What's the point of online multiplayer?

[RikkiGT-R]

I realise there is an "online racing and leagues" sub-forum but it doesn't look like a general discussion area (there isn't a single question or general thread posted), so apologies if this is the wrong place.

Anyway, what is the point in online multiplayer? I tried last night for the first time (in FM7) and was reminded time and again why I have never bothered with it in any game. I managed to finish about 5 races out of more than double that number I started - and I am apparently the only person online who is interested in racing. Every other player seems to think they are in a Destruction Derby.
Most races I started mid-pack, and as soon as the light goes green someone slams into me, and someone else, and someone else... and so on. Usually I end up in last place and spend the rest of the race chasing down the rest of the pack, grabbing a few positions and being rammed back off the track as soon as I dare to get near anyone (God forbid I overtake someone in a race, you know ).

My best finish was 11th out of 19 on Indianapolis GP - I only finished that high by taking advantage of the destruction in front of me, and I was the only driver to finish the race with a clean lap, which says it all. In the repeat race (they must have enjoyed that track), I was positioned on the front row, but within a few seconds of the start I was in last place to the screams of "yahoo you ******" and "**** you!" (not necessarily aimed at me) ...why is everyone so angry?

Tried to create my own race but I'm told I need to invite friends first and I never have enough friends online at one time the justify a full race.
Surely this isn't all multiplayer has to offer? Just a vast amount of assholes hell bent on cheating, crashing, screaming, swearing, quitting... it's really awful.

 

[bf3]

Sadly its mostly all racing games like this..And not only racing games-there way better online gamers 10y ago..
Tried GTS-same,tried pc2-even worse..
Unless we make our own race,im not going to do MP - just not worth time wasting..
And god help you if you manage to get in to top 5 and somebody behind you..
Im racing in rivals,kinda makes "substitution" for MP,and i really like it,sure its not real MP,but way better than pc2 or GTS can offer..

 

[RikkiGT-R]

I never came across a single person last night who I think I would or could be friends with (in the real world). Every single one of them have absolutely no morals or standards** all cheaters, all angry and swearing...
You could clearly hear men's voices too, which makes it even more depressing - kids you can understand, but grown men acting that way. Hard to get my head around their behaviour, their desperate need to blatantly cheat...

I went online fully expecting to lose races (and even come dead last many times) simply because I was outclassed in ability. But I finished so low each time because I didn't stand a chance once I was near another car - and I refuse to engage in cheating so I was at a disadvantage from the start.

**how you play online says a lot about you as a person - if you are so morally bankrupt in the real world that the only satisfaction you can get is by cheating your way to "victory" against strangers online, then you must lead a pretty sad life.

 

[PJTierney]

If you're looking for clean racers try adding a few from the Gamertag sharing thread.

I'm in the Hoppers often (though not as much this week as I'm playing Gran Turismo Sport) so that's at least 1 clean racer out there

 

[JR98]

I find the Forza GT Endurance lobby to be way cleaner than the others mainly down to longer races and the fact that Sim damage is on. Only had 1 person (that I can remember) so far purposefully try and ram everyone off track in that hopper, and I've actually had some pretty good races in there, even though I rarely have a chance of winning. Much better than the A Class Breakout which just feels like a demo derby half the time.

 

[AlienDeathRay]

I realise there is an "online racing and leagues" sub-forum but it doesn't look like a general discussion area (there isn't a single question or general thread posted), so apologies if this is the wrong place.

Anyway, what is the point in online multiplayer? I tried last night for the first time (in FM7) and was reminded time and again why I have never bothered with it in any game. I managed to finish about 5 races out of more than double that number I started - and I am apparently the only person online who is interested in racing. Every other player seems to think they are in a Destruction Derby.
Most races I started mid-pack, and as soon as the light goes green someone slams into me, and someone else, and someone else... and so on. Usually I end up in last place and spend the rest of the race chasing down the rest of the pack, grabbing a few positions and being rammed back off the track as soon as I dare to get near anyone (God forbid I overtake someone in a race, you know ).

My best finish was 11th out of 19 on Indianapolis GP - I only finished that high by taking advantage of the destruction in front of me, and I was the only driver to finish the race with a clean lap, which says it all. In the repeat race (they must have enjoyed that track), I was positioned on the front row, but within a few seconds of the start I was in last place to the screams of "yahoo you ******" and "**** you!" (not necessarily aimed at me) ...why is everyone so angry?

Tried to create my own race but I'm told I need to invite friends first and I never have enough friends online at one time the justify a full race.
Surely this isn't all multiplayer has to offer? Just a vast amount of assholes hell bent on cheating, crashing, screaming, swearing, quitting... it's really awful.

See? I knew I wasn't the only person who feels this way! I saw this coming a decade ago when they opened up online gaming to begin with. Most people will just take advantage of the system and it exploit it, rather than try to accomplish things the "hard way" (racing clean etc.) I just never chose to participate in it. But, of course, they had to make things available or exclusive to gamers who raced or participated online. I have been fine racing by myself. But since I got my current version of gaming system, (X-Box 1), I have ventured out to race online and quite frankly had the same experience as you described. Drivers whizzing about all over the place, slamming into any "victim" they can, and hooting and hollering as your car is sent flying through air! In the few instances that I have actually been in a "place" (1st 2nd or 3rd) coming into a turn, I am usually rear ended so violently my car ends up off in the pea-gravel careening into the tires, my rear spoiler coming off and my beautiful car in shambles. I have even employed the "be nice" stategy, by actually yielding to other drivers and allowing them to pass. Even though my frustration tests my patience, I will continue to try and end up on the podium. ( I actually have, but honestly it was in the Welcome to Online racing hopper where there were only 3 racers! I finished 2nd 3 times).
Try the Modern Hot Hatch Ghosts hopper. All the cars are "ghosted", meaning you can't crash your car into another. You can go right through them. However, when you are all approaching the first turn together it's a big cluster ****. I find the racing in that hopper to be the fairest and most reasonable. As a matter of fact, I can see more of these Ghost Hoppers coming in the future, because I think many other racers feel the same as we do. (One thing I can't determine yet in the ghost hoppers, can you actually draft behind a ghost competitor? If anyone gets a good draft or perfect draft in this hopper please pass it along in this thread.) I will try someone's suggestion here about the endurance hopper.

 

[GroupB]

I distinctly remember a PS4 commercial where 2 friends are immersed in different game scenarios, jumping from one to another. At one point they are both in Astons, racing side-by-side. One player looks over at the other, grins, and slams him off the track, flipping him over. That’s what’s being encouraged.

 

[McLaren]

I distinctly remember a PS4 commercial where 2 friends are immersed in different game scenarios, jumping from one to another. At one point they are both in Astons, racing side-by-side. One player looks over at the other, grins, and slams him off the track, flipping him over. That’s what’s being encouraged.

Yep. Looks like it was advertising DriveClub for that specific moment?

 

[PJTierney]

One player looks over at the other, grins, and slams him off the track, flipping him over. That’s what’s being encouraged.

Dirty driving is encouraged in Forza Motorsport 7 too.

 

[AlienDeathRay]

Yes, I remember that commercial. Point taken. But I think there is a place for everything. Why can't we have both? A Place where we can go and race nicely, and a place where others can go and muck it up? Forza is more a game for racing enthusiasts and should be applied that way. Turn 10 has done a better job with stuff in this game, which I hope means that they care. One of my big peaves from games in the past was recommended car designs. If I wanted to apply a design to a recently purchased car, the recommended designs are often submitted by the same folks, often just a different paint color, or the same as the generic. Or the rusty beat up cars? Why would you do that? Here you have a forum where you can have a 1969 Camaro in mint condition, and will never deteriorate, always remain in pristine condition. And you choose to make it look like a rusty piece of crap??? WHY? Turn 10 has cleaned that up a bit in this game, as I am seeing a lot more beautiful car skins recommended. Hopefully with forums like here, designers can see how enthusiasts like us feel about the game and make changes accordingly. At least, one can hope! 💡

 

[bf3]

Dirty driving is encouraged in Forza Motorsport 7 too.

Nope
Its all Rossi's fault

s/

 

[GroupB]

Yes, I remember that commercial. Point taken.

I was agreeing with you. Unfortunately, the behavior most often encountered is being endorsed officially.

 

[RikkiGT-R]

If you're looking for clean racers try adding a few from the Gamertag sharing thread.

I'm in the Hoppers often (though not as much this week as I'm playing Gran Turismo Sport) so that's at least 1 clean racer out there

I have added a few of you recently, including yourself (gamertag IamVALHALLA).
I'm far from a perfect driver, and even I have crashed into people online but never once intentionally - just misjudged my braking point and/or the corner altogether. Beyond that I'm really trying to just enjoy a race with actual people, but they are 100x worse than the Drivatars

@JR98 has a good suggestion and I'm going to try that. I enjoy endurance racing and really won't care if I come last/get lapped.
I do try to race as clean as possible.

 

[ImaRobot]

I have added a few of you recently, including yourself (gamertag IamVALHALLA).
I'm far from a perfect driver, and even I have crashed into people online but never once intentionally - just misjudged my braking point and/or the corner altogether. Beyond that I'm really trying to just enjoy a race with actual people, but they are 100x worse than the Drivatars

@JR98 has a good suggestion and I'm going to try that. I enjoy endurance racing and really won't care if I come last/get lapped.
I do try to race as clean as possible.

I'll give you an add today I haven't jumped into multiplayer yet(but plan to soon), but I don't mind some friendly Rival races from time to time. If you happen to get to it first, add LimaRobotL

 

[RikkiGT-R]

@ImaRobot added you there now.

 

[Bastet]

No-Contact HotHatch is fun for obvious reasons. FM7 really needs some more No-Contact hoppers though.

 

[CSLACR]

I rear ended someone 3 times in a race. I felt bad about it, but it was like passing bad AI. There he was, going 40mph slower than I, bumbling across the track, probably never even seeing what hit him.
I couldn't tell if he was blind or oblivious, or just had no control of where he was going, no idea.

 

[SITH LORD 99]

Add me if you like: SITH LORD 99
I don't always use a mic but I'm looking for "clean" racers, and it'd be nice to have a few people of my friends list that regularly play Forza 7

I'm a UK gamer

 

[bf3]

Add me if you like: SITH LORD 99
I don't always use a mic but I'm looking for "clean" racers, and it'd be nice to have a few people of my friends list that regularly play Forza 7

I'm a UK gamer

Better post it in that Gamertag share thread mate
Im there as well,today or tomorrow going to add people from there,as only now getting some time for proper play.
I refuse to do any racing game MP with randoms-just silly,as i kinda start to do what rammers do

 

[Haulin_Hebrew]

I realise there is an "online racing and leagues" sub-forum but it doesn't look like a general discussion area (there isn't a single question or general thread posted), so apologies if this is the wrong place.

Anyway, what is the point in online multiplayer? I tried last night for the first time (in FM7) and was reminded time and again why I have never bothered with it in any game. I managed to finish about 5 races out of more than double that number I started - and I am apparently the only person online who is interested in racing. Every other player seems to think they are in a Destruction Derby.
Most races I started mid-pack, and as soon as the light goes green someone slams into me, and someone else, and someone else... and so on. Usually I end up in last place and spend the rest of the race chasing down the rest of the pack, grabbing a few positions and being rammed back off the track as soon as I dare to get near anyone (God forbid I overtake someone in a race, you know ).

My best finish was 11th out of 19 on Indianapolis GP - I only finished that high by taking advantage of the destruction in front of me, and I was the only driver to finish the race with a clean lap, which says it all. In the repeat race (they must have enjoyed that track), I was positioned on the front row, but within a few seconds of the start I was in last place to the screams of "yahoo you ******" and "**** you!" (not necessarily aimed at me) ...why is everyone so angry?

Tried to create my own race but I'm told I need to invite friends first and I never have enough friends online at one time the justify a full race.
Surely this isn't all multiplayer has to offer? Just a vast amount of assholes hell bent on cheating, crashing, screaming, swearing, quitting... it's really awful.

It seems FM7 was launched incomplete, So many things "Soon To Come" Penalty Adjudication, Leagues, Forzathon. The main problem is No Penalty Adjudication. Ramming and Track Cutting is encouraged because there is no penalty consequence. A Sport without penalties is no longer A Sport, it is chaos. The only reason I purchased FM7 is because Dan Greenwald personally promised Penalty Adjudication in FM7, So now we must wait until no given date When my XBOX Gold expired back in April 2016 I didn't even renew it for FM6. I only got A 90 day subscription for FM7 for $14.00 and I'm glad I caught the sale. I enjoy FM6 & 7 Offline, even though FM7 AI tends to sideswipe, but it is manageable and fun, especially with the New division homologation to performance balance the grid, but Multiplayer is A waste of time and money. I will not renew my XBOX Gold account without A Penalty Adjudication System. The Forza Motorsport Multi-Player Community is horrible more than any other.

 

[RikkiGT-R]

@Haulin_Hebrew - This bugs me too. Several features "coming soon" means only one thing; the game was released in an unfinished state. Guess they had to do that to make the deadline but it shouldn't happen. All those features might finally unlock when I'm bored with the game and move on to something else.

 

[PJTierney]

@Haulin_Hebrew - This bugs me too. Several features "coming soon" means only one thing; the game was released in an unfinished state. Guess they had to do that to make the deadline but it shouldn't happen. All those features might finally unlock when I'm bored with the game and move on to something else.

I also suspect that they settled on a September date in order to place the game into a good release window. If the game released in November it would have to compete with Assassins Creed Origins, Super Mario Odyssey, Call of Duty WWII, Need for Speed and a whole bunch of other things.

Its only real competition on launch day was Cuphead, maybe Project CARS 2 at a push but that game doesn't have the mass-market appeal that Forza does. It also couldn't release after Gran Turismo Sport as both titles are capable of selling consoles and if somebody just bought a PlayStation 4 they are less likely to buy a Xbox One console (and vice-versa).

Release dates are usually set by publishers, and developers have to work to hit those deadlines. I wouldn't be surprised if they genuinely thought they could have everything included on launch day, but ultimately had to push some features back in order to ensure that the core features were all present, or to get more QA in (and considering how many bugs the release builds still shipped with, it's likely that bug squashing would have eaten up a lot of pre-release development time).

I think what we got so far was good and enjoyable, but clearly the game can also feel unfinished and "broken" in certain areas (particularly Multiplayer). Let's see what Tuesday's update brings.

 

[RikkiGT-R]

@PJTierney - fully agree with your post. I don't *really* mind of course, and given that I want as many people playing the game as possible (to fill up leaderboards for example), I won't necessarily gripe about some features not being included as of yet. Still irritates me, but I'll allow it

 

[Omologato]

Feel free to add me too, I am on there as RM Tricky Nixon. I mostly stick to the A class hopper, but I am longing for some C class races.