Following a week of teasing from Italian developer Kunos Simulazioni, their new racing sim has been revealed, Assetto Corsa Competizione, which is planned to enter Steam Early Access this summer. Announced as “The Official Blancpain GT Series Game”, the sim brings many technology upgrades over Assetto Corsa (2014), thanks in part to the move to Unreal Engine 4.
While the development focus appears to be on bringing the FIA GT3 homologatedchampionship to life, the title clearly represents a new chapter in Kunos’ simulation technology as a whole. Perhaps they took a leaf from the Polyphony Digital playbook in avoiding a numbered sequel, instead selecting a name that acknowledges a stronger leaning towards eSports.
Assetto Corsa continues to be one of the most popular racing sims on the PC, but it is reaching the end of its life cycle, and the team has been looking to move the technology forward. The time is right for a graphics engine upgrade, and the teaser trailer above highlights the benefits of moving to Unreal Engine 4, enabling rain and night scenes for the first time. The new systems will allow full 24-hour lighting transitions and dynamic weather.
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Source: Road To VR