Well, we got it wrong.”
Those are the words Marco Massarutto chose to open the latest video about Assetto Corsa Evo. And while they sound like the beginning of an apology… it quickly becomes clear this is more PR strategy than genuine accountability.
Yes, Assetto Corsa Evo is their most successful launch in terms of numbers. But it’s also the one that has stirred the most backlash from its loyal community. And no, it’s not because fans are “confused.” It’s because they feel betrayed.
Let me tell you a little story.
The Day I Launched Assetto Corsa Evo
It was a Saturday. I canceled plans, set up the wheel, adjusted the seat — almost like a ritual. How often do you get to experience the launch of a long-awaited sim?
I install it, fire it up, and… something feels off. Only a handful of cars are accessible. I try to enter an offline mode… and get an error because the servers aren’t responding.
Wait… servers?
I’m playing alone. Why do I need to be connected?
That’s when the disappointment set in. And I wasn’t alone.
Did We Really Get It Wrong?
The most surprising part of the video wasn’t what they said — it was what they didn’t. They failed to mention that offline modes were limited without a connection. Or that user ratings were noticeably worse than those of previous games.
But yes, they promised changes. Or at least, some clarity.
Now there will be two main modes: Career and Open. But even with that, anything tied to progression or unlocking content will still require an online connection. A requirement that feels not only unnecessary… but actively hostile to solo players.
Nostalgia as a Shield
Throughout the video, they kept repeating the idea of delivering a “classic Assetto Corsa experience.” And sure, that sounds nice — like a restaurant promising “grandma’s original recipe.” It plays on nostalgia. On familiarity. On safety.
But it’s also a subtle way of saying: “Don’t expect innovation in the areas you care most about.” Because what they’re really proposing is that all the new content — licenses, events, progression — will be locked behind server walls. While the old, the familiar, will remain untouched.
It’s like a baker saying, “Don’t worry, bread is still bread. But if you want butter, you’ll have to log in first.”
Not All Hope Is Lost
Amid all this, one piece of news made me raise an eyebrow — and not in a bad way: modding support will arrive before the official 1.0 release. And in the sim racing world, that’s pure gold.
The modding community is what turned the original Assetto Corsa into a legend. Giving them tools during Early Access isn’t just a gesture of goodwill — it’s a move for survival.
We’re also getting new tracks — Donington, COTA, Red Bull Ring — AI and performance improvements, VR and triple-screen support, and something totally unexpected: open-wheel cars are making a comeback after eight years.
Is it enough?
Failure Isn’t the Worst Thing
Failure isn’t just shipping something broken. Failure is not listening. It’s hiding. It’s spinning decisions as misunderstandings.
And yet, failing doesn’t have to be the end.
What Assetto Corsa Evo has now is an opportunity. One of those rare times when the road to redemption is paved with real feedback. Because there’s one thing that sales numbers can’t buy: trust.
So, What Now?
There are still plenty of unanswered questions: Will the game continue to rely heavily on online servers? Will they engage more with their community? Will the online system be fair, competitive, and sustainable?
We don’t know yet.
But at least now, we know something. We know they’re there. That despite the awkward messaging, they’re listening. And maybe — just maybe — that “we got it wrong” can become the start of a “now we’ll get it right.”
And that… that would be a story worth telling.
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You’re talking about it as if the game has launched. It hasn’t. You, and everyone else, paid to be a beta tester. This was clearly communicated. I have no sympathy for the people who rushed to buy a shell of a game.
Hhmmmm the community turned really toxic really quickly. That’s not all Kunos fault. It’s the fault of every keyboard warrior out there.
Modding support is to be welcomed, however what it really needs is to get over it’s identity crisis. Is it a racing SIM? Or driving? Or is it the PC equivalent of Gran Turismo? Frankly in the time I’ve spent on there I really don’t know and maybe there’s the problem. They really have tried to make this all things to all people. Leave that to the modders. Make the best Base SIM you can others will do the specifics. I still see the nurburg hype as a gimmick sorry but there you are. And I will be really happy if they NEVER include COTA
Calling people upset for promises not being kept “keyboard warriors” is a proper dumb boomer comment.
Erm…….. What promises haven’t been kept? It’s in EARLY ACCESS not having any patience is a symptom of modern life?
Each to their own but I love COTA, especially from it’s iRacing interpretation, especially in a Lotus 49 or 79.
As you say the problem is kw’s – feeling fully entitled and ignoring that Early Access tag. Something essential for cash flow for a small independent dev.
The two if not three predecessors are classics. Therefore I’m willing to invest. Let’s not forget, investments don’t guarantee a return…
My problems with COTA aren’t limited to COTA it’s Tilkedromes in general, but COTA seems to suffer more than most from a real nagerry infield section that does anything but flow
It’s becoming common with Sims, ‘broadening the appeal’, obviously for more sales. Msfs2024 did the same. Personally not a fan if this approach.
Spends all day online on phone… Puts phone down… Complains game is online.
Here’s my upvote!