Thoughts on the new bumper cam HUD?

[msgt-sd]

I don't have a PS4 (yet) and I haven't tried the beta, but from all the videos I've seen the bumper cam in GTSport seems quite different from the one in GT6. So, my question is for those of you who drive in the bumper cam view: how do you like the changes made between GT6 and GT Sport?

My impression is that the gauges (and the new mph/gear bar) sit unnecessarily high on the screen now, obstructing too much of the action. I made some rough measurements from a screenshot from GT Sport and one from GT6, and in GT Sport the gauges (including the mph/gear bar) appear to take up approximately 34.5% of the screen versus only 22.3% in GT6. That's significant. However, the rear view mirror takes up a little less room in GT Sport than it did in GT6. Here are the measurements:

GT Sport:

GT6:

As far as I've seen, there's no way to customize the HUD for the different driving views. It would be nice if we could move info around wherever we'd like it and/or delete/add items. Or at the very least, I think it'd be nice if there was a "classic bumper cam" driving view option.

@Marcus Garvey @z06fun

 

[imported_rik19]

I havent played the beta, but the videos I have seen, there is way too much stuff on the screen for my liking, i always remove everything when playing car games..

 

[Johnnypenso]

As a guy who often runs with nothing but car and track on the screen, yeah, I'd say it's too cluttered for me. Options, as always, ftw.

 

[cjr3559]

The height of the MFD doesn't bother me, just the lack of options to turn it off in cockpit view.

I miss the gauge needles from past GT's but I guess we're into the 21st century and analog dials seem to be passé.

What I find most distracting is the tach rev limit and gear recommendation displays blinking in my face. I'll shift when I want to whatever gear I want thank you very much. I listen to the engine to cue me when to shift. Don't need the rev limit display personally.

In GT5/6 I would turn off the HUD in premium cars and use the standard HUD for everything else. Worked great.

 

[Marcus Garvey]

You know my opinion, but yes it is a bit cumbersome with the display rising into active view. I am a long time bumper cam user, so this was one of the first changes I noticed within the beta over previous installments.

To me, the issue is multi-faceted. The bumper cam ride height does seem to be slightly increased on GTS vs. GT6, which puts the viewing area at the lower portion of the screen in play more. This space now being more important, coupled with the larger HUD further exacerbates the issue; as not only are your eyes spending more time in the lower portion of the screen, but the display is now obstructing active viewing area. As evident in the OP, very little was able to 'occur' in the area where the gauges obstruct view on GT6, whereas on GTS that 'space' now has use in driving.

In general, the lower 2/3 of the screen is 'where the action is at' in bumper cam. Just like windscreen banners on real race cars rarely having a negative effect on looking ahead, the area toward the top of the screen has less of an impact upon sight lines, and as such is less of a concern to me. Being so, I prefer all non-essential data to present there. The lap time list, track conditions, current lap counter, etc all belong there IMO. GT5 and GT6 had the display setup fairly well. IMO, that was one item that wasn't broken and did not need fixing. This lower visual importance of the upper area of the screen is why the mirror doesn't feel intrusive, despite taking up a large quantity of screen area in a central location.

As well, although less noticeable; most of the HUD on GT6 was transparent. While overlooked by many this is an important factor that impacts overall presentation. It allows the overabundance of information presented to be less obstructive and of course feel less claustrophobic. Sim racing, particularly on single screens, has a great limitation that exists in preventing the same level of spatial awareness that occurs in the real car. Anything that further reduces your periphery and ability to 'see through' elements only serves to separate you from the machine and in the sim reduces immersion.

The most striking thing I notice from the shots in the OP, and didn't take particular note of until now; is the way that space is wasted in the top 1/3 of the screen. Right in the area where I would prefer all of these bits of luxury information is nothing. Naturally, it wasn't as apparent as it is now for the reasons described above; I just don't look up there often as there isn't much to see. As such, being that I'm not 'using' that area of the screen for driving like the lower 2/3, that is where I would like that information presented. The area where I glanced at most frequently on GT6(upper RH corner lap information) is now completely barren. Certainly strange, again in a sim where keeping that lower 2/3 of the screen clear should be a premium concern.

Anyway, I won't concern myself much over it as this is still in beta. I am hopeful that more customisation options will exist in the final version. As is, the tall centre stack is mostly redundant and/or useless information. I need not monitor my brake bias real time. It doesn't change all by itself hahah. I would be happy to see the option to remove the redundant rev counter that exists in that centre stack, and perhaps have the option to place the current gear and G-meter lower in the centre of the gauges. You know, like in GT6. I personally don't need two rev counters, and certainly see no use for the g-meter.

Again, this wasn't an area that needed to be fixed IMO. GT has historically had decent HUD customisation options, and I hope that continues with the final product.

 

[Sharpie]

I don't like that rpm bar there put it somewhere else.

 

[z06fun]

I don't have a PS4 (yet) and I haven't tried the beta, but from all the videos I've seen the bumper cam in GTSport seems quite different from the one in GT6. So, my question is for those of you who drive in the bumper cam view: how do you like the changes made between GT6 and GT Sport?

My impression is that the gauges (and the new mph/gear bar) sit unnecessarily high on the screen now, obstructing too much of the action. I made some rough measurements from a screenshot from GT Sport and one from GT6, and in GT Sport the gauges (including the mph/gear bar) appear to take up approximately 34.5% of the screen versus only 22.3% in GT6. That's significant. However, the rear view mirror takes up a little less room in GT Sport than it did in GT6. Here are the measurements:

GT Sport:
View attachment 638994

GT6:
View attachment 638995

As far as I've seen, there's no way to customize the HUD for the different driving views. It would be nice if we could move info around wherever we'd like it and/or delete/add items. Or at the very least, I think it'd be nice if there was a "classic bumper cam" driving view option.

@Marcus Garvey @z06fun

Great work the measurements! I agree with Marcus that this driving view seems higher than GT6. Normally in all previous GT's I could not use this view as well as the roof view because I couldn't see well, being so very low. In GTS I don't feel like Im too low to the ground to see well with this view. I actually did not notice the gages etc being in the way when I tried this view but I'll have to try it more and see. With all that said, I still feel like I can see best in the roof view in the beta because it is higher up and pointed down slightly, like GT6. It just really needs a mirror!

 

[msgt-sd]

As well, although less noticeable; most of the HUD on GT6 was transparent. While overlooked by many this is an important factor that impacts overall presentation. It allows the overabundance of information presented to be less obstructive and of course feel less claustrophobic. Sim racing, particularly on single screens, has a great limitation that exists in preventing the same level of spatial awareness that occurs in the real car. Anything that further reduces your periphery and ability to 'see through' elements only serves to separate you from the machine and in the sim reduces immersion.

That's a really good point I hadn't thought about. Those dark gray translucent background boxes behind the names in the driver list and behind the lap times are much harder to see through, if at all, compared to before. I definitely see that lessening the "effective" periphery like you said.

In general, the lower 2/3 of the screen is 'where the action is at' in bumper cam. [...] Certainly strange, again in a sim where keeping that lower 2/3 of the screen clear should be a premium concern.

Agreed.

Anyway, I won't concern myself much over it as this is still in beta.

Yeah, I'm hoping there are some changes between now and the final product.

Great work the measurements! I agree with Marcus that this driving view seems higher than GT6. Normally in all previous GT's I could not use this view as well as the roof view because I couldn't see well, being so very low. In GTS I don't feel like Im too low to the ground to see well with this view. I actually did not notice the gages etc being in the way when I tried this view but I'll have to try it more and see. With all that said, I still feel like I can see best in the roof view in the beta because it is higher up and pointed down slightly, like GT6. It just really needs a mirror!

Yeah, I thought you used the roof view but I remember seeing you mention how they really need to add a mirror. I'd be much more likely to drive with the roof view if there was a mirror. There seems to be plenty of room for it from what I've seen. I think the biggest thing holding me back (other than pure habit) from using the roof view is how particular I am about my shift points - I feel I can be much more precise in my shifts with the big analog RPM gauge we get in bumper cam.

 

[eran0004]

Just to be clear: it's not a bumper camera. It's a cockpit camera without a cockpit.

It's positioned near the middle of the car, not at the front.

It's positioned at the height of the driver's head, not at the height of the bumper.

Why is that important? Because it has a big effects on what you see in that view. A camera near the ground would see very little of the road. A camera at the front would be completely covered when there is a car right in front of you.

As for the gauges, they don't seem very obstructing to me, as they are transparent. There is a lot of information though, which may be distracting and I guess it will take a while to figure out where to look for what. I also hope there will be some customisation options.

 

[Marcus Garvey]

Just to be clear: it's not a bumper camera. It's a cockpit camera without a cockpit.

It's positioned near the middle of the car, not at the front.

Yes, I think most people know that there is a bit of 'invisible car' in front of you in the view, but it is most commonly referred to as bumper cam because it feels much like that when driving in that view. It is probably most apparent when you see the dirt kicked up by the tyres; very often you can see the outline of where the shoulder of the tyre would be as a line where the dirt emanates from.

 

[eran0004]

Yes, I think most people know that there is a bit of 'invisible car' in front of you in the view, but it is most commonly referred to as bumper cam because it feels much like that when driving in that view. It is probably most apparent when you see the dirt kicked up by the tyres; very often you can see the outline of where the shoulder of the tyre would be as a line where the dirt emanates from.

But the camera is at eye height, not at bumper height. It's simply a cockpit view without an interior.

This is what a bumper camera would look like:

 

[Marcus Garvey]

But the camera is at eye height, not at bumper height. It's simply a cockpit view without an interior.

This is what a bumper camera would look like:

Again, I think that is understood. I am calling it bumper cam because that is what that view is most commonly referred to. If I called it 'Invisible Car Interior View' people would likely be confused as to what I was speaking on.

 

[eran0004]

Again, I think that is understood. I am calling it bumper cam because that is what that view is most commonly referred to. If I called it 'Invisible Car Interior View' people would likely be confused as to what I was speaking on.

The correct name is Normal View. At least that's the name in GT6.

And some people actually think it's a bumper camera. Calling it bumper camera probably adds to that confusion.

 

[Robbks]

In general, the lower 2/3 of the screen is 'where the action is at' in bumper cam.

the lower third has no relevance in racing.

in this image at this point in time, you should be looking at the area just below where the "53.5%" is on the image.
you look where you want to go, and the car will go there, not where you are.

 

[I6sexus]

It being different would explain why i was screwing up corners and something felt "off"

 

[te?]

Theres too much information on the bumper cam to be honest. Im currently playing the Beta and it would be nice if we could customize the stuff on the screen.

Personally im using the roof camera and theres 1 vital thing missing on that POV, its the rear view mirror.

 

[Johnnypenso]

Any way you slice it, not being able to customize the HUD is an immersion killer for some of us that are used to that type of customization in other games. IMO opinion it should be a standard feature in any sim racer.

 

[z06fun]

the lower third has no relevance in racing.

in this image at this point in time, you should be looking at the area just below where the "53.5%" is on the image.
you look where you want to go, and the car will go there, not where you are.

The time when that lower portion becomes important for visibility is when the road out in front is below you. This happens if you are on a crest etc, which happens a lot on a place like the ring.

If they moved the "Assist notifiers" that are normally under the gages way out, they could slide the whole gage stack down quite a bit.

 

[nissman]

As an online endurance racer I prefer more info on the new HUD, all though I do agree the gauges positioning is not ideal.

I think it will not be effecting anyones lap times once we get used to it though.

What is really helpful on the new HUD is the time gaps now show - gap to leader, car infront and car behind. This is something is was really missing in GT5/6.

 

[TheDabbinDave]

As with all GT games, it's not a "bumper" cam like every other racing game on the market where you are viewing from the ground. You are actually seated in an invisible cockpit. This was most obvious in a video of GT5, the driver hit a foam block which was "floating" in front of his view. The replay showed the foam block sitting on the hood/bonnet of the car. You'll notice when you're in a tall car vs a low car, the height changes. Such as in the VW party bus vs a kart or F1 car. Other games, the hieght never changes, it's always an "ant cam", which really sucks!

As for the guages view, it is cluttered, but you'll get used to it. Having the map front and center is helpful. Especially when the sun is blazing in your face and you cannot see ANY of the track. Like at Willow Springs. The map shows elevation changes on The Ring. Pretty cool feature.

 

[Farushi]

Is there any reason why the bumper cam HUD is different than the one from the other views?

 

[polizei]

it really doesn't bother me at all. It's a beta, it will be tweaked, it will hopefully have some customization options. But as a preview of what is to come i have no issues with it. I usually use the "bumper cam" or the "in-car" view to race as it's the most immersive imo. Plus i put down faster, more consistent laps with those views than the roof or top view.

 

[Ledbetter]

I think the new HUD, and the racing marks instead of the arrow line, are a great step forward.

 

[glassjaw]

Polyphony's UI design is some of the best in the biz no doubt, but they've overdone it with GT Sport, at least at this stage. You get the sense they're just loading the screen with frivolous information because they can and it looks nice, not because it serves any meaningful purpose and makes the experience that much better for the player. It's actually a little distracting.

That said, I love, love, love the multifunction display controlled with the D-pad. That's a fantastic idea more sim racers could benefit from.

 

[TheDabbinDave]

it really doesn't bother me at all. It's a beta, it will be tweaked, it will hopefully have some customization options. But as a preview of what is to come i have no issues with it. I usually use the "bumper cam" or the "in-car" view to race as it's the most immersive imo. Plus i put down faster, more consistent laps with those views than the roof or top view.

It'll be better when we can adjust the POV and move forward. I do not like the sense of driving from the backseat.

 

[azrilnazli]

adjustments that what makes iRacing one of the most successful sims in PC arena

I can hide steering wheel, adjust camera position, tune the amount of shakes etc.

 

[diesel97]

Polyphony's UI design is some of the best in the biz no doubt, but they've overdone it with GT Sport, at least at this stage. You get the sense they're just loading the screen with frivolous information because they can and it looks nice, not because it serves any meaningful purpose and makes the experience that much better for the player. It's actually a little distracting.

That said, I love, love, love the multifunction display controlled with the D-pad. That's a fantastic idea more sim racers could benefit from.

Most sim racers you can map your buttons to your liking

 

[polizei]

It'll be better when we can adjust the POV and move forward. I do not like the sense of driving from the backseat.

I'd like the option to remove the steering wheel and shifter and their animations. That's the only thing that distracts me sometimes because it doesn't match up. And yes moving forward would be nice.

 

[glassjaw]

Most sim racers you can map your buttons to your liking

Sure, mapping buttons. But that's not the same as a display that can cycle through multiple functions (controlling TCS, ABS, other car systems as well as viewing lap times, radar, etc.). Plus it looks great to boot.

 

[diesel97]

Sure, mapping buttons. But that's not the same as a display that can cycle through multiple functions (controlling TCS, ABS, other car systems as well as viewing lap times, radar, etc.). Plus it looks great to boot.

Pcars has multiple displays and adjust on the go, not saying I don't like GTS use of the D-pad and it works well