More rFactor2 beta info

[baristabrian]

From VirtualR:

The Open Beta release of rFactor 2 is quickly closing in and to shorten the remaining waiting time, ISI has released some new details on what’s included in the beta.

While the beta comes with limited content (as outlined here), there’s no shortage of features as ISI’s Scott Juliano has confirmed the following features to be available in the beta:

*Single Player
*Multi Player
*Developer mode
*Development Tools
*What Documentation we have for those tools to date (in the WIP state)
*Rain
*Wet/Dry track transition
*Dynamic track elements (Groove/Marbles)
*New Tire Model
*New physics
*New Collision
*HDR (with other Post FX to come)
*Access to beta updates and new/updated content as they become available

Some of the features are not fully complete, hence the beta status. ISI expects the beta phase to last around six months, that’s why beta users will be receiving an additional six months of online account service to make sure they don’t use up their 12 months before regular customers come in.

Interestingly, ISI is willing to offer a refund to beta users who are unhappy with what they’re receiving, lowering the risk for sim racers interested in giving the beta a shot.

In terms of the all-important “when?” question, ISI has once again stated that all depends on the successful testing of the release candidate. According to Scott Juliano, “early January” would be a realistic time frame so sim racers should stop holding their breath waiting for the beta to become available within the hour – It’s still a few days away.

[baristabrian]

I see 2 things of note here.

1. The actual release is at a mininum of 6 months away
2. "New physics" means all existing mods/tracks will need substantialy more than just "converted".

So IMHO it will be quite some time before we see an abundence of tracks and mods available that utilize the potential of rFactor2's new offerings. Still exciting though!

[corsa]

I was fully expecting 6 to 9 months of public beta period before the actual release, so seems I was pretty much on target.

I would suspect the first mods to start showing up a few weeks into the beta period, but with the platform itself changing during the six month beta period, they will mostly just be modders testing the new developer tools, etc.

[davidan]

We are planning to run some rFactor 2 races sponsored by the CMS fun Series as soon as we have the BETA in hand, and installed on our dedicated server!!! So stay tuned for more info !!!!

[baristabrian]

So I guess the REAL betting pool is now on what gets released 1st. SP2 or rF2 beta

[davidan]

I think we just got the answer

[Troy Dalton]

And we have a winner...SP2!

[Nick Newcombe]

Can you imagine races with weather factors in the mix driving the converted Enduracers mod or the WSGT Mods Maaaan that's something to look forward to!!!!

[Almsfan]

Can you imagine races with weather factors in the mix driving the converted Enduracers mod or the WSGT Mods Maaaan that's something to look forward to!!!!

Go YouTube the 2011 alms race at Mid-Ohio. It would look like that