Automobilista - Early 2017 Development Update

[Paul Jeffrey]

Reiza Studios issue first development blog update of 2017, preview new 2017 fictional open wheel car, Adelaide, a Camaro and plenty more besides...

With 2017 sneaking midway into it's second month things have been relatively quiet on the Reiza Studios front, with little official communication from the developers as to what lays in store for Automobilista in this it's final year of development prior to attention focusing on the new, as yet untitled next game.

As if the developers somehow knew fans were getting restless at the period of silence, Renato Simioni has tonight come straight out of the blocks all guns blazing and revealed a rather impressive update roadmap, detailing some very exciting (and occasionally surprising) new content due to be released for the game.

Happily the development roadmap is more than just a bit of good news for fans to enjoy whilst awaiting the fruits of the studios labour, it appears that Reiza are targeting a new update launch before the close of February, with version 1.3.0 waiting in the wings to bring players some pretty nice updates to the core game. As can be read below, some of the more noticeable improvements due to come in version 1.3 will be a visual dust build up on the racing surface (simulated in game already, but currently lacking a visual representation), audio improvements and improved physics of the Boxer Cup race car.

You can read the full development blog post below:

Hello everyone - happy to be back with our first Development Update of 2017!

We hope you all had a good time over the holidays - on our side I´m happy to say the whole team enjoyed some much needed rest over the holiday season, but we have been hard at work and firing on all cylinder again since early january. As usual it´s my pleasure to share with you some of the results, info and previews of the work we´ve been doing since then.

Automobilista going up to version 1.5
We´re approaching the final stretch of Automobilista development, with only a few more months now planned until AMS reaches its definitive state, at which point we´ll switch focus 100% to the future.

The pace of development however is not slowing down - quite the contrary in fact. There are a number of nice improvements, big and small which we´ve been laying down the foundation for and will be pushing to deliver over these remaining months. Such is the extent of these developments, that the full sum of them is going to add up to what we´re calling Automobilista v1.5

We´ll be pushing to provide a full overview of these developments along with confirmation of remaining DLCs by our next development update. For now, here´s the stuff in the immediate horizon.

Upcoming V1.3.0 Release
Our next major milestone is v1.3.0 which we´re pushing to release before the end of this month, packing a lot of good stuff. Here´s a breakdown of the most substantial improvements:

On the audio front, having decided he wasn´t happy being just an ace audio engineer, Domagoj Lovric began exploring the codebase for possible short-term improvements to add some extra depth to the audio experience in AMS. One of these improvements will be the implementation of reverb audio, the initial version of which will already be present in v1.3.0, with much more to come.

Alex Sawczuk has also somehow managed to find a window in his fairly hectic track production schedule to squeeze some fresh shader improvements and adding support for visible & dynamic track dust. Although the effects of which already present in AMS along with offline marbles, there wasn´t yet a visible dust layer over the track surface. This has now been implemented.

Here is a comparison from v1.3.0 in various track states and also one from the current v1.2.1:

The difference looks subtle on screenshots but it adds some noticeable extra depth and life to the track surface while driving in-game. Some of the tracks have already been updated to use these developments so Season Pass owners will be able to check them out in the upcoming beta release expected for tomorrow morning, with most of the other tracks expected to be updated as we progress.

Several car physics have also received some updates for v1.30 as both Niels Heusinkveld and myself continue to chase for improvements. One car in particular has received special attention as Niels has given the Boxer Cup physics a complete overhaul, with revised aerodynamics, chassis, and the addition of helper springs to the suspension, which substantially improves handling over curbs. The initial version of these revised physics is also coming up with the next Beta update.

One major new feature previously confirmed in our end of the year Dev Update was the Custom Season Tool - unfortunately it´s looking unlikely we´ll manage to complete the full feature in time for v1.3.0, but a number of associated new options & features should hopefully already be in, such as the option to enable a mid-race full course yellow as per the rules in the Formula Truck series, and ability to customize the number of opponent cars from each class in a multiclass event.

You may check a complete list of all the additions, improvements & fixes since the last v1.2.1 release up to the latest Beta in the changelog attatched.

We also have a new car coming up in the next release with the frisky Aussie Racing Car Camaro - further good news is that unlike originally predicted, this will be released as a free car to the base game and not as a DLC.

Here´s a preview of the 3D model which Sandro Kholodkevich is exporting to the game as we speak:

Work on physics and audio has also been going on in parallell - count on this little motorcycle engine-powered bugger to be a big bucket of fun to drive

Legendary Tracks Pt2 - ADELAIDE

V1.30 will also see the release of part 2 of our "Legendary Tracks" DLC series - the famous Adelaide street circuit is coming up in two versions: the longer historical layout of 1988 which hosted the Australian GP from 1985 to 1995, the new modern version along with its Supertruck variant.

Below you can check some WIP previews of this great track:

I mentioned in the previous update how demanding street tracks are for the track team, with all the buildings and surroundings which have to be modelled in minute detail as you can see here:

The more advanced modern version should be hitting AMS Beta tomorrow, with the historical version is not far behind and expected to be available in the Beta at some point next week:

Both versions are extremely fun, flowing drives which will serve well pretty much any car in Automobilista, while also providing plenty of opportunity for close racing. We´ve been enjoying some great battles during our internal tests as can be seen in this short video showing a couple of laps of myself hunting down Alex Sawczuk with F-Retros around the modern track:

Virtual Xperience developments

Dave Stephenson has also been hard at work developing our Virtual Xperience portal, and we´ve got a substantial update coming up along with the release of AMS v1.3.0.

Users will be able to login into VX using their Steam Account - this opens up opportunities to give a more personalised experience in the various areas of VX. In the first instance the settings page accessible from the top naviagation bar provides the much requested ability to override your display name and country flag, overriding the settings collected from Steam.

From this customizable user profile, other users will be able to check out your leaderboard results. Expect this profile to be beefed up with some more interesting info in the future

The new Community section will also be available in the next update, providing a one-stop-shop to find communities and leagues serving users of Automobilista and other Reiza titles based on regions served, languages used or days they host races. The league finder in this section will also provide a similar service for leagues so users may find leagues that based on race days, event frequency, or your favourite series.

Community leaders and league admin are invited to submit their information to the directory following the instructions in this topic - every league admin who submits a valid entry will be gifted 2 promo Steam keys for AMS to be given away for his participants.

With these and some other substantial improvements coming up, VX will soon be playing a bigger role in fulfilling the experience with AMS, including hosting some prize awarding competitions. Watch this space!


Last but not least...

But we´ll expand more on this and other interesting topics in our next dev update towards the end of march


So once again it looks like a very impressive list of improvements coming our way from the little Brazilian development team. With Adelaide and build 1.3.0 due before the end of February we have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks.


Automobilista is a racing simulation game from Reiza Studios. Available exclusively on Windows PC with additional DLC packages available at a further cost.

Here at RaceDepartment we have our very own dedicated sub forum for Automobilista. In our sub forum you will find a wide selection of downloadable content to discover, from some of the best add on tracks to a selection of interesting vehicles, our downloads section is a positive treasure trove of additional content for AMS. If that isn't enough, we also pride ourselves on hosting some of the most exciting and intense multiplayer racing events for the game. If you like AMS and want to take your enjoyment to the next level, head over to the Racing Club and Leagues section of our Automobilista sub forum and find out what we have on offer. Of course we love our community here at RD and to help spread the love we cover all the latest news regarding the sim, and offer you a place to share your opinions and discussion topics regarding all Reiza titles. Head on over to the AMS sub forum and join in the discussion today!

Have you enjoyed the first development update blog from Reiza Studios? What piece of news excites you most from the update? Looking forward to Adelaide? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

[TzZyO]

Take a deep breath, close your eyes and relax, everything is going to be ok. It also might be a good idea to work on your reading comprehension skills.

I know it's a common trend in the world these days to take a quote from someone, blow it out of proportion and add falsifications just to make their point seem more valid. But I never stated I wanted my money back. In fact, I stated just the opposite. And to say I'm whining and manically praising VR in every thread is another example of extreme exaggeration to try and validate your point.

I come to this forum in a happy and fun mood, because I enjoy sim racing and enjoy reading about it. It seems others come in here with a chip on their shoulder and always have a negative view about everything. It's like their world is and they have to spread it around (no pun intended) just to make themselves feel better.

I simply stated the truth, I haven't played AMS in months and that also includes another favorite, RFactor 2, just because I prefer VR. And I will continue to talk about VR because I own both the Vive and Rift. The Rift is on my racing rig and the Vive is used for room scale stuff and flight sim testing.

So if you don't want to read about people's love for VR and the desire to see it implemented more, then I suggest you learn how to use the ignore option in this forum, and you can start with me. Cheers

I wasn't talking specifically of you. You weren't the only one demanding "respect".
There is a whole bunch of people either going "why didn't you give us VR support???", or "I'm using VR, it's fascinating!!!" almost everywhere these days, so I'm not exaggerating anything. It's easy to get sick with reading the same thing over and over again, especially when it gets written everywhere.

 

[MarcG]

It's easy to get sick with reading the same thing over and over again, especially when it gets written everywhere.

Oh the irony

 

[TzZyO]

Oh the irony

I'm not writing this everywhere, so what's your "irony" based on?

 

[Lorencini]

I remember when Brit Pack was released, Mr. @Patrick Giranthon gifted us with Snetterton on release day, and later Thruxton. That, toghether with his Silverstone track, added a lot to the DLC, and I really appreciated that. Thanks Patrick!

Now that we are on the verge of having another iconic australian track such as Adelaide, we can only dream of some Patrick's new work (maybe Phillip Island and Barbagalo, which he already had released in GSCE)? That will surely be a great addition to his awesome AMS Australian tracks (Bathurst, Melbourne, Eastern Creek, Winton).

 

[MarcG]

I'm not writing this everywhere, so what's your "irony" based on?

The fact your banging on about your issue with VR posts and no one else is? Look back through this thread, all the times you claimed VR users were whining yet it's you that's doing the whining

Deal with the fact that there will be posts about VR, if you can't then that's your problem, over and out!

 

[Lorencini]

"Several car physics have also received some updates for v1.30 as both Niels Heusinkveld and myself continue to chase for improvements. One car in particular has received special attention as Niels has given the Boxer Cup physics a complete overhaul, with revised aerodynamics, chassis, and the addition of helper springs to the suspension, which substantially improves handling over curbs. The initial version of these revised physics is also coming up with the next Beta update."

Boxer Cup will change again, looks like will handle even better.

Could this mean it will be less 'Porsche Carrera Cup' like and more 'Porsche 911 GT3 like' ?

I remember way back in 2016 that a one-make brand DLC could find its way to AMS. Now imagine if that happens:

A 'Audi Pack' could feature a R8 LMS GT3, or a 'Mercedes Pack' could feature a AMG GT3. Could perhaps, just perhaps, the Boxer modifications will put it on par of a GT3 car, for a future GT class in AMS?

I know it sounds like a Iluminatti conspiracy, but wouldn't be awesome if that happens? ;-)

 

[TzZyO]

The fact your banging on about your issue with VR posts and no one else is? Look back through this thread, all the times you claimed VR users were whining yet it's you that's doing the whining

Deal with the fact that there will be posts about VR, if you can't then that's your problem, over and out!

I simply respond to your kind's attacks, that's all. It seems to trouble you. Then give it a thought just how relevant your collective VR whining/drooling is in the context of different threads. Where it's appropriate, where it's not. Also, what's the tolerable amount of it and what is not. Maybe then you'll come to the conclusion that you are doing something wrong.

Edit: Also, as you can see I'm dealing with the fact. The way I see fit. Because apparently, some people (mostly the younger ones) rarely understand it when you tell them something only once.

 

[bluey]

I simply respond to your kind's attacks, that's all. It seems to trouble you. Then give it a thought just how relevant your collective VR whining/drooling is in the context of different threads. Where it's appropriate, where it's not. Also, what's the tolerable amount of it and what is not. Maybe then you'll come to the conclusion that you are doing something wrong.

Edit: Also, as you can see I'm dealing with the fact. The way I see fit. Because apparently, some people (mostly the younger ones) rarely understand it when you tell them something only once.

you have made your point of view many times why do you not give it a rest.. do you have triples if you do i could say a single monitor is the best ..and keep saying that many times to make my point of view...the facts are vr is the future maybe not perfect at this time but will get better and you can drive NOW in vr and is very good for the first hmds for consumers ...it seems that you want to stop progress in vr and live back in 2005 with a single monitor ...and your old nokia ...now you can rag on me .

 

[randMracer]

I wasn't talking specifically of you. You weren't the only one demanding "respect".
There is a whole bunch of people either going "why didn't you give us VR support???", or "I'm using VR, it's fascinating!!!" almost everywhere these days, so I'm not exaggerating anything. It's easy to get sick with reading the same thing over and over again, especially when it gets written everywhere.

Ok, well you responded right after I talked about respect, so you can see where it could be mistaken as responding to me. If that was not your intension, then no worries. I'm easy, no harm no foul. Cheers

 

[TzZyO]

you have made your point of view many times why do you not give it a rest.. do you have triples if you do i could say a single monitor is the best ..and keep saying that many times to make my point of view...the facts are vr is the future maybe not perfect at this time but will get better and you can drive NOW in vr and is very good for the first hmds for consumers ...it seems that you want to stop progress in vr and live back in 2005 with a single monitor ...and your old nokia ...now you can rag on me .

I have made my point. I keep getting attacked for that. I respond to the attacks. Simple as that.

I have a single monitor. And it was enough of a bother to read all the triple screen support whining in the past, but at least it wasn't this intense. Now the same thing is back with a bigger bang. I was ignoring this long enough... But you know, at some point you simply run out of patience.

I'm not against VR. The day I learned about VFX-1 it was my dream we'll be having affordable enough and potent gear at some point. I was really excited hearing about the Oculus' project at first. Turned out it's not as good as I hoped it to be, but hey, it's getting there. I'm glad that for you it's there already, but it is not for me. I will mostly be using it for flying. And for a fighter pilot it's important to see objects clearly at a distance.
Either way, I'm absolutely pro VR. Also, I appreciate your being the pioneers for the rest of us. However, you need to realize that what you are doing is not really helping VR, quite on the contrary. You need to exercise some restraint. Otherwise, all this constant VR-related talking will have the effect of obnoxious ads.

 

[bluey]

Well i can understand that you respond if you think you are being attacked as we all have our point of view ..but i for one am not whining ...this all started when some VR users asked [me included] why there was no news on VR which is a fair question because the last official post and news from reiza was sept 3 2016 that was 4.5 months ago and was looking forward to some more news re VR but alas for vr users no news a little disappointed [but i can wait as ams is the best sim imo]...so just asking is not whining ..why has this thread degraded [re the vr side] into a fight imo really a shame ... cheers and have a nice day

 

[MarcG]

No one's attacking anyone!

ANYWAY yeah AMS rocks and Adelaide looks great

 

[Stelios]

I came here to cry about VR but others did it already for me.

 

[TzZyO]

Well i can understand that you respond if you think you are being attacked as we all have our point of view ..but i for one am not whining ...this all started when some VR users asked [me included] why there was no news on VR which is a fair question because the last official post and news from reiza was sept 3 2016 that was 4.5 months ago and was looking forward to some more news re VR but alas for vr users no news a little disappointed [but i can wait as ams is the best sim imo]...so just asking is not whining ..why has this thread degraded [re the vr side] into a fight imo really a shame ... cheers and have a nice day

I was speaking generally, since it would require me too much effort to check the thread through and remember what exactly was every single person doing.

Good day to you as well. Cheers.

 

[WPxNJ]

New Boxer set up is terrific.

Previously, the Boxer would spin if it smelled a raised curb.

Now, drive it like Flying Kobayashi in the Air Sauber. Fabulous!

 

[arniesan]

You makes your choice; ciggies, beer/rum, ham sandwich, pickled eggs, all in sight...or VR; where's the problem?.

 

[Stelios]

New Boxer set up is terrific.

Previously, the Boxer would spin if it smelled a raised curb.

Now, drive it like Flying Kobayashi in the Air Sauber. Fabulous!

Its amazing what the unlocking of a data.acd file can do, right?

 

[TzZyO]

Its amazing what the unlocking of a data.acd file can do, right?

Everybody knows AC can't work with real word data anyway Copying that into a simulation would be pointless

 

[MarcG]

Purely for those who have questioned VR existence in AMS (those that don't care please skip this post... ) Renato said this on the official forums earlier in response to a question about VR integration:

It´s not in the works, but it´s not written off either. Hence no news.

Take from that what you will

 

[Rodolfo Mateus Fernandes]

We know it will be at the end of the month, but does anyone know the day in specific?