We’re two months on from the release of GRID on Xbox One, PS4 and PC, and it’s been quite the ride already. With patches, updates, our first content drop, and a separate launch on a new platform in Google Stadia, we’ve been foot-to-the-floor with GRID at all times.
A massive part of what we’ve been doing ever since October 11 has been diving into the feedback from players, examining what you’re liking and not liking, what you’d like to see more or less of, and making changes based on that. Whether it’s our social channels, the Codemasters Forums, or Discord, we’re working with the GRID community to grab that feedback and turn it into positive changes in the game.
From that, it’s clear that Multiplayer is a key area to address. Specifically, the addition of public lobbies, which has been a big request; the ability for players to view lobbies that other players are creating, and jump into them if they wish. For a few weeks, the GRID team have been drawing up and testing potential ways to do this. Now, I’m happy to confirm that public lobbies will be coming to GRID, for all players.
So, when will this be in the game? Whilst the initial plan was to implement lobbies around the time of Season 2’s arrival early next year, we have now brought this project further forward. The goal here is to have public lobbies live in GRID by early January, if not before Christmas. That’s not set in stone, as we’ll need time for thorough testing to ensure you have the best experience possible. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way, but that’s the target we’ve set.
Of course, this isn’t the only request from players, and we’re constantly looking at multiple community-reported topics and how we can address them. Sticking with Multiplayer, we’ve also been testing some adjustments with how AI cars are used in Quick Match events, and how the lobby timer system works, to encourage lobbies to fill up with more human players and fewer AI drivers. More news on those changes when we have them.
Over in Career mode, we’ve also heard the requests to allow players to adjust the race length, and will be testing out an option on PC early next year, with an eye to fully implementing this across all platforms. Those are the big topics, but we’re obviously working every day on tweaks, fixes and optimisations based on the reports we receive each day from players, which form GRID’s patches.
It’s the top priority at all times for us to create an experience with GRID that you can enjoy, week after week, month after month. Doing so means listening to your feedback and acting upon it, so we’re pleased to be able to bring public lobbies into GRID, per the request of you, the players. Thank you to everyone who continues to bring us constructive feedback, which drives the direction of GRID.
Got something you want to tell us about GRID? Join our Discord and let us know what’s on your mind.