Assetto Corsa Evo: Developer apologizes and promises feedback on offline mode
Image: Kunos Simulations
The early access release of Assetto Corsa Evo was the most successful in the series yet drew criticism from the community. Now, the developers are apologizing and remaining patient. Marco Massarutto presents the internal changes and plans for AC EVO. Kunos Simulations founder Stefano Casillo returns.
Criticism and problems with the online constraint
There was considerable frustration with the release of Assetto Corsa Evo, and likely also with the developers, as the game had problems establishing an online connection with the Kunos server. This, in turn, resulted in some game modes being unavailable, so that, for example, the vehicle dealership and the Driver Academy could not be used. The online implementation was therefore the focus of criticism from the community. Players feared, not entirely unfounded, that the game without a server connection or in the distant future would be severely limited or unplayable with servers turned off. The predominantly positive reviews, with a 70% rating, have recently given way to a perception that Assetto Corsa Evo has only been rated positively by every second player.
The game will soon be fully playable offline.
In a short speech, Marco Massarutto responded to fans of the game. Beginning with an apology to the players, he explained how the developers learned from the mistake and what changes should now be made to the game. Regarding the avoidable online compulsion, Massarutto emphasized that the game should also be fully functional in offline mode.
Internal changes and a real offline mode
In order to meet the community’s wishes and expectations, Kunos Simulazioni is undergoing significant internal workflow changes, and parts of the game’s software architecture must be adapted. Stefano Casillo, the founder of Kunos Simulazioni, is returning to the side of Marco Massarutto (studio co-founder) as part of a staff change. Casillo is taking on the role of technical director.
Massarutto emphasized that the game shouldn’t be a mandatory online connection, and while it is in the nature of the Early Access version, the information situation and user interface design were so unfavorable that this impression could be created. In the future, all individual player modes will be designed to operate completely independently of a so-called “open mode.” This does not include a few “special events.”
To successfully implement this restructuring and not just “quick and dirty,” the developers need more time than originally planned, so the next update has been delayed. However, in-house engine specialists would also benefit from this delay, as they seek to improve performance, particularly for virtual reality and triple screen mode.
Modified roadmap
To accommodate these significant changes, Marco Massarutto asks for a little patience. Planned updates will change, but some of them also feature new content and features, not just for the Final 1.0 release in the fall. The next update will arrive later than planned, but will be more extensive. Additional content will be added, such as new routes and around ten new cars. The trailer gives a quick glimpse of some of these. An “open” car is also expected to be included.
According to Early Access version 2, the focus should then be on the network code. This will allow Kunos Simulazioni to add multiplayer to Assetto Corsa EVO in early summer 2025. The Moddings tools version is also preferred. These are not to be released until after the final version in the fall, but rather during the Early Access phase so that the modding community can create vehicles and routes.
Release in the fall
Assetto Corsa EVO has been available in Early Access via the Steam Store since January 16, 2025. The final version of the game is still planned for fall 2025. The game’s scope is then expected to be 15 race tracks, 100 vehicles, and several single and multiplayer modes.
THEME: Gaming ces: square racing
A lifelong video game enthusiast, Julien reviews the latest releases and explores the technologies transforming the gaming world.
