Slightly Mad Studios (SMS) faced considerable criticism regarding Project Cars 2, particularly concerning platform disparities and community engagement. While achieving impressive sales figures, the studio struggled to manage negative feedback stemming from perceived favoritism towards certain platforms and a disconnect between developers and players.
One major point of contention revolved around graphical and performance differences between the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC versions. Boasting superior hardware, the PC version naturally showcased enhanced visuals and smoother frame rates. However, SMS’s perceived emphasis on the PC experience, coupled with dismissive remarks about the Xbox One’s capabilities, alienated a significant portion of the player base. This perceived “PC elitism” further fueled resentment among console players who felt their experience was being disregarded.
Simultaneously, the studio’s handling of community feedback drew criticism. Despite presenting themselves as a small team, SMS often touted their extensive racing game development pedigree inherited from SimBin. This inconsistency in messaging, along with a perceived lack of responsiveness to legitimate concerns, created a sense of distrust within the community. The situation escalated with accusations of SMS using platform rivalries to deflect criticism away from the game itself, effectively turning Project Cars 2 into a “political football.”
While acknowledging the inherent challenges of satisfying a diverse player base, critics argued that SMS could have handled the situation more effectively. Employing a dedicated community manager to address concerns and filter feedback to developers could have mitigated some of the negativity. A more transparent and empathetic approach to community engagement might have fostered a more positive relationship between SMS and its players.
Ultimately, the Project Cars 2 controversy highlights the importance of clear communication, platform parity considerations, and respectful community engagement in the gaming industry. While the game undeniably achieved commercial success, the handling of community concerns left a lasting impact on the studio’s reputation. This serves as a valuable lesson for developers navigating the complexities of a passionate and vocal gaming audience. The desire for a “Project Cars 2 Custom Grid Tool” and other community-driven features underscores the need for developers to actively listen to and engage with their players.
