Forza Motorsport, the popular racing game franchise, is set to unveil a revamped artificial intelligence (AI) system that promises to keep up with even the fastest drivers without resorting to cheats. During a recent livestream, Forza Motorsport Creative Director Chris Esaki provided a detailed explanation of the new AI features in the upcoming game.
The AI system in Forza Motorsport consists of two components: the AI controller, which determines how computer-controlled racers brake, throttle, and steer, and the driving line, which dictates the path they follow on the track. Both aspects have undergone a complete overhaul to align with the game’s core principles of clean and competitive circuit racing.
One major change is the complete remake of the Drivatar feature. In previous iterations, Drivatar aimed to replicate the driving behavior of real users on a player’s friends list, based on their past races in Forza. However, this often resulted in the inclusion of unsafe drivers in races, leading to chaotic and unpredictable experiences.
In the new Forza Motorsport, user behavior will no longer be mimicked. Instead, only customizations such as liveries and driver suits will transfer to a friend’s race via Drivatar. This ensures a more controlled and consistent racing experience.
To create the fastest AI without resorting to cheats like rubber banding, the developers at Turn 10 Studios employed machine learning. They trained the AI using every possible combination of track, car (including upgrades), and weather conditions. In comparison to Forza Motorsport 7, the previous game conducted on the Maple Valley track, the revamped AI demonstrated a staggering 13-second improvement. The AI now takes advantage of the full track and exhibits more realistic racing behaviors, including hugging curbs.
It is important to note that although the new AI doesn’t make scripted mistakes, it may occasionally make honest mistakes akin to human errors, enhancing the realism and unpredictability of races.
In addition, Esaki discussed the tire collision model in the new game, emphasizing the 48 times increased accuracy compared to prior versions. This enhanced physics system aims to deliver better drivability by eliminating spikes and erratic suspension behavior.
Forza Motorsport is scheduled to launch on October 10th for PC and Xbox Series S|X. The recent livestream also unveiled the Forza Horizon 5 Summer Party update, offering exciting content such as six new reward cars and extended nighttime duration in response to community feedback.
With the AI overhaul and various gameplay enhancements, Forza Motorsport seeks to deliver an unparalleled racing experience to both seasoned players and newcomers alike. The emphasis on fair and competitive racing, coupled with improved physics and machine learning-powered AI, promises exciting and exhilarating gameplay. Get ready to hit the virtual tracks and experience the adrenaline of Forza Motorsport like never before!
