rFactor 2 Roadmap Released - DX11 and VR Coming May 1st!

[Paul Jeffrey]

Studio 397 have released the April development roadmap, confirming DX11 and VR for May 1st plus lots of interesting new things coming for rFactor 2...

Fans left disappointed by the slight delay to DX11 and VR implementation in rFactor 2 need worry no more, Studio 397 have last night confirmed the newly proposed May 1st release date for this major new build release is on schedule to meet the internal deadline and find itself released to the public build of rFactor 2 on Steam. As can be evidenced in the included screenshots, the new build update and move to DX11 looks like it should bring a rather significant upgrade to the graphics of the game, as well as hopefully further optimizations to support greater frame rate realization for gamers looking to run the highest graphic settings possible whilst still maintaining a decent FPS result.

As well as the new DX11 build, Studio 397 have also confirmed the much anticipated VR update remains on schedule to join the feature list come May 1st, bringing rFactor 2 in line with fellow simulations Assetto Corsa, Project CARS and RaceRoom Racing Experience.

You can read the full April Dev Blog posting below:

With about a week and a half left until May 1st, it’s time for our monthly update again. We’re sure everybody is looking forward to the new build, and we’re happy to announce that both the DX11 graphics engine and VR support will be released as promised.

DX11
Over the last couple of months, we’ve revealed several development screenshots of the DirectX 11 engine to share with you our enthusiasm for the possibilities it brings. The new engine is not only the basis for our VR implementation, but it also enabled a new, improved HDR tone mapper and a bunch of post effects that greatly enhance the overall atmosphere of the simulation. We tried to strike a balance between using these effects to render the real-world imperfections of cameras while retaining the “first person view” you have when racing. At the same time we kept two very important goals in mind: we needed to ensure that, with the same graphics settings, the DX11 engine is at least as fast as the DX9 engine, and that existing content is still compatible with the new engine, so all the content out there can still be fully enjoyed.

We are quite sure we succeeded in both, and we extensively tested the new graphics engine with our community of beta testers. That said, we want to make sure that everybody is able to run this new build without a hitch, which is why we are making the initial release available as an “open beta.” Starting May 1st, anybody can switch to this new build and try it out. It is fully multiplayer compatible with the DX9 build. If for some reason you run into any problems with the new build, you can easily revert to the previous engine with just one click.

We didn’t just stop at updating the graphics engine, though. While we’re at it, we also updated some of our existing content to DX11, so you can expect the first of a series of Studio 397 updates as well. And you’ll be happy to know, these updates don’t just concern the graphics: in some cases we also made changes to and upgraded the physics. The new graphics engine really lets our content shine. It provides so much improvement that we have decided to postpone releasing any new shaders. To whet your appetite, take a look at these new screenshots showing off the new engine and some of the camera post effects in action:

Virtual Reality
If you have been following us on Facebook, you’ve already enjoyed some teaser shots of our VR implementation. We have since added some features such as support for our HUD, including virtual mirrors, as well as a way to browse the UI in VR mode. Mouse control is enabled for the UI, although we are definitely considering adding other options for controlling the VR interface.

User Interface
We know you are eagerly awaiting the new user interface, and we share your impatience. However, because we want to give you the full experience of the new UI and all its capabilities, we feel it is not quite ready for prime time just yet. Although that means we will ship the first open beta release with our existing UI, it will be upgraded to the new UI once that’s ready for release.

As we announced last month, we are now able to easily push updates, and we will use this ability to quickly release updates to the open beta in the upcoming weeks. Our goal is to ensure that we have a stable release for everybody, allowing us to begin phasing out the DX9 build altogether after a few months. In the meantime, our concern is to ensure that everybody has a fully functioning and compatible version of rFactor 2 to race with.

Content
Work on the Radical continues. With most of the graphics in place, our focus has now shifted to the physics and the sounds for this car. It’s not ready to be unveiled yet, but we can tease you with one of the other new cars that we have started working on soon! Watch our social media.

Modding
The modding community just recently gained access to an early DX11 build, and we released some guidelines for artists to work with the new rendering engine. Expect to see updates of third party content coming soon. In general, the new engine requires modders to make only minor changes. One area we are still working on concerns “plugins” that render directly to the screen. These plugins will not work properly in the first open beta. We are actively looking at improving our implementation of this functionality overall.




rFactor 2 is a racing simulation exclusive to Windows PC.

Additional third party content can be downloaded from a variety of sources, one of which is the RaceDepartment rFactor 2 modding archive. Head over and check out the latest releases for the sim, or alternatively join in the discussion and keep up to date with the latest news at our rFactor 2 sub forum right here at RD. If downloading mods or keeping up to date with the latest news items aren't your thing, you can always sign up to one of our epic Club and League events using the software. We hold regular club racing events in our schedule, however the jewel in our crown is no doubt the RaceDepartment Le Mans Series. This is our premium endurance league using rFactor 2. Head over to the RDLMS forum to find out more!

Looking forward to DX11 and VR? Will this update help move rFactor 2 back in to the spotlight in your opinion? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

[KittX]

I remember first screens of AC and they were that sort of dark as well.
If DOF is variable, and if it changes like when you rotate diafragma ring on a "fast" lens - that'll be amazing. And it seems it IS variable, the cockpit screen shows no DOF effects to me. The bokeh effect of track lighting is really great, lens-alike.

 

[M D Gourley]

I'm a patient person, and have complete faith in Studio 397 to do rF2 justice and make it a great Sim....meanwhile, while I wait, I just drive all the other Sims I have loaded into my PC.

 

[PaulH]

rFactor2 the best Sim I never play sadly

It sorely needs a good batch of content after this DX11 release

 

[Marc Collins]

Unfortunately, I'm guessing DX11 will break GID HUD which is a bummer. I doubt it's going to be updated as well. Might have to look into using V-HUD in the future, hopefully that one gets updated to DX11.

If S397 does not come out with a built-in equivalent to this for the new UI, they are asleep at the wheel. I fully expect an easier to use, customizable and better looking set of widgets as part of the core sim. Just like all the other sims have already.

 

[johnnymat]

I think this is a great update. Thanks!
I suspect, and this is only my opinion, that rFactor and rFactor 2 get some criticism because they are more demanding when it comes to the physics and setting up the car. A green track without a decent setup is very difficult, at least for me. As someone who has done all of the major titles, rF, AMS, PCars, and AC, this one has the best combination of physics and AI. I always loved the graphics on P Cars, but quit playing it in 2016 because of the lack or realistic physics. I am looking forward to this newest update.

 

[F1Aussie]

I remember first screens of AC and they were that sort of dark as well.
If DOF is variable, and if it changes like when you rotate diafragma ring on a "fast" lens - that'll be amazing. And it seems it IS variable, the cockpit screen shows no DOF effects to me. The bokeh effect of track lighting is really great, lens-alike.

AC is still dark after all these years.

 

[JPL083]

Cannot understand all of the whining in here, half are under 13-years old? Like the "one" who obviously tries to get RF under bad light like it is hes last thing to do in hes life. But i think that hes only a kid that have ever even driven real car yet, Playing NFS and complaining about sim that even F1-teams uses... I enjoy RF2 already the most, dont care about others. Only casual's for me. RF2 is for racing! There is not so much so called true sim-racers, only craphics complainers. Shame that other games bling blings have messed their heads and those games surely doesnt look like real either by far, even when they are telling so time after time, just blind people... RF2 the king! Wuhuu!!!

 

[BungleGT3]

Well, I was hoping the UI was coming.
what we have now is a mess...
How new players work it out, I have no idea.
Surely the idea is to attract new players..
Screenshots look very dark, in a mean and moody way.
We need to see a video, not just screenshots..
Maybe soon..

Honestly i brought rfactor2 got into the menus pissed around for ages, gave up and refunded, i will not buy until the UI is fixed its the worst i have ever come across in any genre of game that ever existed. Period.

 

[JayJayRaceinho]

Ah, DX11, DoF, MotionBlur.... they are talking in my language

i assume the 'Open Beta' is not really open to all. anyway, gonna have a look on some footages on release to see it in action and how it performs.

 

[DaVeX↯]

Ah, DX11, DoF, MotionBlur.... they are talking in my language

i assume the 'Open Beta' is not really open to all. anyway, gonna have a look on some footages on release to see it in action and how it performs.

You just need to update the game...It is easy!

 

[Marcel Offermans]

Why do you assume an open beta is not open to all owners of rFactor 2?

 

[JayJayRaceinho]

Why do you assume an open beta is not open to all owners of rFactor 2?

 

[leseb64]

Very much looking forward to the new graphics, but there is a lot of updating left to do, just to get rF2 to the level of AMS (graphics excepted). I hope there are lots of people working lots of hours on these things. Only when rF2 is a polished, consistent-quality product will it be able to compete. If it has superior "sim-ness," I will be happy to accept less than bleeding-edge graphics or VR or UI. If not, it's a bit of a lost dog because it won't stand-out in any category relative to the competition that each excel in at least one major category.

At least they are making progress and going in the right direction. I wish S397 well in getting there fast enough that it matters for long-term success.

Rf2 excels in endurance you have to focus on to stand out others, cycle day / night meteo real time, real road, nobody rivals for endurance racing even iracing is far behind!!
I think we should put this aspect forward with complete series like the WEC, Blancpain, Super GT500, Le Mans Series and the official circuit of the series !!

 

[John-Eric Saxén]

Honestly i brought rfactor2 got into the menus pissed around for ages, gave up and refunded, i will not buy until the UI is fixed its the worst i have ever come across in any genre of game that ever existed. Period.

Worst UI ever, really? Have you never played any of the bad console ports, that don't support mouse navigation or any useful functions at all? rF2 UI used to look horrible, but the art was updated 2 years ago, now it's functional and looks pretty ok. The tech is just not very modern, but it will be fixed soon with the completely new UI.

 

[leseb64]

Do not play because bad UÍ seriously?

 

[Bwana]

Do not play because bad UÍ seriously?

Some people just want to roll up on Sunday hop in their car on the grid and race.. they are not what I would call 'sim enthusiasts' ..and probably would prefer other titles ..

 

[whip]

VR HYPE!!!!!

 

[mrbungle83]

Well call yourself a sim enthusiast if it makes you feel special. I have spent £1000's on what i call a hobby. Have recorded multiple 1000's of hours across all my favorite games.. Yes games.. I play my games nightly or at least bi-nightly and i absolutely love them. Just not rfactor, i tried twice actually but the whole thing from the graphics to the UI is serverly depressing for me to use. So i don't and yes the worst UI off all time in my experience as i only play racing games and football manager. I dont know if i qualify to be in your catagory i don't care at all. I just know i like racing games and i will play the ones i like and hopefully ill like RF2 on my 3rd purchase but i won't if its just a drab experience. More power to you if you do like it, im happy for you. Bless thou sim elite.

 

[Alex72]

Well to me the physics are not the best, you don't need me to tell you that, just read the Two most recent polls Race Department as conducted, rFactor 2 cars was voted the most worst, and in a very recent poll it was one of the less most played game on record, so again you don't need me to tell you, that so many readers and users can't be wrong.
I will compare rFactor 2 weather effects and lighting to project cars, if it claims to have these so called dynamic weather and time of the day features, show us in a new video, market it, promote it, sell it to users, they haven't done that, a developer can talk and sound good on paper, but until they show what they have done, it just means they are not confident in their work, when comparing it to others that do have those features.

Worst physics in rF2? You gotta be joking. rF2 simulate more than most sims. Least played: again it simulates more than most and so the deeper the simulation goes the smaller audience (those who appreciate how deep the physics/FFB goes and who valuate that over flash). Flash and simpler handling attracts a lot of casual people so obviously you will have more time played in better looking and easier driving titles. This isnt news to anyone.

 

[whip]

Worst physics in rF2? You gotta be joking. rF2 simulate more than most sims. Least played: again it simulates more than most and so the deeper the simulation goes the smaller audience (those who appreciate how deep the physics/FFB goes and who valuate that over flash). Flash and simpler handling attracts a lot of casual people so obviously you will have more time played in better looking and easier driving titles. This isnt news to anyone.

ultimately it comes down to what makes a good overall sim experience, i've only ever played assetto corsa, pcars and f1 2016, people say that AC is great but the AI is so atroshously bad that as a sim it fails miserably, ive heard great things about rf2 and have just purchased it because of its VR coming, thats the only reason i can't play f1 2016 anymore because i can't go back to a monitor, f1 2016 as far as fun goes was a good package