Can’t Actually Play Sports? Why Not Simulate Them?

Sports, including some you probably never knew existed, keep shutting down amid the coronavirus pandemic. People keep trying to find ways to replace them.

Here are the latest developments from around the world.

Can’t actually play sports? Why not simulate them?

There may be no Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, but Formula One plans to simulate the race. The result will be a “Virtual Grand Prix” with some of the actual drivers and celebrities behind the wheel using the video game F1 2019.

Unlike the ruthlessly capitalist Formula One series, in which the wealthiest teams tend to dominate, the virtual series will include a little socialism of sorts. “Due to the wide variety of gaming skill levels amongst the drivers, game settings will be configured in such a way to encourage competitive and entertaining racing,” Formula One said. That means some drivers, who aren’t regular gamers, will get advantages like reduced vehicle damage, anti-lock brakes and traction control.

Strat-O-Matic, the venerable board game, says it plans to simulate the baseball season with each game’s results — and statistics — announced on the day games were scheduled to be played.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/sports/no-sports.html