Automation Goes Unreal: Why Automation Needs the UE4 Update

Automation Goes Unreal: Why Automation Needs the UE4 Update

Having recently learned that Automation will adopt the Unreal Engine (specifically, Unreal Engine 4) for an upcoming update, I am anticipating this major overhaul of the entire game with a great deal of excitement and some trepidation. The reason for this is twofold. After the update, a lot of new technology will be available to all players. On the other hand, if I am so inclined, I will be forced to remake the entire history of all my brands, as long as I have created lore for it.

The addition of new technology to the game will also cause existing stuff to be updated, and not just for balancing reasons. Currently, turbocharging is the only means of forced induction available in the game, and even it is limited to ball-bearing turbos (which are available from the early 1980s) at best. However, I expect more advanced methods to be introduced with the update. In particular, variable-geometry and twin-scroll turbines ought to be supported in post-update versions, especially since they provide superior performance and economy compared to ball-bearing turbos. Moreover, expect supercharging (either as a standalone installation or in combination with turbos) to be introduced with the update, or shortly afterwards.

Another welcome addition will be a slew of new engine configurations. Specifically, V10s, straight-fives, and possibly even horizontally-opposed engines (with four, six, or even twelve cylinders) will be introduced with the UE4 update. More significantly, turbocharged straight-threes will also be available, especially since the game already allows you to build naturally-aspirated straight-threes as of now. Considering that these configurations are still being used (or at least were used in the past) in production cars today, they might just be what the Automation community needs for filling the few engine design niches that haven't been occupied.

Chassis options could also be revised in the UE4 update. Currently, a space frame is heavier than a monocoque made of the same material, and is only available with standard or advanced high-strength steel. I would like to see a space frame made from galvanized or corrosion-resistant steel, if only because they offer superior environmental resistance compared to standard steel in earlier years (especially since AHS steel is only available from 1997 onwards in the sandbox). Making space frames lighter would also give players a reason to use them other than reduced tooling costs and fewer production units, as well as allowing the construction of smaller factories. While I'm at it, I'd suggest reintroducing the strut front/ladder frame combination on cost grounds; forcing the use of double wishbones up front may be good for realism, but it adds more cost and complexity than is usually desired in low-end and commercial demographics.

In addition, all of my company lore for Harris-Albury (actually two separate brands, with the former being British and the latter being Australian, each with its own forum thread) will have to be remade after the update. This is a labor-intensive undertaking, but it ought to be well worth the time and effort required for such an endeavor. Another benefit is that any cars from these brands can be remade in greater detail and with more realism than previously. Moreover, the aforementioned introduction of technology will aid greatly in this regard.

Finally, the developers should provide a few new trim options when designing a vehicle. One of my suggestions is a race safety kit, which is lighter than a contemporary advanced safety suite, but more expensive to engineer and implement, and not as effective for road use. In addition to this, there could be many other items planned for future updates, such as continuously variable and wet-clutch automatic gearboxes (which provide superior efficiency compared to a torque converter) with up to ten forward speeds! And this is just the beginning; other stuff like eight-piston disc brakes and dynamic spool-valve dampers deserve to be introduced for ultra high-end applications.

In short, the UE4 update is something every Automationeer, including myself, is looking forward to. However, until it comes, we must make do with what we already have. This is especially important considering that, as of now, it is still a few months away. Even so, we can still create plenty of amazing stuff with the existing equipment. But having played the game for 18 months, I feel that the additional realism will be a godsend to Automationeers everywhere.