A driving simulation sandbox that has quietly become a massive hit on Steam is coming to PlayStation 5 in October. BeamNG.drive, known for its realistic soft-body physics and extensive customization, will launch on PS5 on October 19.
The game has garnered over 200,000 "overwhelmingly positive" reviews on Steam since its early access debut over ten years ago. Estimates suggest it has sold between 8 and 15 million copies, with a recent peak of over 47,000 concurrent players.
BeamNG.drive's primary draw is its sophisticated physics engine, which allows for highly detailed vehicle deformation and behavior. While the game does not feature licensed cars, it offers a wide array of vehicles and diverse environments designed for free-roam exploration and experimentation. Players can engage in various activities, including time trials, races, trucking missions, drifting, and police chases. The simulation also allows for manipulation of environmental factors like weather and gravity to test the physics engine's capabilities.
While initially a pure sandbox, BeamNG.drive has evolved to include a career mode, a variety of driving scenarios, and a tutorial system. This development suggests the game is ready to appeal to a broader audience on consoles, potentially competing with established racing franchises upon its PS5 release.