Assetto Corsa EVO’s Early Access Launch Has Been Disappointing

Amidst all the excitement last week about Nintendo unveiling Switch 2 and the cancellations of live-service titles by Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, some other announcements may have gone unnoticed. For instance, the launch of early access for Assetto Corsa EVO, rather than the trailer for the live-action Until Dawn, the ARG for Hollow Knight: Silksong, or the reveal of Dynasty Warriors: Origins being great (or not so great).

There was quite a buzz surrounding Kunos Simulazioni’s latest racing simulator, Assetto Corsa: EVO. Both Assetto Corsa and Competizione were well-received, and the new version promised to elevate things further. Enhancements in graphics and suspension, realistic dynamic weather affecting the track, and a brand-new Driving Academy for players to earn licenses – these features seemed and sounded quite attractive, particularly for longtime enthusiasts.

Indeed, at present, it has only 20 cars and five tracks, some of which are well-known like Imola, Suzuka, Laguna Seca, among others. Yet, the outlook appeared optimistic with the announcement of a new open world map, a first for the series, due this Summer. It seemed like Assetto Corsa EVO was poised for a promising debut.

Then, early access went live. Suffice it to say that things haven’t gone as planned.

When the game launched, users encountered an unexpected problem: they found it impossible to operate any vehicles within the game. It might sound peculiar, but this wasn’t a software glitch; instead, it was due to the way the game manages offline and online content. Since servers were down, players couldn’t connect to the internet to take control of the 20 cars that had been eagerly anticipated for months. Given their significance in the gaming experience, these vehicles remained undriven.

Experiencing something akin to receiving a high-end car for just $40, but finding out there were no keys and no way to acquire them yourself, is reminiscent of playing the video game DriveClub. Upon its release, it lacked online functionality, leading to a disappointing single-player experience.

Following some unfavorable feedback on Steam, Kunos swiftly issued a fix the next day, enabling offline usage of all cars. This turn of events certainly brightens the mood as players now have the opportunity to test the new features, appreciate the improved graphics (even though performance enhancement is still needed), and fully engage in the experience. Upon reflection, it seems premature to criticize EVO so harshly after just one glitch. Keeping in mind that this is an early access title, the developer promptly tackled a significant problem.

Everything seemed great, but unfortunately, the online mode was yet to be introduced. Despite being able to operate all 20 vehicles on single-player tracks and training sessions, you were unable to explore Driving Academy, a new feature rich in content. Additionally, the Special Events section, designed to provide Hotstint and Test Drive experiences, remained empty as well. As of now, these features along with the game’s economy remain unavailable for use.

Since then, there have been two additional updates, with the latest one allowing for customization of cars even in offline gameplay. However, a drawback is that your personalized settings will be erased once you exit the game. This issue is expected to be resolved when the online mode is introduced, as Kunos Simulazioni has confirmed they are working on “introducing online functionality and its accompanying features.

It’s important to mention that prior to the game’s release, the developer didn’t make it clear that several features necessitated an internet connection for players. This is still not explicitly stated in the current roadmap displayed at startup. Additionally, support for VR and triple-screen configurations is planned to be rolled out in two stages, with the second stage scheduled for release within the next few months. Interestingly, two key features advertised on the game’s store page as premium features are not yet fully functional, but let’s move on.

When the online mode for Driving Academy becomes accessible, the issues regarding the game economy, Special Events, car customization not saving may no longer be a concern. Yet, this raises questions for the future: What happens if the servers malfunction and players are unable to access these features once more? What if problems similar to the current ones arise again, causing the online mode to be unavailable for extended periods of time?

If Kunos were to discontinue the servers at some point in the future, would all the features be accessible offline? This question is quite relevant given the experiences of games like The Crew, where the shutdown prevented players from accessing it altogether. Even Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown faced criticism for server problems upon release and has yet to announce any plans for end-of-life support, highlighting this concern.

As a devoted fan, I’ve often pondered about why the game creator chose to restrict certain essential features to online mode in games like Assetto Corsa. One theory is that it was a strategy to deter modifications, which could be a reason why this game has remained vibrant over time.

Perhaps it’s also to maintain closer oversight of what they can commercialize, considering the immense effort being poured into projects such as the new open-world region and the anticipated post-launch updates. After all, while some tracks might be generously given away for free, it makes sense that the developer would aim to maximize revenue from paid car packs.

Since Assetto Corsa was initially released in 2014, the automotive industry has undergone substantial changes. Consequently, it’s not unexpected that it might not want modifications right away. Additionally, one can speculate about how its partnerships with various car manufacturers influence this situation. In truth, we may never fully understand the intricacies behind these decisions.

Despite some drawbacks like bugs, optimization troubles, poor sound quality, and wheel feedback concerns, many users are still finding enjoyment in Assetto Corsa EVO. In fact, even with its limited features, it’s managed to earn a “Mostly Positive” rating from 71% of the 5,786 user reviews, highlighting appreciation for its handling and visual realism.

At first glance, you might think 20 cars isn’t a significant number, but they boast an impressive level of detail butted up against realistic physics simulations to make them as authentic as their real-world counterparts. Some critics are even hailing it as a potential classic in its genre, despite the unfortunate cloud of controversy and uncertainty about its future.

Reflecting on this situation, I can’t help but be reminded of DriveClub and its rocky start at launch. Despite that, it received ongoing support for months, transforming significantly in numerous aspects, eventually gaining recognition from racing game enthusiasts. It seems likely that Assetto Corsa EVO might encounter similar challenges, and possibly even more, once the online mode is reinstated. There’s a chance it could end up like DriveClub when Kunos Simulazioni moves on to something new. However, let’s hope for the best – that it recovers from this critical moment.

2025-01-21 14:11

Assetto Corsa EVO’s Early Access Launch Has Been Disappointing – Here’s Why

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