rFactor 2’s test Release Candidate previews updated AI and integrated store

rFactor 2’s continued evolution marches on, with another update to its preview Release Candidate system.

Out now for the braver drivers out there, the Release Candidate is a preview used to gather feedback for the main public update launch, usually to time with a new quarterly content drop.

This time around, among the slew of important changes, three main features stand out.

Tweaked AI performance

The first is being revised AI behaviour. Sometimes, the computer-controlled rivals in rFactor 2 can be seen as erratic, so any refinement here is welcome. In theory, their steering inputs should be smoother and the brake and throttle inputs less staccato.

Native store

With four significant downloadable content ‘drops’ now ticking along for the simulation, one area of constant confusion is the title’s Steam Store page, with elements seemingly siloed.

There’s now a new in-platform store. Native to the platform, it shows the individual items and packs available, alongside flagging what you already own and the use of a basket to stack purchases

Flashing lights

For those running endurance or multi-class races, such as the Le Mans Virtual Series, you will now be able to set one button to pulse headlights – helpful when lapping traffic.

Alongside these changes, there has been further work on the new track limits system that was introduced back in July of this year, the exposure levels have been changed during virtual reality use and there’s a series of user interface changes.

The full changelog is down below. Anyone can opt-in to the Release Candidate, or alternatively await the final public version expected in November alongside optional new content.

rFactor 2 October Release Candidate changelog

Client: 9737077

Dedi: 9737090

General

• Enabled Alt+F4 and X closing the game
• Fixed various cross compiler issues
• Fixed a rare crash when changing cameras
• Refactored hdv file reading
• Added Key Assignment to toggle Freelook Mouse Control
• Fixed upgrades being broken on develop
• Package installs should now be faster
• Updated DRS regulations to be restricted in all zones by default and not allowed if there are no DRS zones.
• Added RFM parameter “RearFlapNoZonesAllowed” to allow DRS when no zones are available.
• Fixed online temp car not lighting correctly at night.
• Improved visibility of pitbox marker at night.

Track Limits

• Added Relaxed Track Limits Mode
• Added Penalties Only display mode
• Added Test Day support for GDB Settings (via Practice settings)
• Increased penalties for passing illegally and increased time to return place.
• Made it possible to change modes in Dev Mode
• General improvements to pit lane, removing unnecessary reports inside the pitlane, and fixing pit exit line cut detection if content is setup correctly.
• Reworked Track Limits dialogue to use HUD Font and add indicator strip
• Updated track limits display, showing all warnings and penalties via messages.
• General tidy up and bug fixing on message displaying.
• Fixed AI editor adding connections from pit lane to main path where the game should not (in some cases due to waypoint locations)
• Fixed an issue where going off track again before penalization would not continue the investigation.
• Added ability to configure Track Limits display in HUDs, but fix to set display if not configured.
• Added “HUD” option to Display position options for Track Limits Info, when set at this it will be placed where the HUD configures. You can manually adjust the position otherwise.
• Added sample parameters to default HUD
• Removed loose fonts from ModDev and fixed font loading from mas files
• Added HUD editor support for Track Limits element

Headlights

• Added Headlight Pulse. Defaults to J key. On activation headlights will pulse 4 times for a second. Previous headlight state is retained and this will not cause issues with headlight requirements.
• Set Auto Headlights to turn on at night even if not required.
• Fixed an issue with Headlight assignment not being kept after a driver swap.
• Fixed Max Headlights PLR value not being respected
• Updated Headlights to be culled based on the position of selected vehicle. Note in Freelook mode to make sure you have selected the vehicle you are focusing on if you are having issues with the headlights not being rendered.

HUD / Graphics

• Improved in Game Exposure in VR
• Fixed omni lights being falsely applied to objects with Omni not enabled
• Added ability to set an emissive map on the Terrain shader. Intended for baking distant lighting into terrain.

UI

• Settings across the UI can now be adjusted more quickly:
• Right mouse button: 10x multiplier
• Middle mouse button: 50x multiplier
• Holding down left mouse button:
• 5x multiplier after 2 seconds
• 10x multiplier after 4 seconds
• Greyed out setup settings (including the name and value) that cannot be adjusted
• Fixed camber setup setting description
• Ambient and track temperatures in the event screen are now shown in Celsius of Fahrenheit based on the selected units
• MultiView monitor side angle setting has been limited to 90 degrees in graphics settings
• Updated refreshing of setup list
• Fixed subscribing to “All” content collection in the First Launch Wizard
• Fixed setup settings becoming greyed out when one of the step values is “N/A”
• Fixed multiplayer admin session controls
• Fixed setting next race length (note: new race length will be displayed after switching to another session, e.g. practice → qualifying)
• Fixed restart race button being disabled during a race session
• Fixed showing percentage for the singleplayer “Race time” setting when “Race criteria” was set to “% Track Time” or “% Track Default”
• Fixed “Torque split” setup setting description typo (read wheels → rear wheels)
• Merged store into RC
• In multiplayer session controls, fixed selecting spectators when there are more than one
• Fixed selecting driver/spectator in multiplayer session controls when there’s a driver and spectator with the same name on the server

AI

• Fixed erratic throttle and brake inputs
• Fixed waypoint lookahead to fix jerky steering motion
• Fixed an issue with driveline noise that could cause AI to brake partially off track and spin, or cut too much

Physics

• Refactored engine code

Modding

• Added the ability to animate any maps UVW via Scroll and Step options on IBL Standard and IBL Standard Blend shaders.
• Fixed buggy background on telemetry debug screens in ModDev.
• Added OnScreen ModDev Tweakbar for debugging Car Cockpit readouts and debugging of LED values. 

Known issues

• Skip updates button on package installation is unresponsive
• ISI Formula 2 does not load correctly

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Source: Studio 397