KartKraft
{{Short description|2022 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = KartKraft
| image = KartKraft cover.jpg
| developer = Motorsport Games
Black Delta
| publisher = Motorsport Games
| engine = Unreal Engine 4
| platforms = Microsoft Windows
| released = January 26, 2022
| genre = Racing
| modes = Single-player, multiplayer
}}
KartKraft is a karting racing simulator game that emphasizes realistic physics.Joseph Allen [https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/kartkraft-release-date-is-apparently-today The KartKraft Release Date Is Surprisingly Today], techraptor.net, January 26, 2022 It was originally created by Australian independent developer Black Delta which in 2021 was acquired by Motorsport Games. After being in Early Access on the Steam store since November 2018, the game was officially released as 1.0 on January 26, 2022.Sheehan, Gavin [https://bleedingcool.com/games/motorsport-games-finally-officially-launches-kartkraft/ Motorsport Games Finally Officially Launches KartKraft], January 30, 2022, at bleedingcool.com
Development history
Early development on KartKraft was first teased in 2008, with a post to their Facebook page originally under the name "KartSim".{{Cite web |title=First Post on KartKraft's Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.54383365483&type=3 |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=www.facebook.com}} The creator Zach Griffin, later in 2015 officially established the Black Delta studio and renamed the game to KartKraft.Thomas Harrison-Lord [https://traxion.gg/zach-griffin-on-the-future-of-kartkraft/ "We're not going to dial down the physics" – Zach Griffin on the future of KartKraft], at traxion.gg, April 7, 2021 In March 2021 KartKraft developer Black Delta was acquired by Motorsport Games for $1 million USD,[https://www.motorsport.com/general/news/motorsport-games-announces-official-kartkraft-launch/7597601/ Motorsport Games announces official KartKraft launch], official announcement by Motorsport Games at motorsport.com, Jan 26, 2022 but in 2023 the studio was closed by Motorsport Games.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-10 |title=Motorsport Games Announce Layoffs, Closure Of KartKraft And IndyCar Game Developer {{!}} Race Sim Central |url=https://racesimcentral.net/motorsport-games-announce-layoffs-closure-of-kartkraft-and-indycar-game-developer/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=Race Sim Central {{!}} The latest on sim racing and racing games. |language=en-US}}
On January 28, 2025, a Cloud Authentication Server required by KartKraft to work stopped responding, rendering the game unplayable for all users.{{Cite web |last=Thornton |first=Dan |date=2025-01-30 |title=Has The End Arrived For KartKraft? - ORD |url=https://www.onlineracedriver.com/2025/01/30/has-the-end-arrived-for-kartkraft/ |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=OnlineRaceDriver |language=en-US}} On February 4 The Cloud Authentication Server required by KartKraft to work was confirmed by Motorsports Games CEO that access would be restored.
Features and content
At time of the 1.0 release KartKraft featured 7 officially licensed laser-scanned circuits, plus a fictional Hangar Track. Official tracks included: Whilton Mill circuit, Karting Genk, Atlanta Motorsports Park, The Geelong Kart Club, Go Kart Club of Victoria (GKCV, also in reverse configuration), PF International (PFI, also in the Classis layout), and the Brentomonte Circuit.
Vehicles included the entry-level KA100, the intermediate X30, the advanced KZ2 gearbox kart, the Praga 600cc 'Monster' Kart, and the KartKross.McGregor, Ross [https://traxion.gg/kartkraft-beginner-tips-and-tricks/ KartKraft beginner tips and tricks], at traxion.gg, January 27, 2022
Online multiplayer support included a bespoke hopper matchmaking system,Thomas Harrison-Lord [https://traxion.gg/kartkraft-is-now-released-as-karting-sim-launches-v1-0/ KartKraft is now released, as karting sim launches v1.0], at traxion.gg, January 26, 2022 and was limited to practice sessions with collisions disabled and up to 25 players. Multiplayer (which never officially exited a 'beta' stage and was never an advertised feature on their Steam Store page) stopped working shortly after the November 2023 closure of the studio.
KartKraft uses the Unreal Engine and supports virtual reality, triple screen play, and full motion platforms.
Reception
{{Video game reviews
}}
Hardcore Gamer praised the accuracy of the simulation elements, but panned the title as a game.{{cite news |last1=Wells |first1=Cory |title=Review: KartKraft - Hardcore Gamer |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-kartkraft/418389/ |access-date=14 August 2022 |work=hardcoregamer.com |date=7 February 2022}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://kartkraftgame.com/}}
Category:Kart racing video games
Category:Video games developed in Australia
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games