As we took three weeks to realize that this existed, it is almost immediate that we find out that the simulator made in Argentina is already in a second phase, launching closed betas to certain collaborators. Let’s see what they tell us in this second note.
This week we began our first wave of closed betas, in which a very small group of our testers were able to test the development and provide feedback, with very positive results. These stages are very important for the development as it is vital to corroborate with the community and our testers that the simulator is on the right track and that all the implemented features work correctly and provide a pleasant user experience.
In this first version, testers were able to test the Turismo Pista Clase 1 Fiat Uno at the Autódromo de Rosario. In recent weeks, the entire category development was completed, along with all the cars from the current 2023 championship.
We chose the TP Clase 1 as a starting point because we believe it is a good car to develop the physics system well, thanks to its neutral tendencies and low aerodynamic load, in addition to having a very enjoyable handling that perfectly aligns with the objectives of our first beta.
Our team worked hard on the graphic details of the car, with an interior inspired by the real cars of the category and visual effects such as exhaust backfire.
We put a lot of effort into the animations, especially aiming to solve a problem that several current top simulators have not been able to resolve yet: gear change animation. We achieved a procedural animation of the driver, considering the moment of gear shifting, achieving a realistic and immersive aesthetic for the driver.
Regarding the scenarios, the Autódromo de Rosario has already been fully completed, and we are currently finalizing the 2023 version of the Autódromo de La Plata, one of the most used tracks in the country and the birthplace of zonal motorsport. The plan is to have all its layouts ready in the game for the next closed beta.
The day and night cycle has been made 100% functional, with configurable time progression. This allows the user to choose the starting time of each session according to their preference, as well as the progression speed relative to real time.
In the near future, we will be working hard to correct any potential issues that may arise in this first iteration of closed betas, and quickly integrate the new content we have planned to start with the next wave. Regarding the content, the priority for the next version is to fully implement our dynamic weather system: a system that allows the track to change according to weather conditions, including rain and the formation of puddles that impact the car’s physics. This was another great challenge for our team, as realistic physics of puddles and aquaplaning are not commonly present in most current simulators. We are finalizing details and preparing everything to integrate this system in the next version of closed betas.
On the content side, we plan to add the Formula 3 Metropolitana in the short term, to test
the physics of a car with characteristics that are completely different from the TP Clase 1, as a single-seater of this style allows us to precisely test aerodynamic tendencies and influences in development, as well as the correct behavior of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.
Lastly, the next major objective we have in the short term is to integrate the first version of our AI, to share the track during the free practice sessions of our beta. It is a huge step for us as we are very focused on achieving a realistic AI that can provide competition on track in line with the behaviors of real drivers.
We appreciate the support our development has received in recent weeks, and we continue to work hard to put Argentina on the global map with its first simulator created entirely from scratch, without using any base racing simulator. We want the community to be part of this development and deliver a quality product that the Latin American motorsport deserves.
PISTA Motorsport is now available on Steam.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2434120/PISTA_Motorsport/
Hurry up and add it to your wishlist to support the development!
