Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 14: Going Unreal

Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 14: Going Unreal

Since the release of the Unreal Engine 4 version of Automation into the open beta testing phase, many users have switched to it and immediately begun reveling in the massive improvements in realism, replayability, and audio/visual quality. However, as of the date this post was published, I have not opted into the open beta yet. Why? It turns out that, even after four major updates, there are still quite a few bugs, some of which can actually cause the game to crash. Nevertheless, I am still seriously considering making the switch, although I would prefer to wait until the UE4 build is polished enough before I transfer to it permanently.

So how am I going to start off in the UE4 version of Automation, after two years of using the Kee engine version? First off, I can't remake the entire histories of any of my brands straight away - that will have to wait until all of the mods required for their models have been remade for UE4. Instead, I will create a few test cars using the default bodies - and probably make a new brand or two. Secondly, the introduction of new engine and trim options will inevitably force me to experiment with them - although to be fair, their unavailability in the Kee engine version has not affected my companies' lore very much, if at all. Finally, the introduction of a photo studio to the sandbox mode will allow me to explore hitherto unavailable options for screenshots, especially with the introduction of a revamped exterior color selector.

In short, while the UE4 release of Automation is still very much a work in progress, the benefits of opting into its open beta testing phase will eventually be too great to pass up. However, until I can clarify my UE4 plans further, and enough mods have been remade, I will continue to use the Kee engine version, not just for forum challenges, but for developing my companies' lore further before all of it - not just the most important bits - can finally be remade. To all Automationeers who have already joined the UE4 open beta, I wish you the best of luck.