Better known today as the developer of Skyrim and Fallout, Bethesda once had a well-respected racing game franchise and were deep into development of a licensed Skip Barber Racing title that never released.
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.
Studio 397 posted a nice development blog entry last week that previews Spa-Francorchamps. While there’s not an awful lot of information and the post is clearly designed as a way to funnel users to wishlist the title on Steam (which you should absolutely do, by the way, as I have confidence this game will deliver if released), I am happy to see a decent selection of screenshots showing off the track:
Their text:
Spa-Francorchamps… nestled in the Ardennes countryside is one of the most famous and revered race tracks in the world of motorsport. The seven-kilometre ribbon of tarmac is a real favourite, with its high-speed, fast and flowing corners and straights.
Spa-Francorchamps as a layout is no stranger to the Studio 397 team – with the Belgian circuit appearing in one of its previous titles – rFactor2. With the FIA World Endurance Championship regularly gracing the venue – modernisation and refinement had to be undertaken to the legendary destination.
Spa has been completely redone to reflect its participation in the FIA WEC series. The track has been built to a brand-new Point Cloud to bring it up to its current 2023 configuration. There has been a terrain overhaul and the addition of new props like the new, imposing grandstand located at Eau Rouge.
When players get their hands on Le Mans Ultimate – they will be able to take to the wheel of the new Hypercars – some of the most exciting race cars ever built. Whilst flying around the classic venue, drivers might be able to spot gravel on the exit of La Source, new rock faces and exposed fresh ground as seen at the real life circuit. The eagle-eyed will see a few nods to the World Endurance Championship with circuit and advertising branding present. There will also be an overarching colour and vibrancy lift making all those details pop and vibrantly come to life.
A firm fan favourite on the calendar, in April 2023 the Belgian location saw over 70,000 specators attend the race weekend with the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps eventually won by the #7 Toyota driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López.
We hope you enjoy another first look at one of the circuits coming to Le Mans Ultimate. You might be able to spot a few differences and another livery on the exciting Porsche 963 LMDh too.
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