How stages are created for Assetto Corsa Rally and why they are laser-scanned

However, if there was one complaint about the routes, it’s that because they are so detailed, could it take too long to add more into the title? Is the laser-scanning process simply too detailed and labour-intensive?

No, argues the titles lead, Irvin Zonca:

“I’d like to point out that, while laser scanning is certainly expensive in itself, this technique actually gives us major advantages both in terms of quality and production time,” he enthusiastically explains to Traxion.

“I’ve read comments from people who believe that creating stages manually in an empty environment would allow us to produce more of them.

“Having experienced both approaches during my 21 years as a developer, I can confirm that this is not the case.”

For the initiated, Zonca has previously worked on Sébastien Loeb Rally Evo and Gravel, plus at least 40 other racing games, including official World Rally Championship and MotoGP titles.

“Having a laser-scan foundation, provided by an external company, gives us an accurate real-world template that we can immediately start working on.

“Without it, we would first have to manually create the route, verify it, and iterate on it multiple times. On top of that, we would still not be able to achieve the level of visual fidelity and road-surface accuracy that our physics model deserves in order to fully express its capabilities.”

The laser-scanning process for Assetto Corsa Rally involves a slow-paced drive through a stage, with equipment attached to the vehicle, plus walking on foot with the necessary devices where necessary. Along the way, photogrammetry is also performed for, according to Zonca, “the most iconic locations”.

How long does it take to create a stage for Assetto Corsa Rally?

So, if the laser-scanning process provides greater accuracy and, according to Zonca, aids with the creation process, how long does it take to make each stage?

“A single stage requires between four and six months of calendar time to complete, depending on its complexity, and naturally involves the work of multiple people,” says Zonca.

That’s not just the time it takes to turn scan data into a playable route, but rather the time for the entire process, from initial reconnaissance to adding in stage-side spectators, explains the game’s director:

“First of all, there is the scouting and road selection phase, which is handled internally.”

“We then commission an external partner to physically scan the roads. At that point, using our internal tools, we transform the point cloud data into a 3D mesh and begin developing the graphics and shaders.

“Finally, we add spectators and gameplay elements, and prepare the replay cameras.”

Snow rally and possible additional stages in the future

Currently, the embryonic rally simulation has asphalt, gravel and then the mixed conditions of Monte Carlo included.

A continually snow-covered location, however, is currently relegated to the diminutive, but at least real-world, test area. That won’t always be the case according to Zonca:

“We wanted to create a mix of surfaces, seasons, and road layouts, taking into account their full three-dimensional nature.

“We have Alsace, which is a purely asphalt experience; Monte Carlo, which, besides being one of the most iconic rallies in the world, allows players to tackle snowy conditions; and Wales and Greece, which let you slide across different types of gravel surfaces in a wide range of conditions.

“While Snow and ice are represented through the Livigno Ice Driving School, what is still missing is a full rally stage set in a permanently snow-covered environment, which will definitely be added in the future.”

And aside from adding new locations, the team is also open to adding more stages to existing rallies.

“It’s something we would like to do, and we are currently evaluating the possibility,” concludes Zonca.