rec.autos.simulators

We all know them. Some of you may (will!!) even be amongst them: people playing
their racingsims (esp GP2) by using a steeringwheel. Looking down on those poor
joystick users and, certainly, those crazy _keyboard_ drivers (kb??? horror!!)

When a steeringwheel player lowers himself to take part in a discussion with
others using "second rate" controlmethods, you can almost _feel_ the disdain.
After all, THEY are the most skilled, THEY are the most talented and THEY use
the most difficult control-device.

At least, THEY think so because of their silly superiority-feeling ;-) As if
keyboard and joystick users (but _especially_ keyboard players) are second-class
drivers. "You play using the keyboard? How can you disgrace GP2 like that!!!"

And you have to admit it: at first glance, wheel-drivers seem to have some good
reasons to feel as if they are the only "real" simpilots. The only ones who get
an authentic approximation of the essence of racing.

But how accurate is that first impression? I dare to say that it is quite a
misconception!! Let's see why:

Racing simulators for PCs are successful because they give people with ordinary
bank accounts the chance to feel a little bit like real racing drivers feel. So
obviously, the only thing that _really_ matters is that the players arrive in
the same state of mind as real pilots when they are driving cars.

So ask yourself: _what_ is it that makes racing so much fun? What are the
elements that make up the essence of racing? What is it that REAL formula one
drivers feel passion for? And which aspects are just superficial (although they
_seem_ essential)

Some essential things that I can think of are: the speed, feeling the
acceleration, the forces on your body. The sounds of racing. Maybe the smell of
burning ***? (although it might rather be the association with racing than
the smell itself :-)  )The challenge of remaining concentrated, the search for
perfection. The feeling of having so much to do at once in so little time, and
trying to keep it all together. In short: feeling the adrenalin flow by keeping
your car and brain on the edge.

This is where wheel users slightly miss the point IMHO. They assume that they
come closer to the essence because they use a wheel, like the real pilots. But,
how _relevant_ is it that the racing is controlled by turning a wheel from left
to right and by pushing pedals? Do real drivers get e***d because they turn a
wheel and push pedals two hours long? If you really think about it, those
superficial things aren't relevant _at all_! What matters is balancing your
controls; adjusting your inputs to get the most effective result. Brainwork in
combination with the physical sensations. It happens to be that a _wheel_ was
the most effective and easy method to change the direction of the wheels of a
car. And pedals the easiest and most effective way to operate brakes. But if
people happened to have no legs or arms, there wouldn't be steering wheels nor
brakepedals. I'm sure there would be some sort of racing though, and the
enjoyement would be exactly the same!

So what kind of surplus does a wheel offer to simracers? Yes, it IS better in
simulating what real-world racing _looks_ like. But remember: real drivers don't
get e***d because they turn a wheel from left to right! It are the sounds,
forces, smells, concentration and highspeed brain activity that make the
adrenalin stream! A wheel offers no more sound, smell, concentration or
highspeed brain activity than a keyboard!!! Nor does it give you a feeling of
acceleration or forces working on your body. You can not seriously pretend that
turning the wheel actually results in physical sensations....So all in all, you
end up with quite the same sensations when you use a keyboard. You even need the
same kind and degree of skills to excell. Try running GP2 with all helps turned
off (except steering help and opposite lock since they can't be disabled with
keyboard). You'll experience that modulating the throttle and the brakes
(they're digital, but you have to make them feel analogue nevertheless!!)does
ask a very high amount of concentration and skill, which easily makes up for the
easier steering.

Now I have to admit that there is one advantage lying ahead for steering wheels:
when force-feedback gets implemented, wheels will transfer part of the physical
experience from reality to simulation. In a way keyboard will never be able to.

Until then, I expect a bit more respect from those arrogant wheelers!!! :-)

So that's it! All IMHO of course, and primarily written because I was a bit
bored and also a bit pissed by all that arrogance. I hope I opened some eyes,
and at least I hope this was worth reading (ie original enough)

Let's all enjoy the racing,

Jo Helsen

PS: GP2 is the best!!! (flame away...)

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Jo, you really do need to remove your head from another orfice in your body.
Now certainly, you cannot be serious with this rhetoric about driving sims
and a keyboard!  As any steering wheel owner, I have tried driving sims with
a Keyboard and a Joystick.  A very nice Microsoft Sidewinder 3D Pro Joystick
and an equally nice Microsoft Natural Keyboard.  The Keyboard is a peice of
shit controller and I'd rather not bother playing the games.  The Joystick
is a viable alternative.  I could come close to a wheel with the SW 3D Pro,
but not quite.

Bottom line is, if you have a computer that will run a Sim properly, and can
afford the game, bite the bullet and get a decent controller.  Holy shit,
there not $10,000.00, there $100.00. Nobody says you have to buy the thing
today.  Did you ever hear of "Saving Money for something"  You ought to try
it.  Great concept.

Good heavens, the farther one reads down thru this mess, the more pathetic
it becomes.  Great literature.  No purpose.

Without sounding like what you seem to despise, I have to say that
realisticly, I cannot immagine that anyone who has the money to afford a
computer powerful enough to play GP2, could possibly be so strapped for cash
that 50 to 100 bucks could make any difference in their budget.  If such a
person exists, they really need to spend some time wondering if they spent
their money in the right place.  Take the time you waste on GP2 and go get a
Job so you can afford the toys you want in life and quit ***ing at the
people who already work 80 hrs a week.  (Ps,  thats me)

in closing,  using a keyboard to control a driving sim is ok if the only
thing you want to do is look at the graphics so you can get an idea of how
the game will look when you really have the equipment to play it.

----------------------------------------------------------
If You think health care is expensive now, wait till it's free!

RR #3 Box 96
Williamsport, Pa. 17701
(717) 745-7697

<Snip>

   My view on this is simple. Programmers spend years perfecting physics
models for sims. To use GP2 with keyboard means to also have steering
help and oversteer help on which thus completely stuffs the physics
model. For those who have not played GP2 with a wheel and pedals then
believe me when I tell you that you have not even played GP2 yet. Also,
the whole idea of a "sim" as realistic as GP2 is too be as close an
approximation to the "real" thing as possible. If keys are your go then
save yourself the money and get one of those kiddy's games console
thingymagigs and away you go - I'm sure you'll love the games pad they
use with those :)))

Hi,
   No contest, the wheel wins!  When I first got my PC I didn't have a
wheel, I had to use the keyboard for about 2 months until I got my T2.
Don't even try running Talladega in N2 with the keyboard, your car
will wiggle like jello in the corners!  If you want control, get a
wheel! (and your wrists won't hurt on those tight cornered tracks!) My
lap times defently increased when I started using my wheel.  Steering
wheels are 10x billion lightyears (in fact, the difference in quality
may very well be inmeasurable!) better than the keyboard!