Studio 397 has shared a new development roadmap update for their rFactor 2 simulation, revealing brand new previews showing DirectX 11 in action.
The previews show a major evolution in the title’s graphics engine, one that will enable features such as VR support and and improved optical quality.
Speaking of VR support, Studio 397 is working hard on adding first-pass compatibility for the popular Oculus Rift & HTC Vive headsets. The studio is also processing well on the title’s overhauled UI and will itensify modding support with a new private modders forum which will give chosen teams access to pre-release versions of upcoming updates as well.
All this and more can be found in the detailed update below.
VR Update
With DX11 implementation complete, we are now in our first development stage for VR. Our initial focus is the in-car driver experience with both the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive. The second development stage will delve deeper into the environmental capabilities of the VR experience, which we will share over the next couple of months.
DX11 Content Peek
Last month we shared with you our first comparison shots for DX11. In the last couple of weeks we???ve focused on ensuring compatibility with existing content as well as further improvements to the way we render our HDR output. We???ll let the new screenshots speak for themselves.
Development of the competition infrastructure is going well and is on track to be released this summer. Drivers and teams will be able to record their stats, achievements and results, which then can be accessed through any device and shared with friends. Competitions will feature selected existing content and new content. Details will be announced in the coming months. Our main focus is to create feature rich mechanics that provide a challenge for new drivers and seasoned sim racing veterans alike.
UI Update
We are super excited about our new user interface, which is currently under development. The new UI not only provides a more intuitive and user-friendly experience, it also offers improved flexibility and the ability to add new elements and modules.
NOLA Motorsports Park
Whether you choose to race a kart, open wheeler, or tintop, the large variety of configurations makes NOLA a very versatile and challenging track to master. NOLA Motorsports Park will be released on February 28th!
Radio Communication
Most racing series use radio communication to let drivers talk to their team and pit crew. Some series also have race control broadcasting instructions. For example, oval racing series such as Stock Car typically also have spotters that keep an eye on what???s happening to keep you out of trouble.
We are working on expanding our current system, which is centered on the spotter???s role, into a system that allows different people to talk to you on the radio. In addition, we intend to make the communication more interactive by giving you the ability to ask for information or instructions.
Modding
We???re excited to invite modding teams to join our private forum. We are looking to work with those of you in the modding community to explain the necessary steps that ensure your content continues to work flawlessly with the new DX11 engine. Modders joining our forum will also get access to pre-release builds of the DX11 graphics engine (still in alpha). Our goal is to ensure that your content is ready to go when we do the first public release of the new engine.
If your modding team is interested, please register on our forum and start a conversation with Christopher and Marcel, stating:
Your modding team name and all the names and forum names of members that need access.
A list of mods you have released for rFactor 2 (either links to the workshop, or some other reference).
Any other interesting information about your team such as mods you are still working on.
That wraps up this roadmap update. We are looking forward to the coming month of development so we can continue to share with you our progress on the new innovative elements planned over the next few months!
