Hot Lap Racing update adds crossplay and Steam Deck support

Hot Lap Racing, an arcade racing title developed by Zero Games Studio, has just been updated to feature crossplay between its Nintendo Switch and PC versions.

The v1.1.1 update also adds Steam Deck support, providing a superior way to play the fun, if flawed, racer, with more steering wheel support options for the Logitech G29 and Thrustmaster T300 RS.

Hot Lap Racing is a no-frills, low-budget title, but despite this, it features a string of licensed vehicles including the Peugeot 9X8 Le Mans Hypercar and classic 90s DTM monsters like the Alfa Romeo 155 V6 TI and Opel Calibra V6 4×4 (but let’s not forget it also has Alain Menu and Will Hoy’s 1996 BTCC Renault Laguna in there too – one for the Super Touring fanboys!).

There are licensed tracks as well, including Zolder, Salzburgring and Oschersleben, with unlicensed facsimiles of Paul Ricard, Daytona International Speedway and the Lusail International Circuit.

Additionally, Switch players can enjoy four-player local split-screen racing, albeit at a maximum of 30 fps, while PC users can enjoy a smoother experience with frame rates increased to 60 fps.

It feels like in a head-to-head battle, PC gamers are likely to have the upper hand…

Although not competing with hardcore sims like Le Mans Ultimate and Assetto Corsa Competizione, Hot Lap Racing is a refreshing palate cleanser. It’s also on sale, with 20% off the PC version (via Steam) and 30% off the Switch version for a limited time.

Is crossplay and Steam Deck support a good thing for Hot Lap Racing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Hot Lap Racing v1.1.1 changelog

Online

• CROSS-PLATFORM: Nintendo Switch, Steam and Epic Games Store players can now play together online.
• When you can’t find a quick game, you’re now invited to create a lobby instead.
• Added a button to select your online region directly in Public / Private game modes.

New Devices

• Full Steam Deck support! Verified button is ongoing, but should be there soon!
• Added Wheel support and wheel adjustment options!
• About wheel support, we have worked on a global basis to cover as many wheels as we could.
• We have tried wheel support on a couple of modern wheels such as TRS 300 Trustmaster or Logitech G29. Don’t hesitate to share your feedback and your wheel model in the Steam forum so we can help getting more wheels supported by the game!

Gameplay

• Slipstream: The slipstream phenomenon has been increased.
• Slipstream: A.I. should take better account of slipstream.
• Track exits should be better calculated, more precise and less penalizing.
• In local multiplayer, players can now play with the camera inside the car.
• “Manual” standing start now expects the player to shift into first gear (shifting into first gear will no longer be automatic).

Bugfix

• Various rebinding bugfixes.
• Main menu music should reactivate normally if player skips tutorial (on first game launch).
• Fix player 2+ options navigation in local multi if player 2+ was a keyboard.
• The LolaB02/00 should display its RPM/KMHs correctly in cockpit view.