On our recent escapade to the United Kingdom (that's where The Human League hails from) we couldn't but help accept an invitation to visit Rage Software's impressive Liverpool Head Quarter's. A well known fact is that Liverpudlians are able to drink almost any human being under the table (that fact was never in any doubt). But thanks to Rage Software's Incoming, we also know that making rip-roaring games with stunning visuals is part and parcel of every day life at said software house. But in the first of a series of three articles (maybe even four) we find ourselves seriously taken by Rage Software's racing game called Midnight GT Racing. We'll have a full 'hands on' preview tomorrow but just to get you acquainted, we spent and afternoon in the company of Simon Donbovand, the Producer and Designer for Midnight GT Racing (with some fully loaded eye candy of course).
Japanese night racing is essentially 'boy-racers' racing souped up road legal cars above the streets of Japan. They race on unofficial courses (often risking life and limb. . . . and needless to say its not very legal).
The first time I saw this 'sport' was on a documentary I saw on TV a couple of years ago which left an impression on me. Although I didn't immediately think WOW that'd be a great concept for a game, it has been rattling around in the ole' grey matter looking for an outlet since.
I came to Rage to work on a simulation racing game last June. . . at that time there was no game concept as such, just a cool engine. I decided that I wanted to make a real racing simulation on real courses - no laps, no circuits, where the player could race cars that would really react like their 'real-world' counterparts (not the hardwired way some race games use), the result is Midnight GT.
As far as research goes into the project, we have received a fair bulk of graphic reference from contacts we have within the team (friends in Japan etc). We haven't been lucky enough to go and get the material ourselves, but the Internet / road maps and lots of peoples holiday snaps have been invaluable. We have aimed for a Japanese style opposed to the real thing, we think so far this has been effective . . . . maybe we'll get to go for the sequel.