Car model licensing costs

A moment ago and just out of curiosity I asked Copilot this question:

How much does it cost a car racing simulator game’s developer to license a car model?

I thought you might like to know what Copilot had to say:

The cost of licensing a car model for a racing simulator game varies widely depending on the manufacturer, the specific car, and the terms of the agreement. Some developers have reported that licensing a real-life car can range from five to seven figures.

Factors that influence the cost include:

  • The popularity and prestige of the car brand (Ferrari will likely cost more than a lesser-known brand).
  • Whether the license includes telemetry data, 3D scans, and other technical details.
  • The type of agreement—some brands charge a flat fee, while others take a percentage of game sales.
  • Whether the game features damage models (some manufacturers are hesitant to allow their cars to be shown in a damaged state).

Some developers manage to negotiate free licenses if their project aligns with a brand’s marketing goals or serves a charitable purpose. If you’re developing a game, reaching out directly to car manufacturers or licensing consultants might be the best way to get an accurate estimate.

Not to be the “anti AI” guy here, but … source?

2 Likes

Copilot.

I’m assuming it’s like the Google ai search result that pulls from multiple sources.

Tldr of the post anyway:

If you’re developing a game, reaching out directly to car manufacturers or licensing consultants might be the best way to get an accurate estimate