Blur confirmed for autumn 2009

Heavy focus on social networking.

Activision has announced its all-new entry into the video game racing genre, Blur, will be released this autumn for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Blur promises to drop players into heart-pumping, electrified racing action with 20 cars on a track as they battle for the finish line. Cars will trade paint as they collide and racers will collect power-ups, including the ability to blast other cars out of the way with huge bursts of energy, boost their speed, and more.

The game will feature photo realistic cars complete with "fully realised damage models" and a number of real-world track locations ranging from L.A. and San Francisco to the streets of Hackney, UK and the treacherous roads of Barcelona, Spain.

“We did our homework and saw a huge opportunity to move beyond traditional racers and create a game completely focused on making racing ‘fun’ again,” said Martyn Chudley, creative director, Bizarre Creations. “Blur delivers a new style of racing experience for all gamers, regardless of their experience, skill or genre preferences. Everything the player does, both in their cars and with their cars, is a dramatic adrenaline rush; it’s a real blast!”

Blur’s narrative will be presented through Bizarre’s new community-based interface. A unique story-driving social network is said to evolve dynamically as players compete in different races, make new friends, rivals and fans, and connect with other racers both in-game and in real life.

Blur will also feature competitive and team-based multiplayer races with up to 20 players online, or on a single console via 4-player split-screen. Players will be able to create unique multiplayer modes based on their favourite ways to play the game. These new modes are immediately shared through Blur’s social network.

Blur is planned for release this autumn for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.