From S.T.A.L.K.E.R. to its own game: Artcore Studios announces Karting Core

The Ukrainian studio Artcore Studios announced the racing arcade Karting Core. For a team that has previously created visual content and graphics for third-party game projects (including S.T.A.L.K.E.R, Crysis, Warface and Batman: Arkham Knight), this marks their debut independent development.

The karting discipline is at the heart of the gameplay. The developers were inspired by recordings of races from GoPro cameras, trying to convey a specific feeling of speed, closeness to the asphalt, as well as the nuances of the struggle for the perfect trajectory. An important part of the gaming experience is the physics of the steering wheel.

Features of gameplay

Although Karting Core does not claim the status of an extremely strict simulator, the game has elaborate kart models and detailed tracks. The focus is on the emotional component of racing. The physics engine, controls and feedback (vibration) system are designed to remain comprehensible to a wide audience of players while maintaining control realism.

Working with the camera deserves special attention. Players are given complete freedom of settings: you can individually change the position, tilt and viewing angle, instead of choosing from fixed presets.

Content and Game Modes

The game will offer classic races and a full-fledged career mode. In the process of passing, players will be able to discover new car classes, race tracks and tournaments. Karting Core also implements a system for arranging a personal garage, which can be decorated to your liking.

Release date and availability

The project is at the stage of preparation for release in the “early access” of Steam. In its current form, the game is already fully functional: there are different classes of cards, AI opponents, basic progression and full support for controllers and game wheels. Karting Core is scheduled to be in early access for 6 to 12 months. In the future, the authors plan to introduce a full-fledged Ukrainian localization.