Robby Zinchak here! As Associate Producer on MotoGP 08, I am very excited to announce that the game has shipped today!
Now let's get into why it's such a great game so you will all go out and get a copy today! Let's start with accessibility...one of our objectives in developing MotoGP 08 was to make the game as accessible as possible to all players without compromising the depth of the simulation so that both new gamers and the hardcore fans will love it!
For the beginner, one of the most helpful tools for new players is the Tutorial Mode, which you are prompted to try when you first boot MotoGP 08. This mode makes the game really easy to learn - it starts you off in ‘Arcade' handling mode which allows the CPU to assist your driving in a few ways. The CPU assist means you can't pull off all the cool racing moves in Arcade mode, but you can have a fun experience without worrying about managing the more complex aspects of the racing sim. When you're ready to advance to the more challenging handling modes, they're just an options click away. These handling modes are available across all the game modes, so whether you want to play a single lap or a whole career, the whole game is customizable to your skill level!
The cool thing about tutorial mode is that it actually analyzes your driving style. If you're not braking enough, it'll pop up with some tips saying to watch for the stripes on the side of the road and use those to help you gauge when to brake. If you're playing well, it'll suggest you try the more challenging handling modes (Advanced and Simulation). Tutorial mode isn't the next SkyNET, but it'll teach you the basics of the game as you play - which I always find the most fun and least frustrating way to learn a new game.
Another feature that makes the game accessible are icons that pop up based on your driving: they indicate upcoming turns, if you're approaching a turn too fast, and other tips to make driving easy for new players.
A new player can (starting today ;)) pick up MotoGP 08, start playing right away and have a great time! But even though it's easy for a new player to learn, there's also a lot for hardcore fans to enjoy: simulation handling, bike upgrades, tuning, etc.
MotoGP is now available in stores and on digital storeshelves; for more information, see our MotoGP 08 website!
Hey guys! Wanted to let everyone know that our new MotoGP 08 webpage is up! Check it out at http://www.playmotogp.com/ -- it's full of screenshots, videos, and information on MotoGP 08, so definitely worthwhile to visit. Also check out the wallpapers and screensaver -- I've just installed them on my PC, and I know soon all the other Capcom'ers will be envious of my desktop stylings! ;)
Just one month to go until we're on store shelves! Woo!
I'm new to the blog (and to Capcom!), so I'll introduce myself: I'm the Associate Producer on MotoGP and Flock. I started at Capcom just a few weeks ago and I'm already working on a lot of exciting things - everything from providing feedback on recent builds to wrangling contracts to driving a new initiative on Flock! (more info on that in a future blog!). As for my history, I've actually only been in the professional industry for a few years, before that I worked on some indie game stuff, wrote a couple of published tech papers, and then joined Midway where I was an AP on Blacksite and an unannounced title. When I was offered the chance to work on Capcom's titles, I knew it was a great opportunity and made the trip from my native state of Texas to sunny California (which I'm loving!). My favorite pastimes are gaming (obviously :P), indie dev., and anime. Favorite anime series at the moment is Animation Runner Kuromi - a series about a new producer in the animation industry. No parallels whatsoever to my own life. ;)
For my first post, I wanted to talk a little bit about MotoGP. After playing the builds, I'm excited about it! It's looking great visually and the gameplay is surprisingly accessible -- having played only a handful of racing games, I was able to pick up and play MotoGP on its easiest difficulty settings. Over the past few weeks I've been improving my meager racing skills, working towards the more difficult modes and discovering the simulation's depth. The more advanced riding models reveal a lot of control and strategy in the game. There are a lot of tracks to learn and numerous distinct game modes to explore. MotoGP has a lot to discover, and I think both the casual racer and hardcore simulation fan have a lot to enjoy! If you haven't checked out the E3 trailer for it, check it out here. We'll be talking more in-depth about MotoGP in the coming weeks, but if you're excited about MotoGP now we just put up the preorder page here. Look forward to some more information on MotoGP soon!
Robby Zinchak here! As Associate Producer on MotoGP 08, I am very excited to announce that the game has shipped today! 
