BeamNg Development and Release
BeamNG GmbH, the developer and publisher of BeamNG.drive, has its roots in Germany. The game was initially released in early access on May 29, 2015, exclusively for Microsoft Windows. Since its release, BeamNG.drive has undergone significant evolution, transforming from a sandbox environment for car physics to a full-fledged simulation game that rivals major titles such as Assetto Corsa.
Gameplay Features
Realistic Physics
BeamNG.drive is distinguished by a custom physics engine that simulates real vehicle dynamics and soft-body physics. This engine allows for accurate modelling of collisions and damage, making vehicle crashes not only visually impressive, but also mechanically realistic. For example, an incorrect gear shift in a manual gearbox can cause damage to the gearbox, affecting the car’s performance. This attention to detail attracts players who want to experience realistic vehicle behaviour and crash dynamics.
Open-World Environments
The game features extensive maps with a variety of terrains, including urban areas, motorways and off-road areas. This open world/free roam map provides players with the freedom to explore and engage in a variety of driving activities. Whether it’s navigating city streets, racing on motorways or tackling challenging off-road routes, the varied environments keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Vehicle Variety
BeamNG.drive offers a wide range of vehicles, from everyday cars and trucks to unique prototypes. Each vehicle has specific driving characteristics, offering players a varied driving experience. The vehicles are intricately detailed, with fully animated and functional interiors, adding another layer of realism to the game. Players can see real-time responses in some of the vehicle’s GPS, gear lever, handbrakes and pedals that mimic their real-world counterparts.
Customization and Modding
BeamNG.drive is widely praised for its extensive support for modding. Players have the freedom to create custom vehicles, maps and scenarios, greatly increasing the game’s replayability. A strong and active community of modders is constantly developing new content, ensuring that players will always find something fresh to explore. This community approach not only adds to the diversity of the game, but also extends its lifespan.
Career Mode
The introduction of career mode has added a new dimension to BeamNG.drive. Players start with a basic vehicle and complete various missions to earn money and upgrade their cars. Missions range from races and time trials to police chases and delivery tasks. The career mode is designed to provide structured gameplay, offering a sense of progression and achievement. Although still a work in progress, the mode already shows great promise with features such as dynamic inventory at dealerships, test drives and vehicle trading.
Recent News and Updates
Latest Update: April 16, 2024, Version 0.32
The latest major update, released on April 16, 2024, as version 0.32, brought several significant changes and improvements to BeamNG.drive:
- Remastered Ibishu BX: The former Ibishu 200BX has been fully remastered with updated meshes, textures, new bodykits, and customization options, including a V8 swap.
- Gavril T-Series Remake Part 2: This update continued the remake of the Gavril T-Series, adding new logging upfits, visual customization options, and improvements to the Mixer Upfit.
- New Trailers and Props: A new Log Trailer was added with multiple variants, along with new props such as Logs and Steel Coils.
- West Coast, USA Improvements: The map received updates to various areas, including the concrete batching plant, Quarry, and Fast Automotive facility.
- New Missions: Five new missions were added across different maps, along with improvements to the drifting system and scoring.
- Vehicle Improvements: All cars received detailed mirror support, and some modern vehicles got a mirror physics structure revamp.
- Force Feedback Improvements: The update included enhancements to make vehicle handling more realistic.
- New Engine Sounds: Updated sounds for certain engines and the introduction of water splash sounds.
- Crash Camera: A new Crash Cam feature was added, allowing players to capture crashes in slow-motion during Free Roam mode.
The game is currently at version 0.32.4, marking the fourth update in the 0.32 series released in April. This reflects the efforts the developers have put into improving the game. Details of the changes in the latest patches can be found here.
How Head Tracking and IR Can Be Used in BeamNG.drive
Head motion tracking and infrared (IR) technology can significantly enhance the immersive experience of BeamNG.drive. Head motion tracking allows players to control the in-game camera with their head movements, providing a more natural and intuitive way to look around the vehicle and environment.
Benefits for Gameplay and Immersion
Using head tracking and IR technology provides several benefits:
- Elevate Immersion: By allowing players to look around naturally, head tracking makes the driving experience more realistic.
- Enhanced situational awareness: players can now react faster and more precisely during gameplay. Improved control allows for better management of different scenarios. For example, when manoeuvring vehicles such as trucks or cars in parking spaces, players can handle the situation with greater accuracy.
- Reduced Motion Sickness: For VR users, head tracking can help reduce motion sickness by providing a more stable and immersive visual experience.
Compatible Devices and Setup Process
Setting up head tracking in BeamNG.drive usually involves installing the necessary software and calibrating the device to ensure accurate tracking. Detailed instructions are usually provided by the device manufacturer. How to set up DelanClip head tracking for BeamNg can be found here.
Conclusion
BeamNG.drive continues to impress with realistic physics, detailed damage modelling and extensive customisation options. Continuous development of the game and an active community of modders ensure that it remains fresh and engaging.
Whether you are a casual gamer looking for an enjoyable driving experience or a professional using it for education or research, BeamNG.drive offers something for everyone. With the addition of a career mode and constant updates, the game shows no signs of slowing down.
