Back To Page 2

Grand Prix 4 shows off one of it's best features...driving in the wet.

Downsides

With such a rosey future, what are the downsides lying ahead and what can be done about them?

1. Size of Files

As the complexity, accuracy and scale of the mods increase, so does the file size. The GT Racing mod for F1 2002 currently stands at 277 MB, with most decent mods weighing in at well over 50 MB. In order to make these more accessible to those without a broadband connection, some form of unofficial distribution service (similar to that employed by the Janes WW2 Fighters community for their add-ons) should be started.

2. Publicity

Unlike the major software publishing labels, mod makers have to do their own publicity. The gaming press has been lamentably slow to pick up on the growth of racing mods and a result of this has been that the numbers of people modding are a fraction of the buying public. Unfortunately for the reasons outlined below, mod makers cannot overtly publicize the development of such mods extensively and face increasing hostility from those outside the gaming world as the mods increase in popularity.

3. Licensing

With F1 promotional and advertising licenses costing in the millions to acquire, the increasing popularity of mods is likely to attract attention sooner or later. There have already been some issues. When one of the major publishers launched an F1 sim a few years ago, mods were soon unveiled to "tobacconise" the cars. The publisher heard from the governing association about these mods and it resulted in the removal of the files from web sites. Sooner or later it seems likely that the licensing associations will realize that versions of their series are being developed and what happens then could make-or-break the modding community.

Conclusion

Although uncertain times lie ahead for F1 and other racing gamers, the picture overall is a happy one. The work being done by The USPits, Simbin, Ralf Hummermich and other development teams is leading to free upgrades of teams drivers and tracks for the contemporary sims. As these sims become outdated there are development teams dedicated to providing the most up-to-date and believable upgrades to them to enhance the playing and provide accurate and contemporary information. These developers will listen to you, and from my experience, are all friendly, helpful and charming people. Problems do lie ahead but for once we sim players have the ability to shape what we want to play. To those reading this who have not refined their racing experience away from the off-the-shelf games, please take the time and try out these mods. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Image at right is Grand Prix 4 using MEGA PATCH 2003 available from here.

Click here to go to top of this page.

Copyright 2008, SimHQ.com. All Rights Reserved. Contact the webmaster.