Welcome to the End-of-Year 2024 Community Update! This one will be a little bit different to normal, and includes a little "mini-interview" with Markku, James and Topi!
For those still wanting to know what we're working on, December (and particularly Christmas) has been a bit of a relaxation time for the team - but we're now in the final stages of work on the Online Multiplayer UI, along with the control rebinding.
To join the discussion, as well as get more info direct from the development team, you can join us on Discord!
Markku
What was your favourite update for GR2 this year?
Probably the latest one. The AI is a challenge to develop, and I had many great ideas for it that for one reason or another did not end up working in practice. But when you hit upon something good you get concretely rewarded by the little cars going around the track a bit faster.
What are you most looking forward to in GR2 in 2025?
Having more time to work on the AI. Seeing the multiplayer finally get out there, and how it will develop over the year.
Do you have any plans for New Year's Eve tomorrow?
I intend to enjoy my own company in peace (unless the latest patch has broken something that needs fixing).
Anything else you'd like to add?
Huge thanks to everyone who played the game and/or showed up in our Discord. I love game development, but it's even more motivating when you know there are people out there enjoying the game. Seeing the hundreds of tracks people have built for the game is quite humbling.
James
What was your favourite update for GR2 this year?
In terms of gameplay, I really enjoyed the Monster Truck update - it's a lot of fun to drive. And it's especially fun in multiplayer. It also has quite a sharp line between "everything's going okay" and "okay, now I'm on my side and going nowhere", which makes it fun in competition!
What are you most looking forward to in GR2 in 2025?
Online Multiplayer, without a doubt. We've had such fun in testing, and I really do think players are going to enjoy it a lot. It really is, for me, a "dream come true" as far as GeneRally is concerned.
Do you have any plans for New Year's Eve tomorrow?
Board games and fondue with some friends, and then fairly early to bed. A lot will depend on how our year-old puppy reacts to fireworks (which are very popular to set off in Finland on New Year's Eve) - hopefully he'll be fine!
Anything else you'd like to add?
I'd like to say a big thank you to the entire GeneRally community for their support, encouragement, feedback and just general awesomeness. Also to the feedback & testing team for their thorough and honest (sometimes brutally so) feedback. And, well, ultimately I'd just like to say that we're by no means done, and we have plenty of plans for 2025 and beyond!
Topi
What was your favourite update for GR2 this year?
The stand outs for me were the addition of the new UI and the Monster Truck. Also love the new improved handling of the Drift.
What are you most looking forward to in GR2 in 2025?
Obviously the launch of the Multiplayer as it has been in the works for a long time.
Do you have any plans for New Year's Eve tomorrow?
No major plans this year. Decided to take it easy and chill at home for the most part. Will go out and check some local fireworks around midnight of course!
Anything else you'd like to add?
Just want to thank everybody in the community who's helped us develop GR2 this year. I think with all the help and feedback we've received, we've been able to improve the game significantly.
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With that, there's nothing left to say but a big thank you to you all for 2024, and Happy New Year from the GeneRally 2 Team!