PMR | Project Motor Racing is actively working to increase the grid sizes on PS5 and Xbox

“Project Motor Racing” continues to require numerous updates, adjustments, and bug fixes. This is known and has been publicly confirmed repeatedly by the development team at Straight4 Studios.

Further changes are expected soon. This includes, in particular, an overhaul of the computer-controlled opponents, which should enable console players to compete in larger grids in the future.

At present, sim racers on PC can compete against up to 31 AI vehicles. On the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, however, the number is limited to 15 vehicles—which means there are 16 cars on the track including the player's own vehicle. This restriction has been one of the most frequent criticisms since the game was released last year.

In addition, significant improvements to the AI's performance are forthcoming. Despite adjustments that have already been made, it is still behaving unpredictably at times and occasionally brakes in unusual places.

“We are currently working intensively and in two stages on the AI,” explained Aris Vasilakos, Chief Creative Officer, at Gamescom.

“The first stage is about ensuring that the AI is balanced across all vehicle classes and tracks. It should reach the appropriate speed, matching exactly the performance that a human driver can extract from the respective vehicle.”

“In other words, it should not simply be fast in the corners and slow on the straights, or vice versa.”

“At the same time, we are working to significantly reduce the AI's system resource usage. This is very important, as it could allow us to significantly increase the number of grid slots on consoles and PC alike. At the same time, it would enable further improvements to the graphics, frame rate, and other areas.”

When asked about the specific grid size on consoles, Vasilakos responded emphatically:

“Yes, absolutely. This is not merely a plan. We are already working on it.”

“Project Motor Racing” has struggled with various performance issues, ranging from irregular screen tearing to unusual graphical glitches. The development team has gradually addressed these difficulties over time. However, much suggests that the resource requirements of the vehicles on the track represent a fundamental problem affecting the entire gameplay experience.

“We need to significantly reduce the AI's system resource usage, and that is exactly what we are currently working on.”

“But even if we succeed: Who would want to use an AI that is not balanced?”

“This therefore involves two central aspects: First, the AI must be balanced and brought to the correct performance level. Second, its system resource usage must be reduced further so that we can increase the number of starters.”

“I want to be open about this: This task cannot be completed within a month. We expect a development time of two to three months.”

“However, the work has already been underway since last month and is actively continuing even now, as we speak.”