Category: PlayStation

Remember last summer, when Pistol Whip got five new breakneck Scenes and one of them had soaring castle towers, trebuchet battles, and not one, but two dragons?

Here at Cloudhead, we looked at that Scene (the illustrious Majesty) and said “This rules, and we’re gonna make a whole Collection out of it, and no one can stop us.”

And of course, we added yet another new music genre to the game: power metal.

Welcome to Voidslayer: A frenzy of three new Pistol Whip Scenes that charge headlong through raucous villages, cataclysmic fields of battle, to the place where Earth and the cosmos blur together. Each Scene is an act within an epic journey. In the first act, Hero’s Dawn, you shall awake to the call of destiny, and follow it through a world of fire and darkness, with an endless stream of enemies to crash through as you go.

For our seasoned Pistol Whip players, we’ve got a couple of new Modifiers to check out, too.

Colour Match forces you to think quickly, as your weapons will be colour-coordinated to enemies on the field. Only the shots from matching-coloured guns will hit. This is one of those Modifiers that, as soon as you’ve mastered it, will make you want to go back and replay every single Scene just to see how much it changes the groove.

Meanwhile, the Deflector modifier gives you the ability to send bullets ricocheting back at your foes. And if you’re also wielding the Metal Gauntlet, remember to throw up the horns with every deflection. You won’t get any extra points or anything, but you’ll feel extremely cool, and our dev team will all cheer.

As a bunch of metalheads ourselves, we can’t wait to unleash our three chosen music tracks on you. With wailing guitar solos and furious kick drums from the likes of Bloodbound, Brothers of Metal, and Firewind, these are some of the most unstoppable, fist-in-the-air Pistol Whip songs yet.

Ready thy broken sword on June 6, when Hero’s Dawn, the first of Voidslayer’s three new Scenes, will arrive on PlayStation VR2, with the second and third Scenes following in the weeks after!

Welcome to May, PlayStation Stars members. With a new month upon us, we’re ready to introduce new Campaigns and Digital Collectibles. Get ready to immerse yourself in thrilling challenges, unlock rewards, and enhance your digital collectible display case. Let’s dive right in to discover what awaits you this month.

Campaign: Road to Evo 2024 | Digital Collectible: Road to Evo 2024 Trophy
Available May 1

The Road to Evo is paved with perseverance. Start your path to victory by participating in any one of the tournaments listed below to earn a special Digital Collectible.

• Guilty Gear -Strive- Road to EVO 2024 Tournament
• The King of Fighters XV Road to EVO 2024 Tournament
• Mortal Kombat 1 Road to EVO 2024 Tournament
• Tekken 8 Road to EVO 2024 Tournament

Campaign: PlayStation Plus Game Catalog: Must-play this Month | Reward: 50 Points
Available May 1

Play any one of the below games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog to earn 50 Points.

• Assetto Corsa Competizione
• Dead By Daylight
• Back 4 Blood
• Riders Republic
• Outriders
• Wreckfest

Campaign: Role Player’s Guild | Digital Collectible: The Outlaw
Available May 2

Our journey to celebrate the RPG genre and its influence continues with The Outlaw. These characters defy law and order to fight for what they believe in. Play any one of these titles to get your Digital Collectible tarot card.

• Cyberpunk 2077
• Grand Theft Auto V
• LIke a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
• Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
• Red Dead Redemption 2
• Payday 3

Campaign: Your PlayStation Plus Monthly Games Await | Reward: 50 Points
Available May 7   

Check out the new batch of PlayStation Plus Monthly Games. Play any one of these excellent additions to your library to get some Points.  

Campaign: PlayStation VR2 Showtime | Game Drop | Reward: 50 Points
Available May 9 

Try any one of these PS VR2 games below and earn 50 Points.

• Tiger Blade
• Hubris
• C-Smash VRS
• Stilt

Campaign: PlayStation & You: PS4 | Digital Collectible: PlayStation 4 Pro Console – Black
Available May 15 

PlayStation 4 Pro Console brought enhanced visuals to new and existing games via support for 4K resolution and HDR technology. Available only for registered owners of the PlayStation 4 Pro Console – Black – play any PS4 or PS5 game and unlock your limited edition Digital Collectible.

Campaign: Wind Down with PlayStation | Digital Collectible: Fuzzy Sheep Ottoman
Available May 15 

It’s cozy game time. Come relax with us by starting any one of the games below to unlock your Digital Collectible.

• Open Roads
• Melatonin
• Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure
• Mystic Pillars – Remastered

Head to PlayStation App to see all PlayStation Stars Campaigns throughout the month. Learn more about PlayStation Stars here.

Legend tells of a man so consumed by his pursuit of strength that his soul and body have now faded into nothingness. Though many wish he were a mere legend, Akuma will rise again in Street Fighter 6, to challenge foes worthy enough to face him on May 22. Will you harness the power of the Satsui no Hado or succumb to it?

Akuma made his debut in Super Street Fighter II Turbo as a hidden boss and playable character. In Street Fighter 6, Akuma’s thirst for strength has taken a maddening toll. He carves figures of the hundreds of opponents he has felled and places them in the cave he resides, their silence beckoning him to fall deeper into his path of inner strife.

Nakayama-san’s comments on his design: Akuma now has a more striking presence complete with gray hair. We also used Buddha statues and animals as references for his musculature in an attempt to give the character a more memorable aesthetic.

Like the rest of the Year 1 characters, Akuma can become your Master in World Tour. Find him in a new area, Enma’s Hollow, located on the island of Gokuento, but beware the effects of the Satsui no Hado lest you become tormented by its hunger. After increasing your bond with Akuma, he’ll teach you his demonic moves, which you can then assign to your avatar to be used in your World Tour travels or in Avatar Battles in the Battle Hub.

As a man who has spent his life honing his skills, Akuma’s move set will be familiar to long-time fans, but the Satsui no Hado has unlocked new abilities. His fast walk speed and long-reaching normals allow him to control space and the flow of the fight.

Let’s start with Akuma’s iconic moves that make him a well-rounded pursuer. His infamous fireball, Gou Hadoken is back, and can be charged up so that a “red fireball” is released instead, giving Akuma more options upon hit or block. Everyone’s favorite air fireball, Zanku Hadoken, can cover Akuma’s aggressive approach. His dragon punch, Gou Shoryuken, works as an anti-air or as a combo ender. Finally, Tatsumaki Zanku-Kyaku sees Akuma spinning forward in a series of kicks that change properties based on which kick button is pressed.

Like his previous iterations, Akuma uses Ashura Senku to glide on the battlefield cloaked in shadows. Be wary of using this ability since it can be stopped mid-way by an opponent’s attacks. However, Akuma has honed this move’s vulnerabilities and can now use Oboro Throw during the approach to surprise opponents.

Adamant Flame is one of Akuma’s new moves, where he performs a forward thrust engulfed in flames. This move is useful in combos and for exploiting vulnerable opponents due to its long reach. The OD version will wall splat opponents, opening up more opportunities in the corner.

Demon Raid is the Street Fighter 6 version of Hyakkishu. As Akuma leaps into the air with this move, choose to follow up with a low kick, overhead attack, dive kick, or to end the leap early. The OD version of Demon Raid unlocks two more follow-ups: an air fireball and an air tatsu.

Akuma’s Level 1 Super Art is Messatsu Gohado, where he fires a highly concentrated ball of Satsui no Hado. Like most Level 1s, this move is invulnerable on start-up. Akuma has a second Level 1 called Tenma Gozanku where he unleashes the fireball from the air.

Empyrean’s End is Akuma’s Level 2 Super Art where he turns the Satsui no Hado into a powerful flame and ignites it within the opponent. Using this move close to the corner will result in a wall splat where Akuma can continue his pressure or damage. Empyrean’s End is also invulnerable on start-up.

Akuma’s first Level 3 Super Art is Sip of Calamity, another move that is invulnerable on start-up! He throws opponents on the ground with their face and follows up with a single devastating blow.

Finally, the move you’ve all been waiting for: Shun Goku Satsu or the “Raging Demon.” This second Level 3 Super Art can only be performed when his Vitality is low enough for a Critical Art and can be used to end combos. This time, he allows you to see what happens during the one-second worth of nightmares.

Coming with this update is a new stage, Enma’s Hollow, where Akuma resides to continue his hellbent training. Year 1 Ultimate Pass owners will receive this stage on May 22.

Akuma’s Outfit 2 is inspired by his debut look in Super Street Fighter II Turbo. Speaking of outfits, Rashid, A.K.I., Ed, and Akuma will have their Outfit 3s also available for purchase when Akuma releases, and will automatically be distributed to all Year 1 Ultimate Pass owners.

One last thing before we sign off. With the Akuma update comes the major balance patch we mentioned in the past where all characters will receive changes. We’ll have more to share about this in the future as we approach May 22.

Get ready to unleash your inner demon when Akuma rages in!

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Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here

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Hello everyone! The gang returns this week to discuss new releases Stellar Blade and Another Crab’s Treasure. Plus, the Helldivers 2 marathon continues as the team dives into Super Samples and more.

Stuff We Talked About

• Moto GP 24 – PS5, PS4
• Sea of Thieves – PS5
• Gran Turismo 7 1.46 Update Blog
• Community Game Help live now for select titles including Granblue Fantasy: Relink and Stellar Blade
• Stellar Blade New Game Plus Blog
• Another Crab’s Treasure Hands-on Blog
• Another Crab’s Treasure – PS5
• Stellar Blade – PS5
• Lords of the Fallen – PS5
• Tekken 8 – PS5
• Helldivers 2 – PS5

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The Cast

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Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music.

[Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

Last week, we asked you put the spotlight on robots and droids using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

TheFourthFocus shares a smiling tiny robot in the rain of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.

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call_me_xavii shares Kara smiling downwards in Detroit: Become Human.

MrioMoreno5 shares Astro sitting playing on a platform, while a larger robot stands in the distance of Astro’s Playroom.

wingsforsmiles shares a droid standing at a panel of buttons and levers in Star Wars Jedi Survivor.

BBSnakeCorn shares a portrait of Jack-8 in Tekken 8.

BarryPaust shares the titular Stray cat looks up at a robot.

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME:  Stellar Blade
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on May 1, 2024

Next week, we’re turning our lens on Stellar Blade. Share epic moments from Stellar Blade using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

As we near the end of April, the fighting game scene truly begins to heat up. From April 27 to 29, the best of the best will gather in Tokyo to crown an Evo Japan champion. Then, players will gather for the world’s premier fighting game event, Evo 2024 in Las Vegas. Through the PlayStation Tournaments: Road to Evo program, players can compete at home and join online competitions for a chance to win a trip and showcase their skills at Evo 2024 in Las Vegas.

Win a trip to compete at Evo 24 in Las Vegas in PlayStation Tournaments: Road to Evo 2024

We’re excited to announce details for Road to Evo 2024 on PS5 Tournaments. Players worldwide are invited to compete to win a round-trip ticket to Evo in Las Vegas and play on the biggest stage in fighting games. 

Road to Evo 2024 will feature Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Guilty Gear -Strive-, Mortal Kombat 1, The King of Fighters XV on PS5. Six regions are eligible to compete: North America, Europe, East Asia*, ANZ, and MENA. In the end, 15 PlayStation competitors will be given the opportunity to travel and compete in Las Vegas.

Players who join the PlayStation Esports Discord between April 25 to May 9 will earn a unique Evo-themed PlayStation Network avatar. To join the Discord channel, click here.

Last year’s Road to Evo champions accomplished some incredible feats battling through online and in-person challengers to reach the world’s biggest stages. We followed their journey all the way from their PlayStation consoles to the largest Evo of all time. Watch their inspiring story in this new documentary.

Evo Japan starts this weekend

The fighting game community’s eyes will be on Tokyo this weekend as players compete in Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear -Strive-, The King of Fighters XV, Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes], Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising and Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike.

Evo Japan marks Tekken 8’s first major tournament and will also feature the return of  the fan-favorite Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike. Tune into the English stream on Evo’s Twitch channel from April 27th to April 29th. You can also compete at home in Tekken 8, Guilty Gear -Strive-, and The King of Fighters XV through PlayStation Tournaments on PS5.

Get ready for Evo 2024 in Las Vegas

From July 19th to July 21st, the biggest weekend in fighting games will commence at Evo 2024 in Las Vegas.

The weekend will feature the genre’s biggest titles, including new Evo debuts like Tekken 8, Mortal Kombat 1, Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes], and Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising.  Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear -Strive-, and The King of Fighters XV will also return to the Evo stage, and community classic Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike returns to Evo for the first time since 2009.

This year also features Evo in a new venue: The Las Vegas Convention Center. Fans can expect enhanced versions of the activities and experiences that define the show. Read more about the Evo attendee experience here. For those at home, you can watch Evo live on Twitch and YouTube.

We can’t wait for what Evo 2024 will bring, and we hope you’ll join us. Tickets are on sale now. See you there!

*Eligible East Asia territories are limited to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan

Gran Turismo players! Now more than ever, technology is developing in ways that creates endless possibilities. This month’s GT updates features a glimpse of what the future would hold through two vehicles, the coveted ŠKODA Vision Gran Turismo and AFEELA Prototype 2024 .   

Update 1.46* for Gran Turismo 7 will be available as of Wednesday, April 24 at 11:00pm PST / April 25 at 7:00am BST / 3:00pm JST. 

Three new cars added this month

ŠKODA Vision Gran Turismo

A single-seater all-wheel drive EV from the distinguished Czech manufacturer. 

Drawing on the rich heritage of Škoda Motorsport, the Škoda Design Team has created a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car: the ŠKODA Vision Gran Turismo. Created exclusively for Gran Turismo, this concept represents Škoda’s first inclusion in the Gran Turismo series. Inspired by the Škoda 1100 OHC Spyder racing car from 1957, a vehicle originally developed for the prestigious 24-hour Le Mans race, the Vision Gran Turismo is a modern tribute to this legendary racing car and promises an immersive and responsive driving experience. 

The ŠKODA Vision Gran Turismo project began in 2019 when the design team revisited the iconic Škoda 1100 OHC. Initially, the team was debating whether to restore the original 1100 OHC or create a futuristic iteration for the digital age. After consulting with Chief Designer Oliver Stefani, the Škoda Design team opted for an innovative approach, creating a fusion of past and future. 

This racing concept pays homage to its legendary predecessor as well as incorporating the defining features of Škoda’s Modern Solid design language, as seen in its T-shaped headlights. What’s more, the Vision Gran Turismo showcases two distinct liveries: one reflecting the heritage of the famous Škoda 130 RS racing car from 70́s, and the other inspired by the Vision 7S concept car, which embodies Škodás Modern Solid Design philosophy. 

The ŠKODA Vision Gran Turismo boasts a sleek exterior with crisp, clear lines and pronounced edges, mirroring the aesthetics of current Formula E racers. Its design is optimized for superior handling through active aerodynamics. Features like the aerodynamically sculpted body, and the striking, adaptive two-piece rear wing, all work together to dynamically adjust to driving conditions and boost performance. The vehicle incorporates independent wishbone push-rod type suspension system, mounted to a carbon monocoque like those found in Formula E cars, improving high-speed stability, reducing body roll, and lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity. 

Efficiency and excellent driving dynamics are at the heart of the ŠKODA Vision Gran Turismo design. It is equipped with two 200 kW (268.2 BHP) electric twin motors, one on each axle, delivering a combined power output of 800 kW (1,072 BHP). The inclusion of all-wheel drive with intelligent torque distribution across both axles ensures a balanced and responsive driving experience. This is complemented by a smooth, single-speed transmission, providing seamless acceleration. 

The design of the ŠKODA Vision Gran Turismo harmonizes the exterior and interior, giving the driver the feeling of merging with the car ‒ especially once they take a seat in the cockpit of the cutting-edge carbon monocoque chassis.

 

AFEELA Prototype 2024

A revolutionary ‘mobility device’ set to change how we spend time moving. 

“Move people, through the pursuit of innovation with diverse inspirations.” Embrace cutting edge technology and create a new kind of joy in movement to inspire others. This is the purpose for which Sony Honda Mobility was founded in 2022. This new company, born from the collaboration between 2 very different companies, unveiled their AFEELA Prototype 2024 BEV at the beginning of CES® 2024. 

On the exterior, the car uses an orthodox hatchback sedan shape with a smooth aerodynamic look. There are several sensing devices across the car, including the LiDAR unit at the front of the roof and other image and radar sensors. The highly accurate data from these devices are used to provide more natural driving assistance. 

The doors open automatically as the user approaches so there is no need for door handles. Looking towards the front grille, you will find the customizable ‘Media Bar’, a digital display which allows for both self-expression and communication from outside the car. 

However, the real appeal of the AFEELA lies within its cabin. The interior features a vast array of features to ensure passengers are never bored. 

The most obvious feature as you board the vehicle is the wide dashboard display spanning almost the entire width of the car. This screen provides not only information from the car itself, but several entertainment options which can also be shown on the seatback displays for the rear seats. As well as music and movies, passengers can also view a real-time 3D representation of the car’s surroundings taken from the sensor arrays and allows them to enjoy the scenery around them as if playing a game. 

The appeal of the car is not only visual either. The AFEELA also features a personal agent feature which allows passengers to interact with the car through natural speech. Additionally, a combination of Honda’s extensive experience in mobility and Sony’s audio knowhow has resulted in an innovative noise cancelling system to reduce road noise. Isolated from the drone of the outside world, the interior’s numerous speakers provide an unparalleled audio soundstage. 

The AFEELA transforms the process of moving around from simply waiting, to enjoying the time spent in the car. This 2024 Prototype is critical milestone in the process of bring the AFEELA to market production.

Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70

Popular in drag racing; sporting incredible power from a massive engine. 

Introduced in the 1964 model year, the Chevelle was Chevrolet’s first intermediate model. With an SS sports grade model in the line-up and an option for a 327ci high output V8 engine, the Chevelle carried all the hallmarks of a muscle car. 

In the following year of 1965 however, the Chevelle SS was transformed into a full-blown high-performance car, with a 396 ci, OHV V8. From then on the Chevelle SS was only offered with this 396 ci unit, drawing a clear line between it and the previous SS. 

In 1970, the Chevelle SS went on to be called the most powerful intermediate model on the market. The engine line-up that was only available in 396 ci was upgraded, offering an enlarged 402 ci model. In addition, a 454 ci, enlarged version of the 427 ci, was offered as well. 

The option codes for the two types of 454 ci models offered, were the LS5 and LS6. The former produced 355 BHP with a compression of 10.25:1, and the compression of the latter was raised to 11.25:1, and combined with high cams and high flow headers, it produced approximately 449.7 BHP. This was the most powerful catalogue model engine in the history of American cars in its day. 

The LS6-equipped Chevelle SS454 was immediately recognised as a very special model, with its wild power output unlikely for a road-legal car. Equipped with a straight exhaust and carburettor settings, it is said to have easily exceeded 493.1 BHP, and was the big contender in stock class drag racing.

Café / Extra Menus  

The following Menu has been added:

• Extra Menu No. 38: ‘Ferrari 12-Cylinder Engines’ (Collector Level 38 and above)

World Circuits (Event)

The following new events have been added to ‘World Circuits’:

• Japanese Clubman Cup 550: Alsace – Village Reverse
• American FR Challenge 550: Trial Mountain Circuit Reverse
• Vision Gran Turismo Trophy: Grand Valley – Highway 1

Scapes  

‘San Diego’ has been added as a featured curation in Scapes

*Internet connection and Gran Turismo 7 game required for update.

Be one of the 20 in EA Sports F1 24, the official game of the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship, arriving earlier than previous seasons for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on May 31.

Through the introduction of the new EA Sports Dynamic Handling, players will feel even closer to the action. Additionally, for the first time, join the grid in Career mode as a driver from the 2024 F1 season.

Drive like the greatest

Working closely with current World Champion and Champions Edition cover star Max Verstappen, the new EA Sports Dynamic Handling redefines the feel of the car to produce a realistic and predictable performance across wheel and pad.

The driving experience is improved with entirely revamped suspension dynamics, an advanced tyre model, sophisticated aerodynamic simulation, and new car setup and engine options. Cornering, rolling resistance, brake pressure, and the ability to react to changes in ambient track temperature and fluctuating conditions are all greatly improved.

On PS5, this is further enhanced thanks to high-definition feedback through the DualSense controller’s rumble, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers; allowing you to feel every bump, kerb, and subtle shift in traction as your race.  

Greater authenticity

Improvements made to various circuits enhance the experience during race week, including significant updates to Silverstone for even greater accuracy. 

Modifications to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Lusail International Circuit, and Jeddah Corniche Circuit guarantee that these tracks align with their actual world equivalents. 

Cinematic replays, broadcast camera angles and showrooms once again feature ray-traced lighting on PS5, with on-track action benefitting from Dynamic Diffuse Global Illumination, offering a more realistic feel to light and shadows.

A new broadcast presentation package and cutscenes add to the race day immersion. In addition, actual driver audio samples taken from F1 broadcasts add a new dimension, as they react to on-track incidents. 

Sound in general plays a massive part in the overall racing experience. With spatial diffraction and reflection (compatible headphones required), you’ll be able to hear the difference between racing on a tightly-packed street circuit, compared to the vast plains of a circuit in the desert.

Revamped Career

In the revamped Career mode, players have the opportunity to become F1 drivers from the 2024 roster, promising contenders from the F2 scene, or iconic drivers from the past.

Two new Icons are introduced exclusively for those with the Champions Edition of F1 24: James Hunt, a former World Champion, and Juan Pablo Montoya, the most accomplished F1 driver from Colombia.

Further innovations to Career mode include:

Gain Recognition: Establish your reputation in the Paddock by achieving on-track goals. Stay concentrated on the finish line with race-day tasks. Fulfilling Contract Targets can aid in securing a new contract or lead to confidential discussions about switching to a fierce competitor.

R&D Upgrades: Driver reputation also influences the level of support received from the team. The higher the reputation, the more motivated the team. Players can invest fully in a single innovation or distribute resources for a more balanced progression.

Earn Accolades: Apart from short-term accomplishments, every driver has long-term goals based on seasonal expectations. These could vary from a certain number of Top 10 finishes, Pole Positions, to winning the World Championship.

Race with a Friend: Collaborate or compete in a two-player Career mode, with each of the Career mode changes applied. With individual driver goals, players need to remain focused to become the top driver of the team.

Challenge Career: An ideal starting point before taking on a 24-race season. Step into the role of a pre-chosen F1 driver and participate in a series of mini seasons, with community voting shaping the conditions and tracks for future events.

F1 World returns

F1 World, the platform for Multiplayer, Grand Prix, Time Trial returns for a second season with a new addition: Fanzone.

During a Podium Pass season, players get to choose their preferred team and driver and participate in a time-restricted league that spans the entire season, including cooperative objectives whilst competing against opposing teams.

Available to pre-order now

Players who pre-order the digital-exclusive Champions Edition by May 1 will get immediate access to a selection of 2024 liveries for use in F1 23’s special Time Trial mode, as well as the two new Icons, 18,000 PitCoin, an F1 World Bumper Pack, up to three days of early access starting May 28 including exclusive Verstappen-inspired special events with unique unlockable rewards, and one bonus VIP Podium Pass.

Plus, those who own F1 2021, F1 22, or F1 23 on PlayStation, can take advantage of a 15% loyalty discount on F1 24 Champions Edition pre-orders Load any of these games to find out how.

Players pre-ordering the Standard Edition will receive 5,000 PitCoin and an F1 World Starter Pack.