The Cancelled Project CARS 3 Could Have Been a Forza Horizon Competitor

Launched in 2012, the Project CARS series held a special place among racing games with its simulation-focused structure. However, the third installment, released in 2020, broke with this tradition and offered a distinct experience that emphasized arcade elements. The game’s biggest secret was its canceled open-world vision.

Project CARS 3’s Secret Plans

Slightly Mad Studios co-founder Ian Bell revealed that Project CARS 3 was originally being developed under the name “Project CARS Sideways.” This version was intended to feature open-world elements similar to Forza Horizon. Roads extending beyond the tracks, expansive maps, and an exploration-focused design would give the game a completely different spirit. The studio’s Madness Engine technology was also well-suited to such large spaces.

However, at the investors’ discretion, the project launched under the name “Project CARS 3.” Simulation elements were toned down, and details like pit stops and tire wear were omitted. The resulting result completely satisfied neither hardcore sim enthusiasts nor arcade gamers. Ian Bell described the process as “absolute hell” and expressed the difficulties faced by the team, juggling multiple projects.

Project CARS 4 aimed to return the series to its roots. Ian Bell described it as “the most realistic simulation in history.” However, after Electronic Arts acquired Codemasters, the project was completely canceled. Thus, the series was obsolete with the removal of all three games from digital stores.

The story doesn’t end there, though. The former Slightly Mad Studios team is working on Project Motor Racing under Ian Bell’s Straight 4 banner. This new game, scheduled for release in November, aims to keep the Project CARS spirit alive. For fans of the series, this game could truly recapture this lost potential. Had Project CARS 3 achieved its open-world vision under the name “Sideways,” it could have been a serious competitor to Forza Horizon. However, the recent cancellations serve as a reminder that not every possibility can be realized in the gaming world.

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