rF2: Sebring 'Talk n Drive' + Developer Interview

[Paul Jeffrey]

Check out our latest 'Talk 'n' Drive' video of the new rFactor 2 laserscanned Sebring, and developer interview with Marcel Offermans…

The release of Sebring as a new official DLC for rFactor 2 has got plenty of gamers excited in the sim racing world, with the track representing a very first laserscanned location for rFactor 2 and a significant step up in quality over previous content releases for the simulation.

With the circuit having now been in the public domain for a few days, we thought it a good time to have a go ourselves, share our experiences and have a chat with one of the men behind the magic, Studio 397's very own, Marcel Offermans…


RD: Congratulations on the release of Sebring! What does it mean to you and the team bringing the first laserscanned circuit to the sim?

MO: Thank you very much. This release obviously means a lot for us for a couple of reasons. First of all, because we wanted to bring popular and iconic tracks to rFactor 2. Secondly, because we knew we wanted to step up to bring a highly accurately built track based on a very precise laser scan. The unique challenge we had was how to combine that with the dynamics of our realroad system. We ended up building a very detailed road mesh that is used both for all physics calculations and for the visualisation: What you see is what you get!

RD: Does the Sebring release mark the first of more laserscanned content coming to the sim in future?

MO: Certainly! We have already licensed the next track, and this upcoming week we will start production. We're going to keep the name a secret for now, but it's safe to say we will be building more tracks of this quality.

RD: On to the track itself, what decision making process did you go through when choosing Sebring as a circuit to bring to rF2?

MO: There were many different factors that led us to choose Sebring as the first track.
We were looking for an iconic track, and obviously one that suited the cars we were developing. Another factor was the licensing discussions, and it turned out that Sebring was a great partner to work with, which helped us a lot, allowing us track time a few weeks before the 2018 12 hour event. Finally, we were looking for a track that would really showcase the details that a laser scan bring, and there is probably no better place than Sebring to do that, with all its cracks and bumps.

RD: Some people have questioned the price of this DLC, stating it is perhaps a touch high compared to some other simulations. What do you have to say in response to those comments?

MO: We set out and succeeded in creating a track that is of the highest standard, matching or beating tracks in the other simulations out there in terms of detail both on and around the track. We priced the track to match that quality and ended up being neither the cheapest nor the most expensive. Obviously everybody is entitled to their own opinion. We listen to those opinions and respect them and I'm not going to argue with people about that. I sometimes do wonder how people manage to spend thousands of euros on their rigs and computer hardware and expect the software to be so much cheaper.

RD: New GT cars, new tyre model improvements, Sebring, LMP2, LMP3, VR improvements, performance improvements… the list of upgrades to rF2 have been significant of late. Can you share some ideas of what is next in line for rF2, short and longer term?

MO: We are obviously still working hard on bringing our new UI and competition system, and those are two items that are really at the top of our list right now. Obviously the team will also keep bringing improvements wherever we can, both in terms of physics and graphics. Our car team is working on several new and free McLaren cars that will be used for the McLaren Shadow Project competition, as well as a couple of cars that will be part of our next pack. Our track team as I said is just starting on a new track, and we are in the final phases of production and testing for both Botniaring and Zandvoort. The latter will include no less than five layouts. Both will be free.

RD: S397 are heading for your 2nd year anniversary since taking over rF2, are you where you expected to be in the development cycle, and what would you say has been the biggest challenge encountered so far?

MO: Our second anniversary is coming up indeed at the SimRacing Expo in September. In terms of the development cycle I think we've addressed some of the core issues we saw. We have a much nicer and faster, DX11 based graphics engine with VR support. Big licenses for cars, such as being the first to have the BMW M8 GTE, and tracks, providing what we believe to be the best laserscanned version of Sebring in any sim, as well as a host of free content is pretty much on track and we're still ramping up there. Where we are a bit behind on our schedule is on the new UI and competition infrastructure. We're building on a lot of existing components, but still it is a lot of work and we probably underestimated that a bit. Our biggest challenge definitely has been to balance all the amazing opportunities we've had in the past two years!

rFactor 2 is available exclusively for PC from Steam now.

Check out the rFactor 2 sub forum here at RaceDepartment for all the latest news and discussion with regards to the simulation. You can take part in lively debates with fellow rFactor 2 fans and take part in some great Club and League racing events..! Head over to the forum now and share the love this simulation so very much deserves...

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Enjoying Sebring? Happy with the progress of rF2 so far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!​

 

[Ami_M3]

Some people complain that €10 is too much for such a high quality track. I wonder however how is S397 is going to recoup the cost of creating it, let alone making big bucks? lol
Considering Steam takes their cut (I've heard close to 50% - someone correct me if I'm wrong) and less then 2k people bought Sebring, how the heck are they making money?

I think the problem here is that people compare it to other sims, and then claim paying $3 more for something is a lot. Aren't we splitting hair? If it was something like $150 vs $80 than I'd see the point, but $10 vs $5? When it comes to sheer driving experience, only AMS comes close to rF2 (keep in mind this is IMO, I don't have a flame suit on ), so yes, $10 is not bad for high quality track. I hope we'll see more and I'll gladly pay for them - and no, I'm not rich

If this is your hobby, consider yourself lucky that you can have it that cheap. I snowboard, I play tennis a bit, and I spend way more every year on those activities, yet how long is the snowboarding season for someone like me that doesn't live anywhere near the resort? Lift ticket alone is €30-50/day/person.

It sucks that not many people see value in high quality sims such as AMS or rF2. It's certainly easier to make something that has nice graphics and popular content, sell bazzilion copies and call it a day, not caring that much about physics or FFB. I'm not saying rF2 is perfect, it has many flaws, but every time I come back to it I'm smitten how great it feels to drive.

Finally, why some (mostly) AC fanbois feel the urge to come here and constantly bash rF2 is beyond me. I'm not a regular here, yet I already remember some names just coming to this forum and constantly poop on anything rF2. I for one don't like AC at all, yet I don't think I've ever went to their forum and the thread. Constructive criticism is welcome, trolling not so much Don't like rF2? Fire up your beloved AC and let us enjoy something else

 

[Deleted member 99238]

And yet there is no sim that is like rF2 and not even ACC or GTR3 will change that.

RF2 is still very far from the implementation of the change of day and night, the weather, the interface implemented in PC2. What ACC, GTR3 are you talking about?

 

[Deleted member 99238]

A lot of people admire the quality of Sebring in RF2. Why does no one remember the Hockenheim of the AMS with its historical configuration? Why did no one remember the amazing Long Beach from the PC2? Nurburgring and Nordshleife from the R3E in general, I think the best in the genre. All these tracks I got for funny money.

 

[whip]

online competition should be their number one priority, without that there is no point in buying dlc as there's nothing to do with it apart from quick race or hot lap

 

[wajdi]

My reg’ cost me about 5k$ . Here in Israel every thing cost the double so 9$ is nothing for a laser scan circuit.

 

[Gasper Zupan]

I bought the track, mostly to support the developers. I still think it's on the pricier side of things (which is also why I didn't buy it the moment it was released, but was somehow hesitant about it).

And, BTW, to be honest, I think the hype surrounding the release of the track is part of the reason I am somewhat underwhelmed with it. I mean, it's a pretty nice track, don't get me wrong. But I've seen so many people talk about it in superlatives and calling it "the best track in simracing", I kinda...expected a bit more I guess. I can't tell you what exactly, because there really is nothing wrong with it in the slightest, but really, I think the hype is doing the track a disservice. But hopefully I'm the exception here.

Big expectations are the main source of our big disappointments. For next time I suggest 0 expectations. Regarding the price.. Why is it, that nobody that is complaining over the price (or is skeptical), puts on the suitable number? What would be acceptable price? I mean.. Imola, Hockenheim and Adelaide DLCs for Automobilista cost €6 each. Why is €9 such a problem? Would it be less of a problem, if the price would be €6?
I am trying to understand this price problem, but I can't really. Why is €3 such a difference? And my monthly income in last few months was €650 in average/month

 

[Stephen Gibb]

A lot of people admire the quality of Sebring in RF2.

That's because they have bought and drove it, have you ?

 

[NDG]

Loading times are all about CPU in rF2. I thought it was my slow HDD, but all that changed with SSD was that the "synchronizing with Steam workshop" part got quicker. So even with a HDD it's the same loading times more or less at least once you are in the game. The more cores the CPU has, the quicker loading becomes.

Honestly I thought it was ram, because after loading for a while, it fires up a little quicker the second time and so on. I don't have the latest greatest hardware, I was good with 8G with any title, I even upgraded to 16G although 2400 DDR3 and i7-4790... But I don't have to wait that long compared to other titles, even before when I only have 8G ram.

Only iRacing and RF2 are this slow when loading. But maybe that's just the nature of these beasts. I only wish that if they can do something about it... Like I said, I'm not criticizing them. If just in case they can address this small issue, will be very appreciated

 

[Jason Mullin]

RF2 will be very soon abandoned.

I assume you say this because ACC is on deck, but you couldn't be more wrong.

rF2 is still the best in terms of pure driving simulation, and while I have no doubt ACC will be very good, no one sim will ever cause the community to abandon others, time does the damage.
Hype trains flair up then run out of steam as we look toward the next greatest thing.
The next greatest thing for me today is Sebring, next month will be ACC, then back to rF2... It never ends.

 

[Deleted member 99238]

That's because they have bought and drove it, have you ?

I mean that there is nothing unique about this. Start the Bridgehampton Race Circuit in AC and you will understand it for 0 euro.

 

[DND]

S397 keep releasing DLC like this and I will have payment in hand. The combination of track, car and the FFB is hard to beat. And the question of value? If you like more more Sim, and less game you need to get the GT3 or Endurance Pack and Sebring. Doubt I will pick any other combination in rF2, that is until another laser scanned track is released.
Well done @Marcel Offermans and team at S397

 

[Brent Mills]

online competition should be their number one priority, without that there is no point in buying dlc as there's nothing to do with it apart from quick race or hot lap

I very much agree with this. In my Iracing days, I was easily able to justify the ridiculous expense of getting set up, because I knew I was going to be involved in a very immersive multiplayer experience. It's hard for me to justify paying for a track that will 90% be used offline, as I know I'll likely use it a couple days, and just go back racing online in AC/RRE as multiplayer is where its at for me.
In AC, I've been there bought the T shirt of buying dlc that I play that night and then forget about, so not doing it again. I really, really hope that the upcoming RF2 competition structure is actually mutliplayer events and not just hotlapping competitions.

 

[bgil66]

Hey guys I'm close to purchasing a few items(Sebring and end pack) and wondered if the RSR has the new exhaust sound? While attending the 6hrs of the glen the past 2 years this thing sounds amazing live and of course the C7R is awesome aswell. Thanks

 

[John-Eric Saxén]

I find it hard to believe.
If I have the game installed in two mechanical HDD configured in stripe (Raid 0 performance) the first launch of the tracks different from Sebring takes about 30+ seconds, depending on their size.
The next times the loading time significanly decrease. And installing the game in the SSD makes things faster.
Using the SSD the Sebring laser scanned 12hr race layout took me 2:05 the first launch, 1:35 the second launch.
This is my hardware: AMD FX 8320E @4.0, Sandisk Ultra II SSD 240GB, 16GB ram.
I was about to ask you guys the performance with the NVME drives and your experience doesn't sound right for me. Something's wrong in your pc. What's your cpu and nvme drive?

NVMe provides more throughput, it does nothing to improve loading times, not even for Windows. Installing on SSD doesn't really have much impact on rF2 loading times from my experience. If you achieve 1:35 on Sebring, I guess you didn't add any AI cars. The 8 CPU cores is probably what helps you most.

 

[Jacco van der Zaag]

I mean that there is nothing unique about this. Start the Bridgehampton Race Circuit in AC and you will understand it for 0 euro.

Well. Go play that track. And please stop bashing a DLC you won't buy, or a game that doesn't suit your needs. Please.

Every game has it's pro's and con's. Deal with it.

 

[Deleted member 99238]

... please stop bashing a DLC you won't buy, or a game that doesn't suit your needs. Please.

If I buy this DLC, can I continue to speak here?

 

[Jacco van der Zaag]

If I buy this DLC, can I continue to speak here?

It's not about buying the DLC.

 

[John-Eric Saxén]

Finally, why some (mostly) AC fanbois feel the urge to come here and constantly bash rF2 is beyond me. I'm not a regular here, yet I already remember some names just coming to this forum and constantly poop on anything rF2. I for one don't like AC at all, yet I don't think I've ever went to their forum and the thread. Constructive criticism is welcome, trolling not so much Don't like rF2? Fire up your beloved AC and let us enjoy something else

I think you are being unnecessarily confrontational. Frankly 99% of the response for this track has been positive and I haven't seen much trolling. Heck someone like @Boby Kim who used to only post troll comments on rF2 section now says this track is awesome. If the 1% think it's too expensive, let them think so. IMO as long as the quality matches with the price, as it does with Sebring, there's no reason to complain. But there will never be 100% positive feedback no matter what the price.

 

[Oldzeb]

RF2 is still very far from the implementation of the change of day and night, the weather, the interface implemented in PC2. What ACC, GTR3 are you talking about?

 

[wajdi]

If I buy this DLC, can I continue to speak here?

Yes, you can continue to troll here.