Q&A with Slightly Mad Studios: Ian Bell [Read OP]

[PzR Slim]

Thanks, but I think having nothing there at all would be even weirder..!



The VR experience in sim racing is unbelievable, and impossible to describe adequately to people who haven't experienced it themselves. The sense of presence is quite remarkable with proper head tracking, 3D stereoscopic vision, and surround sound. You feel you are planted IN that car, ON that track, with REAL opponents around you. The whole thing just comes to life. Quite apart from that, the sense of scale was the next thing that hit me. The track and surrounding environment is part of a bigger planet. Park up at the top of Eau Rouge and get out of the car, then look back down the hill and wait for the rest of the field to lap you. It's just like being a spectator at a real racing circuit, and tracks that I thought were pretty flat in 2D reveal all sorts of elevation changes and undulations in VR that you just don't normally notice.

It's incredible, it really is, and a perfectly natural fit for cockpit-based sim racing. I would urge anyone with a capable PC and an interest in sim racing to jump on the Oculus sale right now. You just HAVE to try this, and there's no going back once you do.

Great to hear. I knew as soon as I tried my Oculus DK1 a few years ago that it was the future of cockpit based gaming. I went the Vive route on commercial release and it's just been fantastic. It' almost impossible to put into words just how groundbreaking and immersive it is and so like you I urge everyone to do whatever they can to experience it for themselves.

 

[GAVRA1991]

@Ian Bell, i wanted to know if the number of players in multiplayer lobby will be increased on console.

 

[Masscot]

I have to find somewhere to try out a good Oculus or Vive setup. I tried a demo at the mall on Saturday of GTSport in VR on a regular PS4 and it was awful. Like PS2 graphics behind a screen door on top of a screen door. I don't know if it wasn't setup properly or if there was some issue but at no time did it feel like anything but having a mask over my face with a screen on it. Probably a bad choice to start out with

The resolution and SDE are the only downsides at the moment (especially coming from 4k), but the immersion is more than worth the trade-off. Even 4k VR displays probably won't be quite enough when they eventually appear, but even at the moment you soon forget the IQ and just get lost in the experience.

Great to hear. I knew as soon as I tried my Oculus DK1 a few years ago that it was the future of cockpit based gaming. I went the Vive route on commercial release and it's just been fantastic. It' almost impossible to put into words just how groundbreaking and immersive it is and so like you I urge everyone to do whatever they can to experience it for themselves.

I'm staggered by the experience. I've never braced for impact while playing on a 2D display before, that's for sure..!

I got my Rift last week for £328 in a Currys pricing cock-up and will be selling the bundled Xbone One controller & wireless adapter, Touch controllers and extra sensor to get the cost down to well below £200, so it's been a pretty meagre investment for me. I'd have no qualms paying the pre-sale price of £500 just for the headset though. It'd still be well worth it.

 

[Johnnypenso]

The resolution and SDE are the only downsides at the moment (especially coming from 4k), but the immersion is more than worth the trade-off. Even 4k VR displays probably won't be quite enough when they eventually appear, but even at the moment you soon forget the IQ and just get lost in the experience.

For the moment I'll reserve judgment. There had to be something amiss at the demo I tried. It was so bad I wouldn't take it if it was free, like I wouldn't take a PS2 if it was free.

 

[FuriousDemon]

The resolution and SDE are the only downsides at the moment (especially coming from 4k), but the immersion is more than worth the trade-off. Even 4k VR displays probably won't be quite enough when they eventually appear, but even at the moment you soon forget the IQ and just get lost in the experience.



I'm staggered by the experience. I've never braced for impact while playing on a 2D display before, that's for sure..!

I got my Rift last week for £328 in a Currys pricing cock-up and will be selling the bundled Xbone One controller & wireless adapter, Touch controllers and extra sensor to get the cost down to well below £200, so it's been a pretty meagre investment for me. I'd have no qualms paying the pre-sale price of £500 just for the headset though. It'd still be well worth it.

I'd keep the touch controllers. I don't think you'll get that much back for them, but there are a number of fun and free (and some cheap) games that are really cool, even if you primarily play racers. If not for you, some of your family and friends might enjoy them. I'm sure you'll like it too. Give the RoboRecall a go if nothing else and then decide if you still want to sell.

 

[sbtm]

For the moment I'll reserve judgment. There had to be something amiss at the demo I tried. It was so bad I wouldn't take it if it was free, like I wouldn't take a PS2 if it was free.

You wouldn't take a PS2 if it was free? What's wrong with you? 🤬.

Just joking. ...and I'm here paying 150€ for an SNES in sealed OVP for my girlfriend. (Ok that was two years ago, but still)

Edit: ok I think OVP is only a german term I just realised. In english it would be still sealed in original box

 

[BrainsBush]

I can compare e.g. Drive Club and DIRT Rally VR vs 2D. Looking into the corner or oversee the track in front of you is completely different and indeed taking place into the car itself and looking around and stick your head outside the window is absolute fun. Still think the PSVR is not powerfull enough for PCars2 without too much graphic comprimizes. Off topic: GTS VR mode and PSVR is one of the reason I will buy GTS and hopefully I will not be disappointed so I already downgraded my expectations....

Before buying an Oculus Rift I'm going to test it with Pcars2 somewhere end of Septemberish. I/we know that 4k and VR is not the standard with todays hardware but if it is clear and crisp view I except the graphics as they are.
@IanBell or SMS colleague: Are you already satisfied with the VR results so far or still work to do before release? What's your personal preference: 1 screen 2D, triple screen, VR? Just curiousity.

 

[Johnnypenso]

You wouldn't take a PS2 if it was free? What's wrong with you? 🤬.

Just joking. ...and I'm here paying 150€ for an SNES in sealed OVP for my girlfriend. (Ok that was two years ago, but still)

If I happen upon a free PS2 I'll send it to you, postage prepaid of course

 

[Masscot]

I'd keep the touch controllers. I don't think you'll get that much back for them, but there are a number of fun and free (and some cheap) games that are really cool, even if you primarily play racers. If not for you, some of your family and friends might enjoy them. I'm sure you'll like it too. Give the RoboRecall a go if nothing else and then decide if you still want to sell.

I did consider it but my cockpit is in a small dedicated room with the PC and I'd need more space to use Touch properly. I really would not be bothered relocating to another room just to play Touch games, and although I'd probably enjoy them I think the novelty would soon wear off. My only VR interest is for sim racing anyway.

 

[Satco1066]

@IanBell or SMS colleague: Are you already satisfied with the VR results so far or still work to do before release? What's your personal preference: 1 screen 2D, triple screen, VR? Just curiousity.

not SMS , just WMD. I own a 49" 4k TV and an Oculus and use both. After playing 2 or 3 hours with Oculus, my head is hot and my eyes need a little patience. As the TV is direct behind the wheel and i play in 4k, also have a good immersion.
Quality of VR is much better as in PC1, especially the flickering of fences has mostly gone. Polishing is in progress.

 

[BrainsBush]

not SMS , just WMD. I own a 49" 4k TV and an Oculus and use both. After playing 2 or 3 hours with Oculus, my head is hot and my eyes need a little patience. As the TV is direct behind the wheel and i play in 4k, also have a good immersion.
Quality of VR is much better as in PC1, especially the flickering of fences has mostly gone. Polishing is in progress.

Thanks to your reply I have to develop a strategy to convince the chef at home. Oculus Rift is a nice Christmas present but I'm afraid I cannot wait that long.

 

[Jason Wilko]

I've got a question regarding the fuel mapping, if you run in rich/ highest mode to long and have mechanical failures on will this lead to an overheating engine or even a complete engine failure? Also I wouldn't mind seeing a video of the difference in top speed between lean and rich (hint hint to any of the guys who can put this to the test if allowed)
@IanBell @The_American

 

[Masscot]

not SMS , just WMD. I own a 49" 4k TV and an Oculus and use both. After playing 2 or 3 hours with Oculus, my head is hot and my eyes need a little patience. As the TV is direct behind the wheel and i play in 4k, also have a good immersion.
Quality of VR is much better as in PC1, especially the flickering of fences has mostly gone. Polishing is in progress.

My setup is very similar to yours (49" 4k screen directly behind the wheel) but I really can't imagine going back to the 2d display for racing games that support VR. I understand what you are saying about long sessions in the Rift - I find them exhausting because the experience is so intense and emotional..! There's a real sense of danger so my nerves get a good workout too.

Thanks to your reply I have to develop a strategy to convince the chef at home. Oculus Rift is a nice Christmas present but I'm afraid I cannot wait that long.

You'd be mad to wait until Christmas - the sale is only on for a few more weeks.

 

[05XR8]

Project Cars 2 FAQ. A lil late, but right on time.

Edit: these two-

1) HOW MANY PLAYERS IN ONLINE FOR CONSOLE AND PC PLAYERS?

For console, the limit is 16 players. For PC, it is 32(I don't have a pc, but happy for you that do).

2) CAN I SELECT THE CARS AND THEIR LIVERIES FOR RACES OFFLINE?

Yes.

 

[SRAIKKONEN]

Project Cars 2 FAQ. A lil late, but right on time.

Edit: these two-

1) HOW MANY PLAYERS IN ONLINE FOR CONSOLE AND PC PLAYERS?

For console, the limit is 16 players. For PC, it is 32(I don't have a pc, but happy for you that do).

2) CAN I SELECT THE CARS AND THEIR LIVERIES FOR RACES OFFLINE?

Yes.

16 multi class race at le mans, 4 cars per class, be better just to have LMP2 and GTE. Do we have a definitive number for offline races?

 

[05XR8]

16 multi class race at le mans, 4 cars per class, be better just to have LMP2 and GTE. Do we have a definitive number for offline races?

It's looking to be 32(31 AI) for consoles.

 

[MroczMR]

It's looking to be 32(31 AI) for consoles.

Well it is good enough If it means the AI is improved?

 

[ozwheels]

Can we name online rooms on console? This would be very helpful for finding rooms quickly that interest you.

 

[DesertPenguin09]

Can we name online rooms on console? This would be very helpful for finding rooms quickly that interest you.

And recruiting for leagues and creating incentive for people to join.

 

[sbtm]

2) CAN I SELECT THE CARS AND THEIR LIVERIES FOR RACES OFFLINE?

Yes.

strange .. when i look at the FAQ i see this as the answer: "Yes, you can select liveries for your own car."

very confusing.. it says yes but then they basically say no

 

[McKiernan]

strange .. when i look at the FAQ i see this as the answer: "Yes, you can select liveries for your own car."

very confusing.. it says yes but then they basically say no

To be fair the response answers the question then clarifies it, as the question was a shade ambigeous.

 

[JulesDennis]

strange .. when i look at the FAQ i see this as the answer: "Yes, you can select liveries for your own car."

very confusing.. it says yes but then they basically say no

The answer is yes but you cannot create liveries.Pc platform supports a liveries import system to the game.

 

[sbtm]

The answer is yes but you cannot create liveries.Pc platform supports a liveries import system to the game.

I would understand the question like if there is a car and livery selector for the AI cars.

 

[JulesDennis]

I would understand the question like if there is a car and livery selector for the AI cars.

True mate.

 

[YRS2703]

What about the custom test track that was announced when the WMD2 Program began? Is it still there?

 

[DesertPenguin09]

Random idea, but I hope there are classic/vintage liveries for modern race cars.

 

[05XR8]

strange .. when i look at the FAQ i see this as the answer: "Yes, you can select liveries for your own car."

very confusing.. it says yes but then they basically say no

Well that's weird

CAN I SELECT THE CARS AND THEIR LIVERIES FOR RACES OFFLINE?

Yes, you can select liveries for your own car.

*scratches head* didn't have that extra wording last night(I posted @9:45pm, it's now 5:30am).

Even though it was mentioned, in this very thread, we could not select AI, seemed SMS gave us a gift. Oh well.

 

[Satco1066]

You can NOT select liveries for AI.
Just for yourself, like in PC1. In career, quickrace, TT, online, whatever

 

[Sentry87]

Damn, that'd be an unexpected surprise If we had the ability to pretty much select each car on the grid offline and their liveries

 

[JulesDennis]

You can NOT select liveries for AI.
Just for yourself, like in PC1. In career, quickrace, TT, online, whatever

You cant choose your car's livery in Pcars 1 career.