The excitement about Assetto Corsa EVO is undeniable in the sim racing community. At ADAC SimRacing Expo 2024, Kunos Simulazioni shared further details regarding the game's multiplayer, car customization and in-game economy.
After a long wait with little info, more and more detail regarding Assetto Corsa EVO emerges as the first playable pre-alpha version allowed hands-on impressions and direct interaction with Kunos Simulazioni at ADAC SimRacing Expo 2024. At the event, Kunos founder Marco Massarutto and Game Director Davide Brivio shared more details on the eagerly-awaited sim.
This does not mean that SimGrid is the exclusive platform for AC EVO's online part, as Massarutto stated: "We are taking advantage of the expertise of SimGrid, but we want to keep the ecosystem open for activities like leagues." Like AC and ACC, Assetto Corsa EVO will rely on a server-based online model rather than a P2P system.
With the game engine being developed in-house again after ACC's use of Unreal Engine, Kunos keeps the door open to do more with AC EVO down the road, too. "The structure allows us to support the game for many years, maybe even forever", stated Massarutto.
As the player progresses, they earn currency - but only in-game, so microtransactions seem to be ruled out of this model. A welcomed approach in an age of games that promote in-game purchases for real money at seemingly every corner. The progress and economy system will not be active for competitive events, as Massarutto specifically mentioned esports. Those who just want to drive any car can also do so by "renting" cars, although "borrowing" might be a more fitting term.
Kunos' founder (the other being Stefano Casillo) also addressed concerns of players that fear that proper racing events might take a back seat, judging from the preview footage available thus far. "We wanted to re-think sim racing, which is strictly dedicated to track-based racing. This is also safe in EVO - we made sure it is there", he ensured. Like in the original Assetto Corsa, a wide range of cars will be available, including GT, Prototype, Formula 1 and vintage machinery.
On the other hand, however, Kunos let their inner petrolheads shine through. "We are all car lovers, go to track days and manager our cars like it is our side job", said Brivio. "This is similar for many sim racers - they love cars." And as many "beautiful cars" do not shine as they should on a track, players will be able to take them to the road instead: "We want players to be able to enjoy every car at its best."
What are your thoughts on the additional details on Assetto Corsa EVO? Have you tried the game at SimRacing Expo? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our AC EVO forum!
After a long wait with little info, more and more detail regarding Assetto Corsa EVO emerges as the first playable pre-alpha version allowed hands-on impressions and direct interaction with Kunos Simulazioni at ADAC SimRacing Expo 2024. At the event, Kunos founder Marco Massarutto and Game Director Davide Brivio shared more details on the eagerly-awaited sim.
Multiplayer Partnership With SimGrid
While many questions focused on the singleplayer side of things as well as more general elements, multiplayer sim racers now also got an interesting bit of info: Kunos partners with SimGrid for the online implementation. "The ambition of AC EVO is huge, and we're here to support the vision for multiplayer", stated SimGrid's CMO Steve Worrell. "This allows Kunos to take care of the core of the game."This does not mean that SimGrid is the exclusive platform for AC EVO's online part, as Massarutto stated: "We are taking advantage of the expertise of SimGrid, but we want to keep the ecosystem open for activities like leagues." Like AC and ACC, Assetto Corsa EVO will rely on a server-based online model rather than a P2P system.
With the game engine being developed in-house again after ACC's use of Unreal Engine, Kunos keeps the door open to do more with AC EVO down the road, too. "The structure allows us to support the game for many years, maybe even forever", stated Massarutto.
"RPG for petrolheads"
Meanwhile, both singleplayer and multiplayer will see the implementation of an in-game economy and progress system. Players will start with a handful of cash to buy their first car, then work their way up the reputation ladder from there. Car customization will be part of this, and "it will go deeper than just visuals", as Brivio confirmed. Massarutto added: "We want to not just create a career, but an RPG for petrolheads."As the player progresses, they earn currency - but only in-game, so microtransactions seem to be ruled out of this model. A welcomed approach in an age of games that promote in-game purchases for real money at seemingly every corner. The progress and economy system will not be active for competitive events, as Massarutto specifically mentioned esports. Those who just want to drive any car can also do so by "renting" cars, although "borrowing" might be a more fitting term.
Kunos' founder (the other being Stefano Casillo) also addressed concerns of players that fear that proper racing events might take a back seat, judging from the preview footage available thus far. "We wanted to re-think sim racing, which is strictly dedicated to track-based racing. This is also safe in EVO - we made sure it is there", he ensured. Like in the original Assetto Corsa, a wide range of cars will be available, including GT, Prototype, Formula 1 and vintage machinery.
On the other hand, however, Kunos let their inner petrolheads shine through. "We are all car lovers, go to track days and manager our cars like it is our side job", said Brivio. "This is similar for many sim racers - they love cars." And as many "beautiful cars" do not shine as they should on a track, players will be able to take them to the road instead: "We want players to be able to enjoy every car at its best."
VR & Triple Screen Support On Early Access Launch
Additionally, Massarutto confirmed that VR and triple screen support will be on board already when the Early Access version of AC EVO launches on January 16 - and was overwhelmed by the feedback on the first hands-on version: "We are so glad to see how much love, passion and interest the community puts in our product. It’s the fuel that lets us work on it every day as best as we can. I’m speechless about the great feedback we have already received."What are your thoughts on the additional details on Assetto Corsa EVO? Have you tried the game at SimRacing Expo? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our AC EVO forum!
