Exclusive Interview: Eutechnyx’s Development Director Dave Thompson Talks NASCAR: The Game 2013 and Much More
AMANDA DYAR: NASCAR: The Game 2013 (NTG:13) released on July 24, 2013. What differences will players immediately notice from the new release when compared NASCAR: The Game Inside Line (NTG:IL) ?
DAVE THOMPSON: Predominately NTG:13 is an optimized version of NTG:IL for the PC. The graphics have been enhanced and the AI models have been improved. We have used this opportunity to try a few new things that we were unable to do with the console version, and this will help us in development of future titles in the series. One of the biggest requests we had from players is the ability to share custom paint schemes with other players, this feature has now been included in the game along with a full supporting 2013 roster of drivers and teams.
AMANDA: NASCAR: The Game 2013 will be the first in the series to make its way onto the Steam distribution platform. Why was it so important for the team to get the game on Steam, and where there any problems during development for getting the game ready for its PC release?
DAVE: After the release of NTG:IL we have had a strong demand to bring the game to PC, there hadn’t been an officially licensed NASCAR game on the platform for a number of years previous to its release. The opportunities that Steam offer in terms of support and reach is massive for PC and working with them will help us grow the franchise further.
AMANDA: One of the words we hear a lot during the development of the NASCAR: The Game series is telemetry data. What exactly is telemetry data, and how does the team use this valuable information to recreate NASCAR's greatest moments in the game?
DAVE: Telemetry data is a collection of GPS data that is obtained via a small box in every NASCAR stock car in a race. The data allows us to pinpoint the exact positioning of a car on the track and recreate its movements. The data also covers elements like acceleration and throttle which again allows us to recreate car movements. This data is not available to NASCAR teams so we are very privileged to be allowed access to it and to be able to use it in our games to enhance the player experience.
AMANDA: Inside Line Highlights sounds like one of the most exciting modes in NASCAR: The Game 2013. What more can you tell us about this game mode, and how far back will these classic moments take players?
DAVE: Inside Line Highlight use the Telemetry data explained above, it allows us to recreate classic or exciting moments from recent NASCAR history. Since the technology is relatively new in being used for this reason, we only have access to limited amounts of the data. We have used it to create scenarios for the 2012 season and for the current 2013 season. The exciting things this feature does, which hasn’t been done before in a sports game, is allows us to recreate moments as they happen on the track. Once a race has finished the data is collated and set to us, we can then use this to create playable content and then release it players a few days later. This keeps the game current and provides players with an opportunity to be right in on the action.
AMANDA: Driving through an entire Sprint Cup Series season will likely be one of the first things players will want to do in NASCAR: The Game 2013. What types of enhancements has the career mode received in the game to make racing authentic as possible?
DAVE: We work closely with the NASCAR team and drivers; they actually play the game and give us feedback to make certain that we get the most authentic experience we can. Our team is also active in the NASCAR community and we value the feedback we get from them and use it to make sure we are giving the players what they want.
AMANDA: Most fans will want to head online and race together with friends shortly after picking up NASCAR: The Game 2013. What type of multiplayer game modes are available in the game, and what options are available to customize each race?
DAVE: We have lots of customizable options in online races. Being able to race with the rules you want; cautions and damage are two of the main customizable options which will allow a player to race how they want. Players can only race online in multiplayer, with up to 16 players competing in one race.
AMANDA: The team behind NASCAR: The Game 2013 has had recent success with another computer racing game called Auto Club Revolution. Are there any new updates coming to Auto Club Revolution in the near future, and can you tell us why fans of either racing title should definitely check out the other?
DAVE: Yes! We have some big, exciting news coming for Auto Club Revolution. This is a free to play online game and it is ever evolving, as such we are bring in some big changing as we continue to grow the game and add new functions and features.
To learn more, visit the official NASCAR: The Game 2013 and Auto Club Revolution websites.