See the Next Top Model here!
So you think you know all there is to know about building model cars for video games. You've seen models recycled in sequels, you are familiar with the various LODs used in competing games, and maybe have even borrowed a few models to mod into another game. All this knowledge then enables you to complain when cars end up being resold or when they don't appear as early or as accurate as we'd all like. Wouldn't you just love to have a chat with these developers and watch over their shoulder as they get these models game-ready?
Well, that's not as impossible as it sounds.
Over at the WMD forums all members with tool packs can view the Vehicles forum and browse through each sub-forum for every licensed car manufacturer. Inside you'll find a locked thread where staff post updates and screenshots for each milestone they hit as they work on building a car model. Then there is a discussion thread where you can ask the developers questions, share feedback, and point out any issues. There are also threads where members gather reference material in one place to help out further. Developers essentially report progress in the WMD forums as if we were their supervisors.
So these locked threads where developers report progress; what's in them?
I'm glad you asked. Below is a small selection of images from one such thread. You can see one of the developers building the 1980 Group 5 Ford Capri, including mechanical components often omitted in other racing games. The thread is locked simply to keep the staff posts grouped together instead of spread between all the other member posts; there is a separate discussion thread for each car model.
And let's not forget about similar threads for other parts of the game. Witness the massive attention to detail to bring the Nordschleife to life, be astounded at updates to the weather system as they are previewed, tested and released, discuss future multiplayer features (and race online with) Senior Producer Andy Garton, watch early pit screw animations, contribute to the grid girls references thread, and have fun in general trying to shape one of the best up-and-coming racing titles with like-minded people from around the world.
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The Ford Capri makes its first appearance in Build 345, released to Team Members on Friday 9 November 2012.
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