What Is Sim Racing? Understanding Arcade, Simcade, and Simulator Racing

Sim racing, short for simulation racing, is the digital pursuit of real-world motorsport. It strives to replicate the physics, car handling, and strategy of real racing as closely as possible. But not all racing games aim for the same thing. Across the genre, titles fall along a spectrum from fun to realism — from carefree arcade racers to hyper-realistic simulators.

Spectrum of racing games

Type	Focus	Characteristics	Examples
Arcade	Fun and accessibility	Easy to pick up, forgiving physics, exaggerated sense of speed, heavy use of boosts and drift assists. Realism takes a back seat to instant enjoyment.	Need for Speed, Burnout Paradise, Mario Kart, Forza Horizon
Simcade	Balance of realism and accessibility	Realistic visuals and vehicle behavior, but simplified physics, tire models, or assists for broader appeal. Often playable with a controller.	Forza Motorsport, Project CARS 2, Assetto Corsa
Simulator	Authenticity and precision	Built to mimic real motorsport physics: tire load, suspension dynamics, track temperature, and aerodynamics. Requires practice and often dedicated hardware (wheel and pedals).	iRacing, Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC), rFactor 2, RaceRoom Racing Experience, Automobilista 2

Realism vs. Accessibility

A good way to visualize it is as a spectrum:

Arcade (Fun) ←→ Simcade (Balanced) ←→ Simulator (Realism)

• Arcade: Immediate thrill, no need for practice.
• Simcade: Accessible realism — you feel like a racer without needing to train like one.
• Simulator: Skill-based and deeply immersive. The enjoyment comes from mastery and realism, much like real motorsport.

Why Sim Racing Stands Apart

Sim racing isn’t just gaming — it’s a motorsport training tool, a competitive eSport, and a hobby in its own right. Professional drivers use simulators to practice tracks before race weekends. Enthusiasts invest in realistic rigs and setups to replicate the feeling of driving at the limit.

It’s not that simulators aren’t fun — they just demand patience. The fun is in the learning curve, the precision, and the satisfaction of improvement.

Conclusion

Sim racing bridges the gap between gaming and real-world racing. Whether you’re looking for a quick thrill in an arcade racer or the authentic challenge of a simulator, there’s a place on the spectrum for every driver.