Assetto Corsa

Gameplay

Assetto Corsa is a racing simulation which offers the player a realistic driving experience through accurate physics and tyre simulation with a variety of road and race cars across the automotive history on accurately modelled locations including race tracks (which are with exception of the Zandvoort circuit recreated through laser-scanning technology) as well as a hill climb, a drift park and drag strips of different lengths. The game content can be extended through modded third-party content. It supports a wide variety of peripherals like mouse, keyboard, wheels, gamepad, triple-displays, TrackIR head tracking and VR head-mounted displays as well as Nvidia 3D Vision and professional motion systems.

The simulation allows to adjust its realism settings fitting the taste and experience of the player, ranging from more beginner-focused artificial assists like artificial stability control, coloured ideal lines, automatic gear shifts, clutch and throttle blip, to recommended realistic settings with "factory" assists allowing only those accurately recreated electronic driving assists that the actual car employs.

The player can choose from an array of modes to drive in. The main menu allows to view each car and available liveries in a showroom mode with free camera control and control over lights, wings, doors, windscreen wipers and steering within different showrooms. Offline singleplayer modes include practice sessions, a time attack mode to race check points against the clock, a drift mode to score as many consecutive drifts as possible amounting to ever higher drift score combos to increase a given countdown timer, drag races, circuit quick races as well as race weekends with practice and qualification sessions against player-defined fields of AI, which can be adjusted for difficulty. These modes are furthermore incorporated into pre-defined special events which allow the player to earn achievements, as well as a career mode in style of a simplified racing career which require the player to master trackday-style events by acquiring a certain amount of medals through achieving predefined goals like lap times and podium places. This allows then to proceed to new racing series ranging from small cup to F1 races in style of championships that the player can win through consistently ranking in high places to score points across all races of one specific series. Custom special events as well as career series can be created through the game files. The multiplayer allows for online race weekends defined by server settings as well as LAN sessions with stock and modded game content.

Settings like time of day (ranging from morning to evening hours), weather (ranging from clear to clouded and foggy), ambient temperatures, time multiplier for the dynamic time progression, track surface grip level, session lengths, fuel consumption, damage, tyre wear, slipstream, tyre blankets as well as penalties and false start settings can be defined by the player through the main menu. Specific weathers can also be added through mods. For multiplayer server admins can furthermore set car-specific ballasts and more finely adjust penalties, track and weather conditions as well as server specific things like server booking, entry lists, kick vote conditions, blacklists, legal tyres, allowed setups, etc. through the provided server manager tool.

Once joining an offline/online session the player can adjust specific components of their chosen car through the setup interface. Depending on the car this includes gear ratios, tyre compounds, tyre pressures, amount of fuel, suspension settings like anti-roll bars, wheel rates, ride height, packer rates, travel range, damper settings like bump stops and rebounds, heave dampers, alignment settings like camber and toe, drivetrain settings for differential lock and preload, aero settings for specific wings, brake bias, engine limiter, etc. The pit window furthermore gives information about conditions of the tyres like grain/blister.

Upon entering the session the player finds themselves in the cockpit and can adjust electronic driving assists like traction control and ABS, turbo boost, KERS, ERS, engine brake and brake bias through specific hot-keys if available in the chosen car. Seating position, field of view, sound volumes and the HUD can be adjusted through an app system that allows to manually place specific widgets across the screen at any given time. These apps include lap time display, lap time delta, in-game clock, gear/rpm/ERS/KERS display, tyre temperature/wear app, rankings, a virtual mirror, force feedback settings, photo mode, track map and many more. The selection can be expanded through custom apps written in the Python language and the player can also activate specific developer apps in the game settings that provide extensive real-time telemetry and data about physics and AI. The open API furthermore allows access to the session and simulation data through external LCDs or mobile apps. Within the race session the simulation displays full standings, real time grid position/distance data and simulates a flag system. Definition of sectors for modded tracks and display of sector times is not yet possible. During each pit stop a simplified telemetry can be accessed through the in-game menu, the simulation furthermore exports telemetry data in a compatible format for professional data analysis software.

The player has access to a wide range of on-board and track camera modes, exposure and saturation settings at all times. Replays can be viewed and saved during or after any session and are accessible through the main menu. Besides a native screenshot shortcut for quick access a photo mode allows taking screenshots with adjustable camera at any given point.

Development

Kunos Simulazioni built Assetto Corsa on the experience acquired with the development of netKar Pro and Ferrari Virtual Academy. The studio acquired practical knowledge working closely to real motorsport as their R&D office is located on Vallelunga Circuit, Italy. The game includes renditions of international circuits (surveyed using both traditional and laser scanning technology) as well as many cars from global car brands, ranging from everyday road cars to racing prototypes and historic vehicles.

Assetto Corsa started development in 2010 with a driving school project for Automobile Club d'Italia. In 2011, Kunos moved to developing the game in Unity engine, however, due to constraints of external integrability i.e. not being modding friendly, and due to long loading times, they decided to leave it be and at the end of 2011 built a new engine completely in-house from the ground up instead.

The game is coded in multiple programming languages. C++ is used for the simulation part and Go for the multiplayer server. The user interface and launcher core is coded in C#, but the interface frontend in HTML to allow users to create interface modifications. Python can be used for developing plugins for retrieving simulation data in real time. APIs used are DirectX 11 for graphics, FMOD for sound and ODE for collision detection and rigid body physics.

PC Demo

The Assetto Corsa Technology Preview was a playable benchmark that was released on 22 February 2013. It offered one car, Lotus Elise SC, and one track, Autodromo dell'Umbria in Magione, Italy, as well as two playing modes, free practice and time attack. The preview's main purpose was to allow users to get their first taste of the engine, test it, and report feedback. The preview required the player to own a netKar Pro license.

PC Early Access

The game was released through Steam's Early Access programme on 8 November 2013. This service allows developers to release a functional but yet-incomplete product, such as beta versions, to allow users to buy the title and help provide funding, testing and feedback towards the final production. Through the Early Access programme the game received updates roughly every two weeks, adding new and improving existing content and features.

PC Release

The Release Candidate, a feature complete version of the game, was released on 15 October 2014. The final version, following general bugfixing and performance optimizations, was released on 19 December 2014. The game continues to receive free updates, new features and paid DLC with additional content such as new cars and tracks.

Console Release

In May 2015, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One version of the game was announced. It is published by 505 Games and set to be released on 26 and 30 August 2016 in Europe and North America respectively. Marco Massarutto, co-founder and executive manager of Kunos Simulazioni, states that the physics model of the console version is identical to the PC version and the rendering and physics engines had to be rebuilt to better utilise multi-threading - the performance targets for the PlayStation 4 are 1080p, 60FPS, with the Xbox One "matching the PS4 as closely as possible". The console version of the game is set to receive an entirely new UI optimised for use with a gamepad.

Virtual Reality Support

Preliminary VR support for the Oculus Rift Development Kit 1 was first added in 2013 and support was updated throughout the game's Early Access period.

Work on Oculus support ceased after support for Development Kit 2, with Kunos Simulazioni citing increased difficulty in keeping the latest Oculus SDK's supported while production priorities are focused on updates for the PC version and preparation for the console release, promising "to support VR – and not necessarily only the Oculus Rift – when we will be able to take the time and resources required." In an official community poll on the official support forums (registration required), open from 2 to 9 April 2016, "VR support" reached first place with 25% of a total of 4801 votes.

With the 1.6 update released on 18 May 2016 the development studio implemented pre-Alpha support for the Oculus Rift SDK 1.3, enabling support for the consumer version of the Oculus VR HMD. Thanks to a workaround using the software ReVive this version of the simulator also works with the HTC Vive. Official support for the HTC Vive is confirmed to release at a later date.

Future Development

Kunos Simulazioni teased through various blog and social media updates upcoming free and paid content updates such as the historic version of Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and a variety of cars such as the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2 Daytona Coupé, Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, Audi R8 LMS 2016, Audi R18 E-Tron quattro, Audi TT Cup, Ford GT GT3, Lamborghini Asterion, Lamborghini Aventador, Lamborghini Veneno, Mazda 787B, Mazda MX-5 NA, McLaren 570S, McLaren P1 GTR, Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus P4/5 Competizione 2012 KERS, Toyota Celica, Toyota GT86 GT4, and the Toyota TS040 Hybrid.

During a live stream on 31 July 2016 Marco Massarutto confirmed that 24 cars of the Porsche brand would be released beginning September 2016, with 21 cars across three instead of the two previously mentioned DLC as well as three cars offered as free content updates. The release of another DLC as well as another laserscanned circuit are scheduled for 2016, and the licence acquisition and planned release of the 2016 BMW M6 GT3 for early 2017 and work on the Maserati MC12 GT1 and Lotus 3-Eleven was revealed. Stefano Casillo revealed the planned implementation of updated shadow and reflections rendering, possibly improved performance, improved flag functionality, custom championships and further incremental updates of the car roster to the latest tyre simulation model.

Modding

The game was designed to support extensive modification and creation of additional cars and tracks by users themselves. A special WYSIWYG editor, bundled with the game, enables importing of 3D models (in FBX file format) and allows artists to assign properties and material shaders to objects, with an emphasis on ease of use. The editor exports a single game model file and does not allow opening of, or addition of objects to, an already exported file. The game also supports addition of third party widgets and plugins written in Python, C++ and C#, for uses such as telemetry or interface enhancements.

Thanks to these features and to the success of the game, a vast and ever-growing library of mods is available. Kunos Simulazioni has decided to recognize the quality work and dedication of the modders by including some of the mods as official content of the game, such as the Shelby Cobra, Lamborghini Miura, Audi Sport Quattro, Toyota Supra RZ MKIV and Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R V-Spec.

Free Content Updates

Since release out of the Steam Early Access program the game content of the PC version has been expanded with several free updates. On 24 December 2014, shortly after the game's release, patch 1.0.1 brought the RUF brand to the game in form of the 1987 CTR Yellowbird.

Patch 1.2 on 31 July 2015 saw the introduction of Circuit Park Zandvoort, and added the Alfa Romeo MiTo QV, Audi Sport Quattro, Lamborghini Miura P400 SV, Nissan R35 GT-R NISMO and Toyota GT86 to the game.

On 25 November 2015 the 2012 Audi R8 V10 Plus was added through patch 1.3.5.

With patch 1.5 on 31 March 2016 a major free update was released for the game, bringing a new fictional USA-themed location named Black Cat County, available in 3 layouts, two additional Nürburgring layouts, an additional Nürburgring Nordschleife endurance layout, the Vallelunga classic layout, new drag strip distances, a graphical rework of most existing circuits in the game, as well as the introduction of the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray, 2015 Ford Mustang GT, and Abarth 595 EsseEsse including variants.

On 14 July 2016 the 2017 Maserati Levante S was added as free content through patch 1.7, making it the first crossover SUV in the simulator.

Patch 1.8, released on 26 August 2016, adds the 1966 Junior Course and 'Sopraelevata' Full Course layouts of Autodromo nazionale di Monza as well as the Audi S1 (A1) as free content to the simulation.

Patch 1.9, released on 25 October 2016, adds the new Porsche Panamera G2 Turbo and the 1967 version of the Silverstone Circuit to the simulation. The Panamera is the first of three free-downloadable road cars that Kunos prepared for Porsche AG simulators.

With patch 1.10, released on 22 November 2016, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S was added as free bonus content, making it the second crossover SUV in the simulation.

With patch 1.11, released on 20 December 2016, the Porsche Macan Turbo was added as free bonus content, making it the third crossover SUV in the simulation. It is also the last car of the free bonus content made in collaboration with Porsche.

On 14 February 2017, the developers released, through patch 1.12, the Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 and a new fictional track based in the Scottish Highlands. The circuit is available in four different configurations.

Downloadable content

The Dream Pack 1 downloadable content (DLC) was released on 11 March 2015, adding a number of new car licences to the game: Alfa Romeo 4C, Alfa Romeo GTA, Alfa Romeo 155 V6 Ti, BMW M235i Racing, Chevrolet Corvette C7.R, McLaren P1, McLaren F1 GTR, Mercedes 190E Evo II, Sauber-Mercedes C9 and Nissan GT-R NISMO. It also introduces the laserscanned Nürburgring Nordschleife in three different layouts that took over two years to make.

The Dream Pack 2 DLC was released on 8 October 2015. It adds a number of new cars (including variants) to the game, namely the Audi R8 LMS ultra, BMW M4 Coupé, Ford GT40 Mk I, Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 003C, Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 and Ruf Rt 12 R, and introduces the laserscanned Catalunya circuit.

The Dream Pack 3 DLC was released on 15 December 2015. It includes new cars (including variants) like the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse, Ford Escort RS 1600, Lamborghini Huracàn Super Trofeo, McLaren 650S GT3, Mercedes-AMG GT3, Lotus 25, Lotus 72 and Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera, and introduces the laserscanned Brands Hatch circuit in two layouts to the game.

On 18 May 2016, the Japanese Pack DLC was released, containing the 2016 Mazda MX-5 ND road and Cup car, Mazda RX-7 FD Spirit R, 2016 Nissan 370Z NISMO, Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R V-Spec, Toyota Supra A80 and Toyota AE86, including variants for some cars.

The Red Pack DLC was released on 14 July 2016, introducing the Maserati brand and the laserscanned Red Bull Ring in GP and National layouts to the simulation, containing seven cars like the 2013 season Ferrari F138, the 2015 season Ferrari SF15-T, the Ferrari 488 GT3, Lamborghini LP 750-4 Aventador SV, the classic GP monoposto Maserati 250F in both six- and twelve-cylinder versions and the Maserati GranTurismo MC GT4. The introduction of modern Formula 1 extends the simulated hybrid systems in the simulation with the complex Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) utilised in modern F1.

Released on 26 August 2016, the Tripl3 Pack DLC for the PC version introduces Praga as manufacturer to the simulation and brings the PC version in line with the console release. It contains the Ferrari FXX-K, Praga R1 and Ferrari 488 GTB.

On 25 October 2016 Kunos released the Porsche Pack Volume 1. It introduces the Porsche brand to the game together with seven new cars: the 2015 Porsche 911 Carrera S, Porsche 918 Spyder, the 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3.0, Porsche 718 Cayman S, Porsche 917/30 Spyder, Porsche 935/78 "Moby Dick" and Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport.

With the Porsche Pack Volume 2, released on 22 November 2016, Kunos added new cars to the simulation: the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the 1960 Porsche 718 RS 60, Porsche Cayman GT4, Porsche 718 Boxster S, the 2015 Porsche 919 Hybrid, Porsche 911 GT1 and the Porsche 962, including variants for some cars.

With the Porsche Pack Volume 3, released on 20 December 2016, the developers released seven new cars: the 2017 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Porsche 911 GT3 R, the 2016 Porsche 919 Hybrid, Porsche 908 LH, Porsche 917K, Porsche 911 R and the Porsche 911 Turbo S.

Hardware

On 10 April 2015 Kunos Simulazioni announced a partnership with RSeat Ltd. and France Simulateur SARL and the release of an Assetto Corsa-branded full simulation rig named RSeat RS1 Assetto Corsa Special Edition, supporting a wide range of peripherals and capable of being upgraded with full motion systems. The Steam version of Assetto Corsa is included in this package.

Reception

Assetto Corsa (PC) received mostly positive reviews. It received "generally positive" reviews from critics. The PC version received an aggregated score of 85/100 rating on Metacritic, with the PS4 version receiving 73/100.

Eurogamer.net writes "Kunos' solution is simple, elegant and - if there's any common sense knocking around other developers - surely a standard for all driving games that follow in its wake." and concludes "Assetto Corsa's laser focus on the driving experience works wonders - and when it comes to replicating that simple, brilliant pleasure, there's no other game right now that does it better." in its January 2015 PC review and awarded the simulation a score of 9/10 and a silver 'Recommended' label. Eurogamer.net's Italian sister-website Eurogamer.it reviewed the simulation earlier on 16 October 2014 and awarded it the same score of 9/10.

Motorsport.com's Justin Sutton writes "Assetto Corsa is a beautiful game, the result of laser-scanning accuracy and precision, with good sound, AI that needs improving, and a multiplayer community that could really benefit from more clean racers. The mods available for the sim, however, take it to the next level.", concluding: "If you’re looking for a good sim to enter the sim-racing community with, Assetto Corsa is a fantastic choice that will provide an incredible amount of cars and tracks for a one-time payment".

On 15 May 2015 Rock, Paper, Shotgun's Tim Stone put Assetto Corsa on place five of its "The 25 Best Simulation Games Ever Made" list. The game has been regularly featured in the website's simulation and wargame-focused The Flare Path section.

In its 2015 review of the PC version British automobile magazine Evo highlights Assetto Corsa's physics, writing "Some aspects that other games barely touch on, such as tyre deformation and accurate friction models, are impressively accurate", and concludes: "What Assetto Corsa neatly demonstrates is the variety available in the racing simulation game market, and also developers’ different interpretations of the term ‘simulation’. (...) While lacking in vehicle and circuits right now, Assetto Corsa is one of the best simulations we’ve tried". However, in September 2016, The PlayStation Official Magazine said "as an actual racing game, it's rather sedate, feature-light and often unfairly difficult."

Declaring 2015 "year of the racing game", British automobile magazine TopGear's Mike Channell writes "Released at the tail end of 2014, Assetto Corsa is a spectacularly tactile PC sim that offers up a garage full of cars that will tug at your very loins". In a preview of the upcoming console version in January 2016 TopGear writes "Assetto Corsa might not have the same storied history as Forza or Gran Turismo, but it’s established its brilliance on PC already and as with just about everything built by Italians it’s forged with all-consuming passion."

Previewing the game for the upcoming console release RedBull.com's Curtis Moldrich states "Although we didn't get a chance to play the game with a controller, with a steering wheel at least, Assetto Corsa is a revolution. By embracing reality and modelling it perfectly, Assetto Corsa actually makes for a more entertaining game. Throw in super-realistic sound, solid AI and smooth graphics, and Assetto Corsa could well be the benchmark that Gran Turismo Sport, Project CARS 2 and Forza 7 will have to beat." In contrast, GamesMaster said that it is "lacking in most areas compared to its rivals."

As of May 2016 the simulation is ranked among the most played racing sims on the Steam platform. There are more than 900 active multiplayer servers for Assetto Corsa and the simulation is used by several leagues around the world. On racedepartment.com more than 4500 modifications have been published for the title until August 2016.

Kunos Simulazioni has stated since game release that due to engine limitations and due to the small size of the software developer, the game would not support features such as wet weather conditions, rain, night racing, or multi-class racing compatible AI. According to simulation engineer James Dover the game does deliver in terms of graphics, but he reckons its physics engine "lacks seriousness". As of May 2016, various updates to the game solved or improve upon many of the listed issues like AI, netcode, physics and single player AI pitstops, and the game continues being updated in all areas with regular cadence.

The game reached number 8 in the UK sales chart.