Nascar Heat

A series of NASCAR stock car racing video games originally developed by Monster Games and published by Hasbro Interactive.

Driving

Racing

Simulation

Sports

21

Games

2000–2020

Years

9

Platforms

$23.16

Ø CIB

+89.8%

24M change

About

The NASCAR Heat series debuted in 2000 with the release of NASCAR Heat, followed shortly by NASCAR Heat 2002. After a multi-year hiatus, the franchise was revived by Monster Games and 704Games, resulting in the release of NASCAR Heat 2 in 2017. The series is known for its simulation of official NASCAR cup races, featuring licensed drivers, teams, and tracks.

The original NASCAR Heat (2000) distinguished itself through its "Beat the Heat" race scenarios, which challenged players to complete specific historical or hypothetical racing objectives. Developed by Monster Games and published by Hasbro Interactive, the debut title was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, and Game Boy Color. Its successor, NASCAR Heat 2002 (released in 2001 for PlayStation 2 and Xbox, and in 2002 for the Game Boy Advance), transitioned the franchise to sixth-generation consoles under publisher Infogrames, introducing enhanced damage modeling and career progression.

Following the franchise's resurrection, NASCAR Heat 2 (2017) expanded the gameplay formula beyond the premier Cup Series. It integrated the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, allowing players to work their way up through the national touring ranks in a structured career mode. This release also introduced split-screen local multiplayer and expanded online lobbies for up to 40 players. The physics engine was overhauled to better differentiate the handling characteristics of trucks, Xfinity cars, and Cup cars across diverse track types, including dirt tracks like Eldora Speedway.