In the world of racing games, promises are often as exciting as they are ephemeral. Assetto Corsa Evo, which had generated high expectations by positioning itself as the alternative to Gran Turismo on PC, has just announced a change in direction that is as radical as it is unexpected. Gone is the virtual currency system and the career mode inspired by the famous competitor, making way for a more authentic and driving-focused experience.
A Bold Strategy Change
Available in early access for over a year, Assetto Corsa Evo has experienced chaotic development, with still quite limited content. The promise of an open world around the Nürburgring, initially scheduled for summer 2025, has now been pushed back to a vague “sometime in 2026.” In this context of rising tensions, the developers have made the decision to abandon a career mode that was supposed to integrate an experience points system and a virtual economy, dear to Gran Turismo. “Features such as XP, virtual currency, and an economy-based progression will no longer be part of the experience,” stated publisher 505 Games and studio Kunos Simulazioni in an official announcement.
The game Assetto Corsa Evo ultimately abandons offering a Career mode whose operation strongly resembled Gran Turismo. © Kunos Simulazioni
A Career Mode That Divided the Community
This turnaround may not be unanimous. For many, Assetto Corsa Evo was seen as the ideal replacement in the absence of Gran Turismo 7 on PC. With a selection of atypical road models for a simulation, it promised a vehicle physics and force feedback that were much more realistic than its console rival. However, the virtual currency system did not find favor with everyone. According to the same statement, “this decision was not made lightly, but it allows us to focus on building a clearer, more authentic experience that better reflects the values of our community.”
The virtual currency system, which was not unanimous among players, will soon no longer be part of Assetto Corsa Evo. © Kunos Simulazioni
What Future for the Solo Mode of Assetto Corsa Evo?
For fans of solo driving, there is still hope. The developers promise a redesign of the “driving academy” mode, inspired by the driving licenses of Gran Turismo, as well as “experiences focusing on driving and skill development.” They emphasize that “single-player gaming remains very important” to them. “Our goal is to guide progression through skill, learning, and competition rather than through an artificial economy,” they add. Nevertheless, the exact workings of this revamped mode remain unclear, leaving players uncertain about what lies ahead.
The driving academy, which this time evokes the licenses of Gran Turismo, should see its importance strengthened in the future solo mode of Assetto Corsa Evo. © Kunos Simulazioni
The Priorities of the Developers of Assetto Corsa Evo
Beyond the career mode, several priorities have been announced by the developers. In addition to the highly anticipated open world, new options for multiplayer as well as “special events” based on online rankings are expected to enrich the experience. Support for modding is also planned, a feature that is becoming increasingly rare in the current video game landscape. It should be noted that this practice significantly contributed to the success of the first Assetto Corsa.
The BMW M2 will be part of the new vehicles added by version 0.5 of Assetto Corsa Evo. © Kunos Simulazioni
While waiting for these promising additions, players will be able to discover version 0.5 of the title, which will include iconic models such as the BMW M2 and the Toyota AE86, as well as the American circuit of Watkins Glen. This should ease impatience while facing a development that is dragging on.
In conclusion, Assetto Corsa Evo seems to be taking a decisive turn towards a more experience-driven approach, abandoning mechanisms deemed too artificial. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will appeal to a community that is still waiting for the ideal successor to Gran Turismo on PC.
