Codemasters Wins F1 Video Game Bid

Forget about everything we speculated yesterday regarding next-generation Formula 1 video games after Sony opted out of renewing the ridiculously high bid Bernie Ecclestone wanted for F1 licensing. Game maker, Codemasters, turned the right tricks on old Bernard and has won the rights to license a F1 game (and pay F1 an undisclosed, but likely ridiculously high fee). The fun doesn't end there, there's plenty of more details that makes this great news for F1 fans.

Codemasters has said that the F1 game will be multi-platform—meaning if you own any next-generation console, portable gaming system or even a PC capable of gaming, there's a really good chance you'll be able to pick up the new F1 game from Codemasters. The deal locks up the rights to all Grand Prix circuits, F1 teams, cars and drive likenesses. The cherry on top of it all is that the deal is multi-year, so we can expect solid F1 games for years to come.

It's not too surprising that Codemasters would fork over the dough for the license. This is the same developer responsible for the Colin McRae and Race Driver games.

The game, currently going by the name FIA Formula One World Championship is looking at a 2009 release date. (Thanks to everyone who sent in tips on this)[Kotaku]