There is no denying OverTake Contributor Angus' fandom for sportscars, and so Automobilista 2's next update should be up his alley. Here is what he is dreaming of.
With version 1.6 lurking over the horizon, it looks like Automobilista 2 is coming up to its make or break moment. With intense overhauls to physics, AI and the content list, the game with which many have a love-hate relationship is approaching a point at which it is set to become a proper member of the top sims of the moment.
That is if the update ever releases. The end of Summer 2024 seems to be very long if you catch my drift.
Whilst improvements to the tyre physics and greater online functionality are all well and good, I as an endurance sportscar racing fanatic am excited for one thing; the arrival of AMS2's official IMSA licence. In fact, it will pretty much cement my decision to give up my iRacing subscription. As long as the newly updated game meets these key points that is.
But it is not just content that Automobilista 2 needs to become my go-to IMSA title. Indeed, there are several functionalities that a top endurance simulator needs - especially for offline racing.
But it is not just the race craft that I need improvement on to feel at peace. Endurance racing is all about chucking a collection of different car classes on-track at the same time meaning an ability to bypass traffic effectively is crucial. Right now, AMS2 does not succeed in that point. So alongside greater racecraft, smarter and more aware AI is required, especially of the road ahead. If the AI can plan its route through upcoming cars as a human would, or even as the AI does in Le Mans Ultimate, I would be very happy.
Mixed weather and traffic in AMS2. All helped with a good strategy.
Currently, few titles feature AI able to plan ahead into a race and determine their own tyre and fuel strategy. Le Mans Ultimate may feature limited tyre sets, but that does not worry the AI whilst what many class as industry leading AI in iRacing cannot even lift and coast.
If what is set to become the official IMSA simulator can incorporate both fuel saving strategies and working tyre allocation factoring warm-up and wear, us endurance racing fans are set to have a field day. All I'll need is "Keep Out" sign on my bedroom door for the next two months until the Daytona 24. That is probably how long it would take to nail the strategy in a longer race against such competent bots.
Jumping in and out a car is far easier without a roof.
There are two ways of looking at this. From a first, easier standpoint, opponent cars that switch between a duo, trio or quartet of drivers depending on the race length certainly adds to the immersion. But the more complex, and more satisfying solution would be to allow players to hand their car over to an AI teammate during a pitstop, and said AI teammate to have their own strenghts, weaknesses and driving styles. Both adding to the immersion and allowing you to take a break to think about your strategy, this is something I want in any title focusing on long-distance racing. AMS2 has this capability in offline races already, albeit in a very basic way.
Imagine pushing your 31 Cadillac as hard as you can cosplaying as Jack Aitken to then select Pipo Derani's talents at the pitstop and watch him battle his way to first place. Or send it into the wall at the first opportunity. He really offers an unpredictable teammate experience that I would love to endure - enjoy, sorry.
IMSA's Safety Car rules are rather unique in racing.
As we all know, IMSA is king of the safety car - or Full Course Yellow - in sportscar circles and so this is a key point the title must not forget. Moreover, as an official IMSA game, AMS2 could even simulate the real life rules in which you spend 15-25 minutes at a dawdle behind the pace car whilst the other class gets to pit. And then you pit. And then the pass around happens. And then you finally get going only for an LMP2 to end up in the T1 gravel again.
Dull to many no doubt, the thrill of a frequently bunched up field with the lottery of missed pitstops cycling you to the front or back of the field at any given point sounds like a lot of fun in a game. Maybe not so much with millions of dollars and a Rolex watch on the line.
What are you hoping for alongside the arrival of IMSA licensed content to Automobilista 2? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our AMS2 forum!
With version 1.6 lurking over the horizon, it looks like Automobilista 2 is coming up to its make or break moment. With intense overhauls to physics, AI and the content list, the game with which many have a love-hate relationship is approaching a point at which it is set to become a proper member of the top sims of the moment.
That is if the update ever releases. The end of Summer 2024 seems to be very long if you catch my drift.
Whilst improvements to the tyre physics and greater online functionality are all well and good, I as an endurance sportscar racing fanatic am excited for one thing; the arrival of AMS2's official IMSA licence. In fact, it will pretty much cement my decision to give up my iRacing subscription. As long as the newly updated game meets these key points that is.
Automobilista 2 Sportscar Wishlist
Now, I know what you are thinking. "Are you not the guy that said sportscars have no place in AMS2?" And yes, I am. But we all make mistakes when we're young, plus that was before I knew of all the amazing content coming our way. At some point.But it is not just content that Automobilista 2 needs to become my go-to IMSA title. Indeed, there are several functionalities that a top endurance simulator needs - especially for offline racing.
Traffic-dodging AI
From chat bots to homework-completing mega brains, the current age is truly that of Artificial Intelligence. But sim racing still feels as though it is languishing behind. Thankfully however, Automobilista 2 version 1.6 promises significantly more racy and realistic AI.But it is not just the race craft that I need improvement on to feel at peace. Endurance racing is all about chucking a collection of different car classes on-track at the same time meaning an ability to bypass traffic effectively is crucial. Right now, AMS2 does not succeed in that point. So alongside greater racecraft, smarter and more aware AI is required, especially of the road ahead. If the AI can plan its route through upcoming cars as a human would, or even as the AI does in Le Mans Ultimate, I would be very happy.
Strategic decisions
Planning ahead of oneself is not just limited to the act of passing slower traffic. Indeed, longer races with limited tyre sets, fuel stints verging on race completion and reliability all playing their part require a lot of forethought.Mixed weather and traffic in AMS2. All helped with a good strategy.
Currently, few titles feature AI able to plan ahead into a race and determine their own tyre and fuel strategy. Le Mans Ultimate may feature limited tyre sets, but that does not worry the AI whilst what many class as industry leading AI in iRacing cannot even lift and coast.
If what is set to become the official IMSA simulator can incorporate both fuel saving strategies and working tyre allocation factoring warm-up and wear, us endurance racing fans are set to have a field day. All I'll need is "Keep Out" sign on my bedroom door for the next two months until the Daytona 24. That is probably how long it would take to nail the strategy in a longer race against such competent bots.
Offline Teammates
A key art to sportscar racing strategy is the use of multiple drivers for a single car. Maximising a fast driver's time in the seat whilst ensuring you respect the no four hours in any six rule is a core aspect to IMSA racing. As such, AI teammates with their own characteristics in AMS2 would be a fantastic idea.Jumping in and out a car is far easier without a roof.
There are two ways of looking at this. From a first, easier standpoint, opponent cars that switch between a duo, trio or quartet of drivers depending on the race length certainly adds to the immersion. But the more complex, and more satisfying solution would be to allow players to hand their car over to an AI teammate during a pitstop, and said AI teammate to have their own strenghts, weaknesses and driving styles. Both adding to the immersion and allowing you to take a break to think about your strategy, this is something I want in any title focusing on long-distance racing. AMS2 has this capability in offline races already, albeit in a very basic way.
Imagine pushing your 31 Cadillac as hard as you can cosplaying as Jack Aitken to then select Pipo Derani's talents at the pitstop and watch him battle his way to first place. Or send it into the wall at the first opportunity. He really offers an unpredictable teammate experience that I would love to endure - enjoy, sorry.
Race Stoppages
If there is anything Automobilista 2 already does well, it is implementing Safety Car periods into its races. If you so wish, you can schedule race stoppages at the 25%, 50% or 75% marks, or for the randomness, simply allow safety cars and watch the AI put a damper on your green flag running.IMSA's Safety Car rules are rather unique in racing.
As we all know, IMSA is king of the safety car - or Full Course Yellow - in sportscar circles and so this is a key point the title must not forget. Moreover, as an official IMSA game, AMS2 could even simulate the real life rules in which you spend 15-25 minutes at a dawdle behind the pace car whilst the other class gets to pit. And then you pit. And then the pass around happens. And then you finally get going only for an LMP2 to end up in the T1 gravel again.
Dull to many no doubt, the thrill of a frequently bunched up field with the lottery of missed pitstops cycling you to the front or back of the field at any given point sounds like a lot of fun in a game. Maybe not so much with millions of dollars and a Rolex watch on the line.
What are you hoping for alongside the arrival of IMSA licensed content to Automobilista 2? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our AMS2 forum!
