Image Space Incorporated has revealed a bunch of news tidbits on their upcoming rFactor 2 simulation.
A detailed Q&A on Racedepartment reveals some new info, touching on mechanical damage, online features and other details. Interestingly, the article reveals that ISI is planning to release a demo version of rFactor 2.
This is not to be confused with the open beta version of rFactor 2 that will require participants to make a full purchase. ISI originally intended to make the content-limited open beta version available around Christmas time, the studio has now opted to postpone the release of the beta version until after the Christmas holidays.
rFactor 2 will introduce an online-membership system that will be required to do online racing with the new title. As outlined here, a year of online membership will sell for $12.99. For users who are uncomfortable with paying a yearly fee, ISI is also working on a lifetime membership model, the price of which has not yet been revealed.
Last but not least, ISI’s Scott Juliano has released a new progress report on the track work side of rFactor 2. His posting also touches on the subject of converting rFactor content over to the new platform, an issue often discussed in the community:
Finally, we will be offering support to modders with regards to cars and tracks. We’ll still have our hands full with new content as well as fixes, but we have a few documents lined up, as well as some forum support to get you all started.
I expect a slew of quick rF1 track conversions to “hit the shelves” VERY quickly. While a track from rF1 won’t be drag and drop and a bit more work is required to get them to use the newer track features, it is easy to get a basic conversion up and running–just re-export the original assets using the new exporter, and package them up into a new track component.
The new component/mod system seems a bit restrictive at first. But, I can honestly say that once you learn to work in a more organized fashion it will be just as easy to add content to rF2 as it was for rF1–even more so because you won’t have all the mismatch madness to contend with. I think league admins will also have an easier time in the long run as they’ll be able to keep their drivers more organized. I have a tutorial doc ready to go that will hopefully help ease the learning process for the new system…
