With the feature-packed demo of Race Driver: GRID already out of the way, Codemasters thought it timely to pull back the curtain on the multiplayer portion of the publisher’s new semi-arcade/sim hybrid racer. Head in for all the details.

Given the game’s extensive single-player campaign, Codies’ goal with the multiplayer slice of GRID was to replicate what’s offered offline and take it onto the online tarmac for an equally satisfying racing affair. As such, the multiplayer, which allows for up to 12 players to burn the rubber at the same time, will feature as many as 32 online race events on 80 circuits spread across 15 intercontinental locations.

Chief Game Designer Ralph Fulton commented:

“Race Driver: GRID online is the ultimate expression of what the game is all about – incident-packed, aggressive, wheel-to-wheel racing. Our wide range of motorsport disciplines, stunning locations and full damage 12-player races make for a uniquely spectacular race experience and our immersive new ranking system rewards player skill and deepens the challenge online.”

As players get the hang of how things work on the online streets and get better and better, a new online ranking system awards points based on various achievements, such as winning races and beating higher ranked opponents. Traditional online options, including switching damage on or off, enabling catch-up mode, setting driver aids and allowing public and private games, are all on tap. In addition to online leaderboards that track your fastest laps for each circuit, the game enables you to download ghost cars of other racers, as well as lets you seat back and watch others race in Spectator mode.

Race Driver: GRID is to race its way into retail stores on May 30th in Europe and June 3rd in North America.