As a direct ancestor of iRacing, the ‘Grand Prix Legends engine’ had multiple stock car racing false starts, before eventually releasing as NASCAR Racing 4. The original NASCAR 3, cancelled and replaced by one that used NASCAR 2’s engine, is barely remembered.
Video game development is full of names that have made groundbreaking steps you’ve never even heard about. Shawn Nash is a behind-the-scenes pioneer responsible for SODA Off Road Racing’s incredible physics, Papyrus’ graphical advancements and iRacing’s use of laser scan data for the physical track surfaces.
This interview with RSC, published in 2021, details his early life and career, through both his own company, Papyrus, Electronic Arts, to his time at iRacing.
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In quite a surprising move considering the apparent health of Virgin Interactive and their previous work with the publisher, Papyrus today announced their acquisition by Sierra On-line who seem to be looking to make use of their vast development experience in other areas than sim racing. Obviously there’s some concern this may put the genre at-risk, but the statement posted below seems to indicate otherwise.
Posted by Papyrus on their Bulletin Board:
SIERRA ACQUIRES PAPYRUS
Sierra On-Line Inc. acquired Papyrus Design Group Inc., the developers of NASCAR Racing and Indy Car Racing.In 1996 Papyrus plans to release 6 titles with Sierra including additional motorsport simulations and Sony and Sega game platform conversions. Papyrus will also begin developing non-sports titles, branching into other product categories, in ’97. Sierra officials say that all of Papyrus’ R&D employees, 75 out of a total of 100, will keep their jobs.
No decisions have been made on the remaining 25. Papyrus will continue the development of its multiplayer online gaming service.
About RSC
A site by a sort of sim racer, for sim racers, about racing sims. News and information on both modern and historic sim racing software titles.
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