RENNSPORT has started sending out keys to the closed beta program. After multiple delays, the upcoming sim is now picking up steam outside of the ESL R1 esports competition. Developer Competition Company has promised to actively support modding - and at the RENNSPORT summit in Munich, a first look at third-party content was already available. Jonas "ChampionJoe" Schulz took the opportunity to see what it was all about.
Apart from the stock content confirmed for the closed beta so far, a point-to-point track called Pacific Shore was available to try at the summit. The short part of tarmac along the coastline looks spectacular already thanks to the UE5 engine - while it may not be the ideal engine for sim racing titles due to the high hardware demands, it makes for highly-detailed environments without a doubt. Modder Nukedrop, who is known for his Assetto Corsa track mods and was also part of the summit, further reinforcing the focus on modding. His Cathedral Rock track was also playable at the event.
The first efforts for RENNSPORT offer a great first impression of what is possible, with the winding road of Pacific Shore coming with enormous elevation changes and believable vegetation - not to mention the spectacular view over the landscape in some spots.
Impressive Visuals
Meanwhile, the second point-to-point track available is even more visually impressive: Set in the United Kingdom, Fort Curva Hillclimb by @DrZepto shows off the lighting system and immersive environment even better. The track is shorter but twistier than Pacific Shore, and while he is at it, ChampionJoe also offers a first look at the Praga R1 at the same time.Of course, some comparisons to the current undisputed modding champion Assetto Corsa have to be drawn as well. ChampionJoe also discusses the way modding might be handled in the future considering potential licensing issues, monetization and modding studios potentially jumping on board with RENNSPORT because of the possibility of it.
We have yet to see vehicle mods, but the first two mod tracks showcased hint at enormous potential for modders to create extremely detailed circuits. If the potential is similar for car mods, sim racers might be in for a treat on the content front once talented modders get to fully sink their teeth into RENNSPORT eventually.
