GT7 & PSVR2

[DextroCat]

I took delivery of my PS5 and PSVR2 about three weeks ahead of the rest of my rig, so yes, I used a controller before using a wheel. To be fair, once I got used to moving the controller like a wheel i.e. using the gyros to steer, I was quite surprised how accurately I could follow a racing line …it was not a bad experience given that a controller was not something I’d used much before, especially with the PS5 haptic feedback. Then the rest of my kit arrived and for the first time ever, I played GT in a proper racing seat with a proper DD wheel, proper pedals, all kept in place by a proper rig.

The experience was like night and day …suddenly I was in that car; on that track; racing those other drivers. As good as the controller is, using PSVR2 in a complete rig with a DD wheel is, as Kireth correctly said in his recent video: other-worldly.

WRT rigs, I bought the Sim-Lab Evo for its compact size and I was not disappointed. It’s a fabulous bit of well-engineered kit, and I say that as an engineer. Even with my 6’ 2” body, my reclining seat still falls within the frame's footprint, more-or-less. I spent a while justifying the cost of the rig to myself, being a tight git when it comes to spending on myself, but now that I know what I know, I’d do it again in a heartbeat at twice the price if I had to. It’s my new hobby and it’s a stack cheaper than what I used to spend travelling round the country racing for real.

WRT wheels and wheelbases, I bought the Fanatec GT DD Pro 8Nm wheelbase (which gives PS5 compatibility), with the CSL pedals (just the basic two-pedal set but I added the 3D printed brake mod), and the Fanatec McLaren GT3 v2 wheel (which then adds Xbox compatibility if you need it (which I don’t)). I don’t know how that works out cost-wise in USD but I can thoroughly recommend this solution. I did have problems with the wheelbase cutting out, but using the front USB socket on the PS5 seems to have solved this. I also lost all control having just passed the leader on a test that I’d spent two hours to get gold on (extremely frustrating), but then found out it was a known issue that could be fixed by reseating and retightening the collar on the main shaft. These issues are not ideal for an expensive new wheelbase, and you may be able to find a better alternative, but Fanatec have already offered to repair or replace the wheelbase if I have any more issues, and I have to say, it’s a fabulous and relatively inexpensive wheelbase, these other issues aside.

WRT the GT3 wheel, I was going to go for the GT Pro wheel, being a car driver and racer used to a full wheel, but got enticed by the fact that the McLaren GT3 wheel is an exact replica of the real thing, and I have large hands. And now I look at the GT Pro wheel and I’m glad I did not buy what looks like a toy in comparison. One can assign the wheel buttons to whatever one likes (which takes a bit of experimentation given that one uses them blind in VR), and one can use the PS5 button caps provided with the GT Pro wheelbase (not that you can see them in VR). I love the aluminium shifter paddles which can be operated one-handed if needed, I like the fact that the handbrake is (if so configured), a progressive paddle (which I’ve found is handy when you need to learn drifting for some of the missions), and although the top two dials are not useable in GT7, the top red toggles operate the MFD just fine (once you get used to finding them blind).

If your maximum budget for everything is less than a thousand dollars, I suspect that what I’ve described above is going to be well out of reach unless you find a second-hand bargain, but what I would say is that the whole PSVR2 experience is heightened exponentially by sitting in a decent rig. I'm also in the process of adding haptics without breaking the bank, and a comfortable harness experience without the cumbersome harness (i.e. cheaply), both of which I will document and link to when I get everything sorted.

So the base is 600 at a local store and the cheapest seat there is 350 and then the Fanatec wheel and just the included pedals is another 700 and we’re over double my budget… but I have bought synthesizers that are $1400+ for my other hobby so I’ll definitely have to contemplate this route. Thanks for commenting.

 

[flimmelblitz]

Does anyone know if there are plans to add VR configuration settings for cockpit position, and locking view to car? I realise there are different preferences out there, but the current implementation makes me feel ill when banking on angles etc.

After dropping such a huge amount of cash on the hardware, and game, I'd expect to be offered choices to make me feel more comfortable with the experience.

There's no communication from Polyphony regarding any upcoming changes or updates. It's not unlikely that they'll add a couple of options in the future, but given the number of surprisingly absent additions so far, it's also entirely possible that they consider the PSVR2 implementation done and over.

 

[Druski__]

There's no communication from Polyphony regarding any upcoming changes or updates. It's not unlikely that they'll add a couple of options in the future, but given the number of surprisingly absent additions so far, it's also entirely possible that they consider the PSVR2 implementation done and over.

Thx for the reply, guess there's nothing we can do but wait 🤞. In the the mean time, I'll have to jump back into the PC VR scene with my ancient Vive Headset 😔, at least these configuration options are available to me there. If they choose not to include these features in a future update, I likely made the wrong choice investing in the PSVR2 and GT7.

 

[GlamFM]

Thx for the reply, guess there's nothing we can do but wait 🤞. In the the mean time, I'll have to jump back into the PC VR scene with my ancient Vive Headset 😔, at least these configuration options are available to me there. If they choose not to include these features in a future update, I likely made the wrong choice investing in the PSVR2 and GT7.

The moving head in the opposite direction of where I want to be and recenter the headset thing works for me.

It’s annoying, but it gets the job done for now.

Ideally I want to be able to set and save a default position per car myself.

 

[dvdj]

Is the game installed on extended storage?
If so, move it to the internal storage.

No, all internal storage.

 

[roytheboy]

So the base is 600 at a local store and the cheapest seat there is 350 and then the Fanatec wheel and just the included pedals is another 700 and we’re over double my budget… but I have bought synthesizers that are $1400+ for my other hobby so I’ll definitely have to contemplate this route. Thanks for commenting.

I forgot to say that I bought a GT Omega RS XL reclining seat which I use with a matching non-memory-foam lumbar cushion as I have spine problems. The seat has flex due to only having a reclining mechanism on one side, but it's very comfortable and as with the other items, I think I made the right choice (I’d say so if I thought otherwise). Strengthening up the flexing side with a bracket would not take me long if I wanted to, but the flexing is not an issue as it’s only the back that flexes and one brakes from the pelvis. I mounted the seat on a Trak Racer universal seat mount, which allows me to tilt the thing backwards as well as increasing the height of the seat base. Again, this works very well and the seat is excellent value at about £200 on Amazon if I recall correctly. I put in a lot of research time on this project because the rig I’ve bought is actually a feasibility test-case for a possible commercial multi-sim set-up. Thus frequent and safe use by a range of body shapes and ages is a primary consideration. The rig also features an excellent-value curved 2k 120Hz gaming monitor that cost about £250, as you won’t want to use VR for everything - just the actual races. If you like racing and can spare the cash without getting into debt, I’d say go for it - not the same rig as me necessarily, but a similar set-up in principle. With all the **** going on in the world at the moment, it’s good to be able to immerse yourself in a bit of escapism now and then 🤩

 

[djolliea]

I know this is a late reply, but just wanted to let you both know that if you go into the detailed transmission settings (you can see it even if you have a stock trans) it tells you the exact optimal shift RPMs. (I too was using the ECU for quite some time before I noticed this).

I looked into this and I'm not sure if this is how it works. It only seems it tell you when the RPMs reach the redline, and not the optimal shifting point. The Radical's optimal shifting point is around 6000 rpm and it says 6500 rpm here, which is way too high.

 

[Druski__]

The moving head in the opposite direction of where I want to be and recenter the headset thing works for me.

It’s annoying, but it gets the job done for now.

Ideally I want to be able to set and save a default position per car myself.

Definitely helps with cockpit position, but road angle still an in issue. Thanks for the suggestion though. Issue is I'm playing with a cockpit and steering wheel, so it's less intuitive to tilt my head, as it would be using a controller.

 

[flimmelblitz]

I'm sitting on a dining chair when playing GT7 and I, too, find it jarring to try and align my head when the car banks or pitches. It's just weird to me that they didn't put in the option to lock the view to the car rather than to the horizon. Not a dealbreaker for me at all, but I can definitely understand Druski's feelings.

 

[klondike]

As much as I love the PSVR2. I really hope they update the settings and HUD options.

 

[shadow0460]

I got the PSVR2 today. My only complaint is Horizon came as a download code... at least thrown in a disc and maybe a Steelbook.
Once I got home I got straight into GT7 and finished the last 45 minutes of the 1 hour Spa race ina Ford GT LM Race Car. I got into a few different cars in the garage and finally took the Raptor for a spin around Grand Valley (more on this in a minute).
I am absolutely floored by this thing. Yeah the images are fuzzier than on TV, but I'm at home with all kinds of games from different generations. The image quality is not an issue. I had a very slight bit of motion sickness that lasted a minute at most.
As for the cars, I not real sure how accurate the feeling of being inside them is. Everything seemed cramped but the experience is good.
Even the Raptor seemed cramped. In my personal truck there is a TON of space, the wheel doesn't sit in my lap. I hate that actually and sit as far back as my seat will go. The actual drive felt natural. I had trouble finding my sunglasses until I realized I was playing a game, not driving my truck!
There are some minor details that were overlooked. The Raptor is run in game in the M transmission setting, even when AT is chosen in game. I could still shift by engine sound, though that's going to differ from my ride (different engine, similar truck).
I think the VR helps a LOT on some tracks because you can actually look where you're going the natural way.
I noticed the look through mode has a lot of snow and some of that shows in the game. It's not a concern.

 

[GlamFM]

As for the cars, I not real sure how accurate the feeling of being inside them is. Everything seemed cramped but the experience is good.
Even the Raptor seemed cramped. In my personal truck there is a TON of space, the wheel doesn't sit in my lap. I hate that actually and sit as far back as my seat will go. The actual drive felt natural.

in 99% of the cars the game puts you in a wrong position inside the car. Too low and to far forward.
What you want to do is pause the game when in the car, lean forward and down and recenter the camera by holding down the start button. Now when you go back in your seating position everything should feel right.

It´s extremely annoying, but it gets the job done.

 

[roytheboy]

I'm sitting on a dining chair when playing GT7 and I, too, find it jarring to try and align my head when the car banks or pitches. It's just weird to me that they didn't put in the option to lock the view to the car rather than to the horizon. Not a dealbreaker for me at all, but I can definitely understand Druski's feelings.

The biggest problem game developers have with VR is motion sickness. The best way to mitigate or prevent motion sickness is to give the player a fixed point of reference such as a cockpit, but also the position of the horizon is really important. For example, in some military sea craft, they use a laser on a gyro to display a horizon line around a room so that the brain always knows where it is relative to the horizon, which helps to ease motion sickness. Anyway, I recall reading somewhere that by fixing the driver's view to the horizon when going round banked curves, it reduces the likelihood of motion sickness.

Edit: I've just googled the naval artificial horizon thang and can find no reference to it. Most of what I used to work on in the forces was very secret, so if there are any Russian military types reading this, please pretend you never saw my post 🤫 😆 🤪

 

[wendle73]

loving GT7 in VR and don’t think i’ll ever go back to flat screen! vr replays are so good but the cars are blurred…does anyone know if there are any settings i can adjust??

 

[roytheboy]

loving GT7 in VR and don’t think i’ll ever go back to flat screen! vr replays are so good but the cars are blurred…does anyone know if there are any settings i can adjust??

The cars ahead in the distance always seem a little more blurry than things around them, possibly because they are moving, but with regards to the rest of the picture, this is what I noticed:

1. The brain gets used to the 'fixed focus' of VR after a week or two, which means that everything gets a little sharper.

2. Because of the use of frenzel lenses, looking straight ahead is always going to be sharper than looking elsewhere, but the closer you can get your eyes to the lenses, the sharper 'off centre' objects will appear.

3. If you wear glasses, lens inserts make a big difference, especially if you use a recent prescription i.e. get an eye-test first. I can thoroughly recommend VR Optician lenses from Germany.

4. If you run the display with exposure even slightly brighter than zero, 'screen-door' and/or mura becomes an issue. Personally I run everything in default mode and it all looks good to me, even though it can look a little dark when clouds are overhead.

5. There is a sweet-spot of clarity which is dependant upon the exact position and angle of the eyes to the centre of the lenses, which is in turn dependant upon the position and angle of the headset. Everybody seems to find this in the end, although it can take a few days to get straight to it when you first don your headset. I use the 'do you have your controller' message as my marker of clarity - I want to be able to see the white lines of the big button without, or with minimal, 'tic-tok logo' colour aberration.

Hope that helps 🙂

Edit: the VR Optician Zeiss lenses are very good, but the inserts can be a bit fiddly to align correctly (they use magnets which make it awkward to fit squarely). So if you need to constantly fit and remove your lenses for multiple players, you might find a better lens insert. For me though, with my wide nose, having the VR Optician inserts with their default nose-cutaway was a deal-breaker.

 

[djolliea]

loving GT7 in VR and don’t think i’ll ever go back to flat screen! vr replays are so good but the cars are blurred…does anyone know if there are any settings i can adjust??

This issue in VR replay is due to reprojection from 60fps to 120fps which makes the image smoother but often causes ghosting, seeing the moving cars as double images, or as you described "blurred". Unfortunately there's nothing we can do about it.

 

[wendle73]

thanx for the replies chaps👍 someone did say unplugging the hdmi for the tv helps but haven’t tried that yet. in game is fine

 

[roytheboy]

thanx for the replies chaps👍 someone did say unplugging the hdmi for the tv helps but haven’t tried that yet. in game is fine

It is customary to Like a post in order to thank the author. WRT the HDMI lead, the TV or monitor is replicating the signal sent to the VR headset, so it is highly unlikely to make any difference to the processing ability of the PS5. Further, it is a good idea to run the monitor in tracking mode so that the headset has a fixed reference point for, well, its tracking mechanism.

 

[shadow0460]

One other thing: when I looked down during a race I saw two twigs sticking out of my rear with a racing suit on them. It's as if they designed the thing to re creat what short people would feel.
I figured out the re centering idea pretty quick. I can also just sit up like I would on a long drive. It only bugs me if I get it set while looking at the floor.

 

[rsspyder21]

thanx for the replies chaps👍 someone did say unplugging the hdmi for the tv helps but haven’t tried that yet. in game is fine

That’s a myth. Makes zero difference.

 

[flimmelblitz]

Anyway, I recall reading somewhere that by fixing the driver's view to the horizon when going round banked curves, it reduces the likelihood of motion sickness.

Yeah, I know/understand why they went with this as the default. It just boggles my mind why they wouldn't add the option to fix the view to the car instead. Then again, there's a host of other strangely absent features, so I guess it's not that mind-boggling in the end.

 

[klondike]

Excuse my ignorance. Maybe it is just me, but how do I see the wind direction when using PSVR2 ?

 

[roytheboy]

Yeah, I know/understand why they went with this as the default. It just boggles my mind why they wouldn't add the option to fix the view to the car instead. Then again, there's a host of other strangely absent features, so I guess it's not that mind-boggling in the end.

I’m a software developer these days, and if you compare version 1 of any of my systems with the latest versions, they are always very different. Of all those differences, the biggest are nearly always the number of options added to either (1) enable users to do things slightly differently to what I, the developer, ever thought that they would want to do them, or (2) give users additional choices that I just didn’t have time to roll out with the first version. Everybody (Kireth included): give the PD devs a break; they’ve done a fabulous job with v.1 of the interface and I’m sure they’ll fix all our concerns given time. Software development is nothing like as simple as rocket science!

 

[GT-Roadie]

To avoid motion sickness there's what Brad Lynch found out. The PSVR2 has a far longer image persistance in standard settings (standard: brightness is at 100%) than most PCVR glasses. The long image persistance causes motion sickness even in 120Hz mode. By lowering down the brightness to max. 25% in the PSVR2 menu the image persistance is much shorter and would lowering the motion blur too.



Here's another article, which explains how to avoid motion sickness. In this article you find the link to the Brad Lynch's Twitter post too.

Playstation VR 2: Tips to avoid motion sickness

Do you get sick when playing with Playstation VR 2? This can possibly be avoided if you follow our tips.

mixed-news.com

I hope this helps.

 

[snc]

To avoid motion sickness there's what Brad Lynch found out. The PSVR2 has a far longer image persistance in standard settings (standard: brightness is at 100%) than most PCVR glasses. The long image persistance causes motion sickness even in 120Hz mode. By lowering down the brightness to max. 25% in the PSVR2 menu the image persistance is much shorter and would lowering the motion blur too.



Here's another article, which explains how to avoid motion sickness. In this article you find the link to the Brad Lynch's Twitter post too.

Playstation VR 2: Tips to avoid motion sickness

Do you get sick when playing with Playstation VR 2? This can possibly be avoided if you follow our tips.

mixed-news.com

I hope this helps.

No image persistance its not causing motion sickness but for some can create headaches. Also imo its kinda silly to recomand 0 or 25% max brightness when one of biggest advantage of this headset is hdr (briliant in night gt7 races). What I would recomand is to lower to 70% and if somebody has problems start with short sessions vr gaming and stop imedietly you feel even little discomfort, after some time you will be more tolerant for longer sessions.

 

[GT-Roadie]

I turned down the brightness in the PSVR2 menu to 25% and turned the brightness in the game GT7 to 100% + 0,5 temporary brightness. So I think I have gotten a better HDR effect too and have no more motion blurry. My mind might be tricked out, but give it a try.

 

[Tired Tyres]

Excuse my ignorance. Maybe it is just me, but how do I see the wind direction when using PSVR2 ?

You don't. Unless it's the direction of the rain..

 

[DivitLad]

Yeah, I know/understand why they went with this as the default. It just boggles my mind why they wouldn't add the option to fix the view to the car instead. Then again, there's a host of other strangely absent features, so I guess it's not that mind-boggling in the end.

Exactly, Give us the option to have it locked too car or not, annoys me that, hope they add it at some point, feel I'm missing out on more immersion or something

 

[Mateusz90]

Do your goggles fog up too? I wipe them with a cloth, but I have to take them off every now and then and wait for the fog to dissipate. I feel like it wasn't as bad in the beginning. Maybe I should clean them more thoroughly?

And another thing, when you look at a darker area during the race, do you see a purple glow in the shape of a square following your gaze?

 

[shio]

Do your goggles fog up too? I wipe them with a cloth, but I have to take them off every now and then and wait for the fog to dissipate. I feel like it wasn't as bad in the beginning. Maybe I should clean them more thoroughly?

And another thing, when you look at a darker area during the race, do you see a purple glow in the shape of a square following your gaze?

Mine fog up from time to time but usually only if it's hot/humid outside or I got out of the shower recently. Usually all I do is move the visor forward to air it out without removing the headset because I'm too lazy to want to take it off.

I did notice actually a weird purpleish glow for the first time 2 days ago using the Aston VGT at Tokyo grind in certain sections, never noticed it before, and haven't seen it happening with other cars on other tracks yet. No idea what is going on with that. Maybe some sort of artifact from the reflection coming off the windshield since you're sitting on top of it in VR was my guess. I tried cleaning mid race and it seemed like it helped but not sure, it was weird.