biggest yet.

“The SBK Championship is growing bigger every year and 2009 is a real milestone: new manufacturers are joining in, BMW and Aprilia are making a comeback, new teams and riders take part in the competition and the attention of the fans is gathering around this motorbike series,” adds Turner.

“We are all really excited about how things are turning out this year and the game will be up to the expectations in terms of quality, playability, realism and, moreover, pure fun.”

In order to improve on last year’s game, developer Milestone has increased the realism of SBK even further, with revamped tracks and improved visuals, while an online mode, extra difficulty settings and customisable championship modes are sure to attract new fans.

“The main keywords that can define SBK09 are accessibility, graphics and online,” continues Turner.
“There are five different layers of pre-set difficulty settings, ranging from basic to extreme simulation so that players will be able to choose where to start from.

“Every parameter can be tuned, and that is why SBK09 will fit like a glove on every single motorbike lover on the planet.

“On the graphics side huge improvements have been made. The motorbikes and riders sport more polygons and details, the tracks have been completely revamped and upgraded to be as close to reality as imaginably possible, and new circuits have been added.

“3D environments have been created to put the player right in the middle of the Paddock area of the SBK World Championship. The online modes will feature the good old quick race, as well as two different completely customisable Championship modes: regular and team-based.”

MOTORING FORWARD
Of course Black Bean isn’t simply relying on a quality product to get the consumers through the door.
The publisher has planned an extensive marketing campaign, which includes a special form of TV promotion. At the beginning of every championship the worldwide broadcast will feature a ‘virtual lap’ produced by SBK09.

The game has its own dedicated website, backed by banner campaigns and a close relationship with the SBK official website. There will also be print advertisements in the SBK Championship Official Programme.

Other PR and marketing includes outdoor activity in this year’s SBK paddock area, which features its own dedicated SBK09 area.

Furthermore, SBK09 is the main partner of the Pirelli Day, and the bikers there tried the game and practised on the in-game track before heading out to the circuit.
This promotion, coupled with an improved and realistic racing experience and a close relationship with the Championship itself, is sure to make SBK 2009 a must-have for all motorcycling enthusiasts.