Project Cars 2 developer talks about the game’s tyre physics and its ability to mirror real-world feel

If you were to ask me to recommend a racing game, I would unhesitatingly recommend Project Cars. It is, hands down, one of the best racing games out there and scales beautifully across skill levels.

Some of you might argue that Gran Turismo on the PlayStation or Forza on Xbox are better, but this is my opinion you’re asking for and I’m going to stick with Project Cars. The fact that it’s a cross-platform title is simply the icing on the cake.

Why do I like Project Cars? I like it because I feel it manages to meld the challenge of sim racing and the approachability of arcade racing rather well, and that’s quite an achievement. And you have to admit, it’s a gorgeous game, even today.

The game was very challenging, yet a lot of fun.

Now there’s a Project Cars 2 in the works and it promises to be even more realistic and even more fun.

Part of the focus of the new game is the tyre system. ArsTechnica spoke to Rod Chong, COO of Slightly Mad Studios, the game’s developer, who told Ars about the work they were doing on the tyres in the game.

Speaking of the original title, Chong explained that the tyre simulation wasn’t very good. He did add, however, that the experience of driving, whether in a sim or in real life, as very subjective.

The new tyres, however, will be more closely modelled after the real thing. Drawing on the experience of racing drivers and the feedback from a relatively small group of gamers, the developers are busy fine-tuning the tyre system.

More importantly, the new game will introduce new surfaces, including snow, dirt and clay, and it’s imperative that the feel of the game is not impacted by these features. Water effects and the related driving experience is also being worked on.

If Slightly Mad Studios is putting so much effort into just the tyres, I really have to wonder at how much more the rest of the game has to offer.