Electronic Arts' next Formula 1 game, F1 24, is set to bring new physics mechanics to the franchise as well as many other improvements.
The game is set to release on May 31, 2024, and will add enhancements to the Career Mode and overhaul some circuits. But the biggest focus this time around is handling, which leads to upgrades to the series' Dynamic Handling system.
F1 24 Physics Mechanics
(Photo : Codemasters, Electronics Arts / Screenshot taken from official website)
It will now go beyond the tire model of the cars and will also impact suspension kinematics, aero, and power unit behavior. The new physics starts out with the chassis as F1 24 will now more accurately represent dynamic changes in camber and toe angle, roll centers, and anti-dive and anti-squat effects.
The game's steering geometry as it relates to wheel loading was also taken care of. Senior game designer and vehicle handling lead Casey Ringley said that the combination of the adjustments made makes the cars in F1 24 more predictable and intuitive to drive, according to The Drive.
The tires in F1 24 also receive more realistic slip curves and contact patch loading, which would impact feel and tire wear over the course of a single session. A mix of better thermal representation and more detailed interaction with the environment is expected to translate to rubber degrading more authentically than in previous titles.
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On the other hand, changes to wet-weather physics will increase the grip floor with the goal of making the cars less snappy on slippery surfaces. During a media briefing, Ringley said that one of the big changes that they made this year is that wet tracks affect the tire slip curves.
He argued that last year, they simply scaled them up and down so players saw the same kind of performance drop-off post-peak slip in the wet as in the dry. Ringley noted that this made them very difficult to catch in the wet.
New Dynamic Handling
The new dynamic handling mechanics in F1 24 were developed in collaboration with Max Verstappen, who has been the reigning F1 champion for the past three years. The game also features refined aerodynamic simulation, said WCCFTech.
The chassis rake will have a more prominent effect on downforce and drag, which makes ride height adjustment a crucial component in finding the best setup. The developers used computational fluid dynamics and a virtual wind tunnel to deliver more realistic slipstream and DRS effects into the game.
Additionally, the improved aerodynamics also showcase more effectively the individual strengths and weaknesses of the various teams in F1 24 at different circuits. Players now have better control over the mode and performance of their engine, similar to real life.
The new physics and handling upgrades will be applied to both the Formula 1 and Formula 2 cars that serve the game's Career Mode. It also means that cars that players develop in their careers will feel a lot more different when driven.
They will have to make careful decisions on what to upgrade and when and making these choices will soon be a little bit more consequential, according to ReadWrite.
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