Release date for first new Dakar Rally game in 15 years revealed

Dakar 18 is the first instalment in a series that Bigmoon Entertainment - which previously worked on WRC 5 and MotoGP 13 - plans to turn into a yearly release.

The last Dakar Rally video game was released back in 2003. Dakar 2: The World's Ultimate Rally was released two years after its predecessor, Paris-Dakar Rally, came out to mixed reviews.

Bigmoon has promised the game will be "a realistic simulation" of the cross-country rally and, in matching current trends in the video game industry, it plans to create what it believes will be one of the biggest open worlds in gaming.

While the real-word Dakar was in doubt earlier this year until Peru agreed to be the 2019 event's sole host, Dakar 18 will include 14 stages across Peru, Bolivia and Argentina and will feature dynamic weather conditions.

Real-life aspects of the rally will be mirrored with a navigation system based on Dakar's roadbooks and drivers will be able to exit vehicles to conduct repairs, with the ability to ask non-player controlled characters to help with fixes.

Five machine categories will be included in the game including motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, cars and trucks.

Confirmed manufacturer representation includes Peugeot, Mino, Renault, KTM, Yamaha and Honda.

Drivers such as Carlos Sainz Sr and nine-time World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb will also be represented in the game.

Other features include online multiplayer options - as well as local, split-screen multiplayer - and wheel support is expected.

Development updates were quiet earlier this year, but a statement on the game's Facebook page explained it "did not want to interfere with Dakar 2019's itinerary announcement".