rFactor 2 Info: Beta, Pricing, Mod Invitation
rFactor 2 fans receive a bevvy of details courtesy of Image Space Incorporated’s Tim Wheatley. In the USA, rFactor 2 will sell for $43.99. With regards to other territories, Tim tells RaceSimCentral, “Other countries aren’t known yet. We don’t want to alienate any particular.” The base purchase will offer unlimited access to single player and mod development modes.
rFactor’s sequel is trying something new in that it will have yearly online access fees. The base purchase will also include one year access to an online account. Aadditional one year passes can be purchased for $12.99. Tim says that making the base price even higher to adjust for more online play “wouldn’t be fair to those wanting to use only the single player or mod development mode.”
However, Tim says that there would not be a cheaper stand-alone purchase for those who want to avoid online play altogether. “When you compare to something like a console title, even racing games with no multiplayer, we think it’s competitive even without any online interaction.” He continues, “We also would like to encourage people to try online racing if they have not already done so, and providing them with the one year seemed the ideal way.”
Tim explains that the online service provides users with accounts from which they can access multiplayer races. He expects this will reduce the number of anonymous race entries and hopefully reduce the number of passworded servers. The service will identify when updates are available and allow for automatic downloads.
The online service also provides a way to generate and maintain unique Mod/Package ID’s. This should help reduce the mismatch problem found in the current version of rFactor and also help reduce/eradicate version confusion for the end user. Additional features such as online statistics are also planned.
Players will still be able to run single player, run Mod Mode, and manually find and install any mods or updates without the online service.
Regarding the beta release, Tim shares, “We plan to release an early content-limited version for mod makers to provide feedback on the system. It will be an open beta, meaning anyone can participate. People wishing to take part will be required to make a full purchase. We are planning to give those who take part in the open beta 18 months of online access with that purchase rather than the 12 months which will come with purchase after the open beta.”
Tim also stated that in terms of refunds, “If you believe you became a part of the rFactor 2 community too early we can arrange one.” I asked Tim to verify the release window for the beta, to which he said it is still within the year.
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