The journey of Project Motor Racing began with the ambitious vision of creating a top-tier racing simulation. Initially named GTR Revival, the project aimed to resurrect the spirit of classic racing games with modern technology. However, as development progressed, it became clear that the scope of the project was expanding beyond its original focus.
The subsequent name change to GT Revival/GTRevival reflected this broader vision. Straight4 Studios aimed to capture a wider audience by including a variety of racing experiences. Yet, even this name did not fully encompass the project’s ambition.
The Decision to Change Game Engine
From the fall of 2023 to the summer of 2024, Project Motor Racing underwent significant transformations. One of the most notable changes was the partnership with GIANTS Software, a move that brought new resources and expertise to the table. This collaboration has been instrumental in pushing the project forward.
A pivotal decision in the development of Project Motor Racing was to abandon the Unreal Engine. Initially, the plan was to leverage the graphical prowess of Unreal Engine while integrating Straight4 Studios’ proprietary physics, AI, and input/output systems. However, this approach faced significant challenges.
Introduction of the Hadron Engine
To overcome these challenges, Straight4 Studios introduced a new physics engine called Hadron. Developed from scratch by AJ Weber, Director of Physics and Simulation, and his team, Hadron is poised to revolutionize the game’s performance and realism.
The Hadron engine promises significant improvements in several key areas:
- Performance: Designed to deliver a smooth gaming experience, achieving the desired 120 FPS.
- VR Compatibility: Fully optimized for virtual reality, enhancing player immersion.
- Realism: Focused on providing detailed and realistic physics, essential for a high-quality racing simulation.
Ian Bell explained this decision:
“We have expanded the vehicle roster, so the term GT doesn’t really fit. It fits as a subsection. But in terms of assets, we now have many more assets, cars from different classes that couldn’t be called GT. For this reason, we thought a more general name would be more appropriate.”
Types of Vehicles in Project Motor Racing
- GT Cars: Retaining the original essence of the project.
- Prototypes: Vehicles designed for maximum speed and performance.
- Racing Classics: Historic models that have made their mark in racing history.
- Touring Cars: More conventional and accessible racing cars.
Delayed Release
Given the substantial changes, including the switch to the Hadron engine, Project Motor Racing will be released later than initially planned. The original timeframe of “late 2024” has been pushed back to ensure that the game meets the high standards set by the development team.
Bell highlighted the importance of taking the extra time to ensure quality:
“Changing an engine is a massive undertaking. We are taking the time to do the product right. We ensure to create something we are truly proud of.”
See you on the track!
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