The latest update is now live, and in addition to a host of other significant improvements and additions it contains true Internet multiplayer functionality, something that so many of you have been looking forward. To celebrate the launch of online multiplayer we've also added two new derby game modes, Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch, both of which are guaranteed to offer a barrage of non-stop action with respawns. The update also introduces a new car, a groovy European style coupé, as well as a new Speedway track. Oh, and we finally have a proper name as well!

Read the whole story on our blog[nextcargame.com].

Please bear in mind that the multiplayer functionality is still something that we've working on to improve, and there are bound to be issues such as connection problems and lag. Also, in order to host multiplayer games over Steam your network must be configured to allow Steam access to the following ports:


Furthermore, many office networks and proxies block required ports for Steam operation - please consult your network administrator to ensure the required ports are open if you are using an office network or a proxy.

IMPORTANT! The number of clients the host can support in multiplayer is determined by the available bandwidth and the system specifications of the host. Thus, if you have limited bandwidth and a low-spec system, it's best to start with a low client number (such as 8) and increase the number gradually until the bandwidth limit of the connection is found. Don't hesitate to ask the other players in lobby how the game ran for them!

Here's the complete change log:

Physics:

• Improved tire load calculation.
  
• Implemented torque feedback scaling for higher than normal friction.
  
• Scaled tire forces by sprung/unsprung mass ratio to correct accelerations.
  
• Corrected assumed load when calculating tire stiffness values.
  
• New differential implementation (supports open, spool, LSD & viscous differentials).
  
• Added spring rate, damper rate and maximum deflection for tire dynamics.
  
• Added toe-in for steering settings.
  
• Changed damping force to use ground contact normal.
  
• Fixed torque from tires to use correct roll center, wheel center and attach points.
  
• Added suspension lateral attach point, affects yaw from longitudinal forces.
  
• Implemented separate loose and solid surface modes.
  
• Improved body torques from wheel assembly when tire is in air.
  
• Disabled optimal shift point use when using automatic transmission.

Controls:

• Added speed sensitivity slider - controls how much steering is limited in higher speeds to prevent spinning out when using a gamepad or keyboard: 0% = none, 100% = maximum limiting.
  
• Added throttle and brake sensitivity sliders: 0% = cubic, 50% = linear and 100% = cubic root response (cubic increases throttle aggressive at the start of the trigger range, root at the end of the trigger range).
  
• Added initial mouse steering implementation: bind mouse to left/right in the settings menu.
  
• Implemented basic XInput gamepad rumble.
  
• Changed steering limits during drifting (drift lock enables more anti-steering during drift).
  
• Added digital steering delay and fixed digital/analog controller selection.

Gameplay:

• Added Two new derby game modes: Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch.
  
• Split times to winner and best lap times are now displayed in race results.
  
• Last lap time displayed in HUD for a few seconds when starting a new lap.
  
• Best lap time displayed in HUD during races.
  
• Best lap times for tracks are saved and displayed in event selection.
  
• Score is displayed in derby results.
  
• Car reset will attempt to place the car away from the busiest racing line.
  
• Improved AI's ability to recover when stuck.
  
• Fixed AI's ability to reset car when e.g. out of track.
  
• Fixed AI considering wrecks as potential derby targets.
  
• AI cars now only reset when not seen by the Player.
  
• Players only drive the current lap to its end after the first car has crossed the finish line.

Cameras:

• Implemented new cinematic track side camera.
  
• Implemented automatic look back camera after a short while when reversing (can be disabled and adjusted).
  
• Implemented user configurable FOV offset.
  
• Moved hood and bumper look-back cameras to the back of the car.
  
• Allowed more zoom in photo mode and replay lens effects.
  
• Tweaked car cameras.

Vehicles:

• Added a new European car.
  
• Improved upgrade parts.

Tracks:

• New race track: Speedway, route variants: Oval and Figure 8.
  
• Added cinematic track-side cameras to all tracks.
  
• Increased velocity at which objects shatter (e.g. concrete barriers now require 80km/h (50mph) impact to get damaged).
  
• Decreased friction on concrete barriers to prevent them from sucking cars in.
  
• Improved start positions in Figure 8 track.
  
• Fixed holes in Derby Stadium.
  
• Added detail map texture for Sandpit1.

User Interface:

• Added an ability to access main menu and options in respawn screen, lobby etc.
  
• Fixed an issue in which the car selector was outside the viewport with ultra-wide resolutions.
  
• Fixed car selector car class display.
  
• Added performance index in car selector and lobby.
  
• Added an ability to display current standings during race.
  
• Added Steam avatars to multiplayer lobby.
  
• Fixed several bugs in input mapping screen.
  
• Added an ability to scroll sliders with mouse wheel.
  
• Implemented miscellaneous fixes and tweaks.

Multiplayer:

• Implemented online multiplayer through Steam.
  
• Implemented upgrades to multiplayer.
  
• Added client side prediction to combat lag.
  
• Enabled kicking for hosts.
  
• Searching for servers with Steam friends.
  
• Implemented faster search.
  
• Configurable max player count 2-24.
  
• Configurable server update frequency.
  
• Password protected lobbies.
  
• Random starting positions.
  
• Games are also displayed in Steam's own server browser.
  
• LAN networking goes also through Steam if it's not in offline mode.
  
• Improved chat with line wrapping.
  
• Ability to join a lobby when the race is in progress.
  
• Allow all LAN IP ranges: 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, 192.168.0.0/16.
  
• Bandwidth optimizations.

Effects:

• Reimplemented backfire and glass shatter effects.
  
• Particles toggle in launcher changed to particle quality slider.
  
• Updates to existing effects.
  
• Improved skid marks.

Sounds:

• More different engine sounds.
  
• Improved tire slip sounds.

As always, your feedback is appreciated!