As posted on the APEX CART Precision Racing HQ, Dean Lester of Microsoft
"Regardless of the various *** theories you may read, we listened
to your feedback - and have (quickly) acted on it."
I'm sorry. But, this is getting a bit stale. While many that are
disenchanted with Microsoft get their jabs in on r.a.s., it has
absolutely nothing to do with the shortcomings of the initial release of
this sim. I have every confidence the TRI team that the patched version
will be great. However, I believe that attention given to the physics
engine, user interface and track modeling received detracted
significantly from other areas of the sim to the point where they took a
large step backwards from competitor's earlier offerings. This has
nothing to do with any ***.
...and...
"We are totally committed to this category - CPR is just the start."
If this is the case, I suggest three things:
1) Make sure that you understand the things that work in this and other
competing sims before embarking on a new one. If it ain't broke, don't
"improve" it for the sake of features that may have less value to your
customers.
2) Choose your beta testers carefully and be wary of promotional efforts
and other distractions that may limit objectivity.
3) Devote a presence during the *design* phase of your next sim, rather
than upon release, even if it's in anonymity.
Again, I must reiterate, few on r.a.s want this sim too succeed more
than I. Along with sim racing in general, Indy Car/Champ Car (whatever
we are going to call it) racing is set deeply in my ***. Laugh if you
want. I am born, raised and still live in Indianapolis. My family's
annual pilgrimage to 16th & Georgetown is frankly more like Thanksgiving
than Thanksgiving is, not to mention over 30 races at Milwaukee
(absolutely fantastic place for an Indy Car race), Michigan and
Cleveland. I only hope that racing sims can do reality as much justice
as a " computer game" can.
I know, spare you the historic drivel. In any case, *** theory or
not, absolutely the best of luck to Dean and the CPR team on the patch
and upcoming efforts. To the rest of you, relax and evaluate the final
product after the patch then be critical as hell (in a mature manner)
again so that this and other titles will be the best they can be.
Jim