Games with racing elements and social aspects:
* Forza Horizon 5: While not strictly an MMORPG, it offers a massive open world, online events, and a thriving community, making it feel like an MMO at times.
* Gran Turismo 7: Similar to Forza Horizon, this game has a strong online component, featuring online races, lobbies, and community challenges.
* The Crew 2: This open-world racing game emphasizes exploration, customization, and social interaction, with a strong online presence and events.
* Kart Racing Games: Many kart racing games like Mario Kart and Team Sonic Racing offer online multiplayer modes, allowing you to race against other players and even form teams.
Games with more RPG elements and some racing:
* Final Fantasy XIV: This popular MMORPG features a racing minigame called "Chocobo Racing" which allows players to compete with their chocobos for rewards.
* MapleStory: This classic MMORPG offers a mini-game called "Kart Racing" where players can customize their karts and race against other players.
Games with a strong focus on racing, but may have some MMORPG elements:
* Project Cars: While not a true MMORPG, it offers a robust online component, including leagues, clubs, and tournaments.
* Assetto Corsa Competizione: Similar to Project Cars, this game focuses on hardcore sim racing and includes online features for multiplayer racing.
Future Possibilities:
The gaming landscape is constantly evolving, and there's always a chance for a truly unique racing MMORPG to emerge. Developers are increasingly exploring new ways to blend genres, so we may see more games that incorporate racing mechanics with MMORPG elements in the future.
Ultimately, the closest you'll get to a true "racing MMORPG" is to explore games that offer both racing and social elements.