From Stock to Custom: Dive into car customization in The Crew Motorfest!

With the 4th season of The Crew Motorfest recently released we're excited to dive into one of the most prominent and unifying aspects of the car culture. Welcome to the intricate and creative world of car customization, with a special focus on the Donk and Lowrider movements through our latest playlist, "Donk vs Lowrider."

Customization in the automotive world sounds more than just a hobby; it's a form of art, a personal expression of style and identity. From showy paint jobs to intricate detailing, every modification tells a story. The Crew Motorfest celebrates this culture, bringing the excitement and creativity into our open world for players to explore and enjoy.

In this dive into the heart of automotive customization with insights from the talented developers who helped shape this season. We explore the significance of customization in the automotive world, the role it plays in The Crew Motorfest, and the meticulous process of creating and validating the in-game customizations. Our developers share their passion, challenges, and triumphs in bringing the art of customization to life in The Crew Motorfest.

Stay tuned as we also work on several other interviews of some of the most custom experts who contributed to make this season an unforgettable experience. Buckle up, it's going to be a wild ride!

Before diving deeper, we need to define terms and their context.

Automotive customization is divided into two main types: performance and aesthetic. Performance customization enhances the vehicle's capabilities, while aesthetic customization emphasizes its visual and stylistic aspects. These two aspects allow individuals to express their identity and preferences through their cars, playing a crucial role in contemporary car culture as an extension of their personalities. It enables people to stand out and connect with a community of like-minded enthusiasts. For some, it's a way to improve their vehicle's performance and efficiency, while for others, especially the wealthy, it can be a demonstration of influences through the creation of unique and exclusive models. Ultimately, automotive customization is a multifaceted expression of individuality, community, and sometimes, sheer opulence.

As the popularity of automotive customization grew, it naturally found its way into the realm of racing video games. This evolution transformed racing games by adding a new layer of personalization and engagement. Players can now modify and enhance their virtual vehicles, mirroring real-world practices and deepening their connection to the game. The ability to customize vehicles became a significant aspect of gameplay, offering players a chance to express their creativity and preferences. This not only enhances their gaming experience but also cements the importance of customization in the racing genre, making it an essential feature that continues to evolve and captivate enthusiasts.

Racing games are inspired by current automotive trends and consider the growing demands of player communities. To explore the connection between video games and the automotive world in more detail, we interviewed Frédéric Marchetti, Lead Vehicle Designer, and Jérémy Sachot, Senior Vehicle Designer at Ubisoft Ivory Tower.

How does real-world automotive customization influence racing video games?

In the real world, automotive customization varies significantly across different origins. Japanese, American, and European enthusiasts have distinct styles and preferences when it comes to customize their vehicles. This cultural diversity greatly influences how we approach the design of cars in The Crew Motorfest.

Each new car we introduce is treated as a unique project. We immerse ourselves in the history of the brand, the specific model, and its stylistic nuances to ensure authenticity and avoid any missteps. For example, adding a large supercharger protruding from the hood is fitting for an American muscle car, but not for a European car. Similarly, asymmetrical elements like an aggressively angled exhaust are characteristic of Japanese cars, but not American ones.

Technical specifications of each model are also crucial. We consider factors such as front or rear engine placement and radiator positioning when designing air intakes and other modifications. Additionally, we study the trends of the era the car belongs to. The tuning parts for a 1970s muscle car will differ significantly from those for a modern 2020s model.

By paying close attention to these details, we ensure that each customized car in The Crew Motorfest feels true to its real-world counterpart, providing an authentic and immersive experience for players.

Can you talk about the importance of aesthetic customization in The Crew franchise?

Customization lies at the core of The Crew franchise. Since its inception, it has been a central focus for Stéphane "Fergus" Beley, our Creative Director, highlighting the importance of allowing players to tailor their vehicles to their individual tastes and preferences. Presently, we observe that our players devote significant time and effort to crafting unique, personalized vehicles that set them apart on the virtual roads of The Crew universe.

Like real-life scenarios, aesthetic customization grants our players a platform to express themselves creatively and differentiate their vehicles from those of other players. Customization serves as a means for players to distinguish themselves not only in terms of performance but also in terms of style and personality.

Can you describe the process of creating customization elements in The Crew Motorfest?

When it comes to developing customization elements for The Crew Motorfest, our process is multifaceted and meticulous. It begins with a thorough analysis of both the vehicle itself and the brand it represents. This step is crucial as it allows us to understand the unique characteristics and design language associated with each car, ensuring that our customization options stay true to their identity.

Following this analysis, we enter a brainstorming phase where ideas are freely exchanged, and creative concepts are explored with the team. We aim to push the boundaries of customization while remaining faithful to the essence of each vehicle. Additionally, we consider any high-level demands from other departments within the development team, such as specific themes or content updates like the "Donk vs Lowrider" playlist. These external factors can often influence the direction and style of our customization options.

One of our key principles in designing customization elements is to offer a sense of progression within each tuning pack. This means that as players unlock and explore different customization options, they will encounter a range of choices that vary in intensity and visual impact. For example, when it comes to components like spoilers or bumpers, we start with more subtle and understated designs and gradually escalate to more extreme and eye-catching styles. Our aim is to satisfy and please everyone.

What are the key steps from concept to in-game integration?

Developing customization vehicle features for The Crew Motorfest mirrors any creative endeavor, demanding extensive research and teamwork. Within our Vehicle Artist Team, we're well-versed in navigating this process.

• Analysis and Conceptualization: The team conducts thorough research on each vehicle and its brand identity, identifying potential customization options based on real-world trends and player feedback.

• Brainstorming: Designers and artists collaborate to generate ideas and concepts for customization elements, considering factors such as aesthetics, functionality, and technical feasibility.

• Sketching and Rendering: Initial concepts are translated into detailed sketches and realistic digital renderings using tools like Photoshop, allowing the team to visualize how each customization option will appear in-game.

• 3D Modeling: Artists create three-dimensional models of the customization elements, refining their designs to ensure accuracy and visual appeal.

• Designer Validation: Designs are reviewed by lead designers to ensure they align with the overall aesthetic direction of the game and meet quality standards.

• Integration and Testing: Customization elements are integrated into the game environment, allowing for testing and refinement to ensure they function as intended and provide an optimal user experience.

Like any creative process, and especially within the video game industry, we face some challenges and limitations when creating customizations parts or vehicles for The Crew Motorfest.

• Technical Limitations: The most important are the technical constraints, such as polygon count and file size limitations, that can impact the complexity and detail of customization parts. Additionally, the structure and design of each vehicle may impose restrictions on the types of modifications that can be made. This step is key as it could heavily impact the performances of players' platforms.

• Editorial Considerations: Some vehicles, such as racing cars, boats, and planes, may be subject to editorial restrictions that limit the availability of customization options. These limitations are imposed to maintain the integrity and authenticity of each vehicle's design and functionality within the game.

• Legal Restrictions: Obtaining approval from vehicle manufacturers for the use of their intellectual property in the game is crucial for a racing game that uses real vehicle licenses. Some manufacturers may impose restrictions on the types of modifications that can be made to their vehicles or require some design elements to be excluded from customization options.

• Production Limitations: The last limitation we are dealing with are time constraints and resource limitations that can impact the production of customization parts, particularly for new vehicles or extensive customization packs. Balancing the demand for new content with the time and resources available for development is a constant challenge for our team.

Are all customization parts validated by manufacturers?

This is something important for us, but yes, every customization part that players can see and equip in The Crew Motorfest undergoes validation by the respective manufacturers. This validation process ensures that customization options fit to the design, branding, and quality standards set by each manufacturer, maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the vehicles within the game.

Do you have any particularly memorable anecdotes or feedback from the community?

As developers of The Crew Motorfest, we cherish the interactions and feedback we receive from our community. These exchanges often lead to memorable anecdotes and instances of recognition from esteemed manufacturers.

On occasion, we've been delighted to receive accolades from manufacturers for our customizations. It's incredibly rewarding to receive recognition from industry giants like Porsche, Lamborghini, or RingBrothers. These positive interactions underscore the strength of our relationships with manufacturers and reaffirm our commitment to delivering authentic and high-quality experiences in our game.

Moreover, our work sometimes involves collaborating on cars that have yet to hit the market, such as the Lamborghini Revuelto and the Renault Megane RS. Working with manufacturers in this confidential capacity, and earning their trust, is truly gratifying and speaks to the depth of our partnerships.

In addition to manufacturer recognition, we actively listen to the feedback provided by our community. For instance, we've noted a strong preference among players for fender and wide body customizations when it comes to tuning parts. As a result, we strive to incorporate these options into as many vehicles as possible, while also navigating technical and design constraints.

The Crew Motorfest thrives on the synergy between our dedicated development team, passionate gaming community, and esteemed automotive manufacturers. Come join us, share your wildest creations, race with friends, and let's make memories together in The Crew Motorfest!