What’s In the Letter?
- [p]Season 6[/p][list]
- [p]Release Date[/p][/*]
- [p]Hong Kong Island Rework (Northern Districts)[/p][/*]
- [p]Community Live Event Week[/p][/*]
- [p]Side Skirts, Diffusers, Front Splitters & More[/p][/*]
- [p]Confirmed Features & Content So Far[/p][/*]
- [p]Confirmed & Upcoming Fixes[/p][/*]
- [p]Network Improvements[/p][/*]
- [p]Winners[/p][/*]
- [p]How To Submit[/p][/*]
- [p]March Solar Club Letter[/p][/*]
- [p]Gameplay[/p][/*]
- [p]Future Outlook[/p][/*]
- [p]Season 6 Feature Showcase[/p][/*]
⏭️ Season 6
[p]Season 6 arrives next month with more content, features, quality of life improvements, and more! Let’s take a look at this in more detail.[/p][p] [/p]Release Date
[p]The update is planned to release at the end of March, and we’ll announce this exact date next month.[/p][p][/p][p]As for the maintenance, it will be mentioned in the Patch Notes, which will arrive a day or two before the release of the update, but expect the usual server maintenance at 9:30am CET and lasting up to 8:00pm CET. As usual, we will keep you updated on our progress during the day too.[/p][p][/p][p]Make sure to stay tuned for all the details on the release by following us on social media![/p][p][/p]Hong Kong Island Rework (Northern Districts)
[p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/390b50605ca95969cdc46dbde9384ce37f7ba54c.jpg"][/img][/p][p]At the launch of Season 5, we reworked the southern areas of Hong Kong Island. We aren’t done yet though, as we have worked on the northern areas of the island for the launch of Season 6. With that, we also went back in and reworked some of the southern areas in more detail with new billboards, traffic lights, and intersections![/p][p] [/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/e51a1da16d16ccf3608fcc32fac4b3b1c0ebb3bd.jpg"][/img][/p][p]To be more specific on the Northern side, we’ve reworked a lot of the buildings to offer more variety between the districts. To discuss this in much more detail, here’s art director Stephane Cambier to give us more details![/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/5de2afe3c21cdcbe76e7d5de48b9bc7d152d6c68.jpg"][/img] [/p][p]“We are continuing our sustained efforts to improve Hong Kong Island’s northern districts, focusing our efforts on several subjects: [/p][p]Such as fixing the height and density of the building, adding more green spaces, which is one of HKI’s trademarks, and creating more diversity in the building shapes and colors. [/p][p]Huy Nguyen-Tan (our main procedural building artist) is therefore at work to improve all this, and I hope you will appreciate the colossal work he has accomplished so far in this regard.”[/p]- [p]Stéphane (TDUSC Art Director)[/p][/*]
Side Skirts, Diffusers, Front Splitters & More
[p]We’ve started making further improvements to vehicle customisation in TDUSC. We heard a lot of player feedback on vehicle customisation in the game, and we’ve worked to further expand this. In Season 6, you will see the first arrival of this feature, beginning with the official Audi Sport Performance Parts customisation for the Audi R8 RWS (coupe only)! Spoiler, front splitter, side skirt, and rear diffuser, all which can be individually added in the workshop.[/p][p] [/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/65f75a593fa4a1c2dc32b9b1e392ab9ccdb969dc.jpg"][/img] [/p][p]We think this is a step forward in the direction of what TDU players love to see; licensed parts and kits, similar to what was seen in the first opus, Test Drive Unlimited 1. We will work on increasing the quantity of this content in the following seasons too, and we are really excited to see what the players think![/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/924e4b3b6a07533c604b229cb010d2b4e180d73c.jpg"][/img][/p][p]Why not see this in more detail with some gameplay around the Northern areas of Hong Kong Island with said vehicle? We didn’t want to leave out the other areas of the map we improved though, check out the latest video on the Nacon Racing channel now![/p][p][/p][previewyoutube="pT5MX7xmyAw;full"][/previewyoutube][p][/p]Community Live Event Week
[p]Remember when we had the community vote on races and liveries to feature in an upcoming Season 6 live event? We’ve integrated the liveries into the game, and we’d like to showcase them![/p][p][/p][carousel autoadvance="true"][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/ec72ae1a3fdf80aeadaa7e1642b92ce953c21698.jpg"][/img][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/b9a75bbf23ce8099ea857fb0d8a95f266c2b0c2d.jpg"][/img][/carousel][p] Congrats again to SylFR for their beautiful Streets liberty and Faucheureuse for their classy Sharp livery![/p][p][/p][carousel autoadvance="true"][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/8a25cac88a452d5e46ded7d63ef5f4a4721260e3.jpg"][/img][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/32ee3369135d52370d85701d971bcfd72fab5d8f.jpg"][/img][/carousel][p]We were originally going to choose one winner, but considering we had a Sharp one win, we couldn’t leave the Streets out too! Give a shout to both livery designers, they killed it![/p][p][/p]Features, Content & Improvements
- [p]Detective Missions[/p][p]Each mission has its own story to tell, with lore related to the Radiant, Solar Crown, Sharps, Streets, and even some surprise TDU universe characters being involved…[/p][p][/p][carousel autoadvance="true"][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/2c026cf414a243e6555fb626c6c6b0253704e1d0.jpg"][/img][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/aeb9f55a27c142be3a3376f9489e92f4dd37f835.jpg"][/img][/carousel][p]You’ll learn about the ‘Fixer’ who is managing an investigation company. Through that, they hired you to do private investigator work.[/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/bddaac5a347c4ebb2d6eca6f78d8cc51be029cae.jpg"][/img][/p][p]We wanted to make sure these missions aren’t just tailing like they were in TDU2, and we are confident we’ve done well here! You’ll learn much about these in more detail soon with gameplay, but the screenshots (and driving videos) can give you some details! [/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/56eb4e02da7918ca6938a1199d852408e1af5a7d.jpg"][/img][/p][/*]
- [p]Updated Stores[/p][list]
- [p]Physical Clothing Stores in Ibiza[/p][carousel autoadvance="true"][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/97b4605ab5387a435ceecc0a0995292b8901866e.jpg"][/img][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/e67d2a35a647234637e6dbe8b43daed4314caa45.jpg"][/img][/carousel][/*]
- [p]Improved Car Cosmetic Street/Sharp Store in Hong Kong Island.[/p][p][/p][/*]
Vehicles
- [p]Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series (Online Store) [/p][/*]
- [p]Lamborghini Temerario (Solar Pass Level 15)[/p][carousel autoadvance="true"][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/bc31116a1969d85132331ff8ef775639c4a9b5b7.jpg"][/img][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/c46a30388c20e485d891aa92d8795559105f7677.jpg"][/img][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/2e5f49158ca176c5ee6f7f3fc85ccb824a236bd5.jpg"][/img][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/61e392176ac57fc42f44cf254eb13a565b883644.jpg"][/img][/carousel][/*]
- [p]Pagani Huayra Roadster (Italian Dealership) [/p][/*]
- [p]Pininfarina B95 (Solar Pass Level 50)[/p][carousel autoadvance="true"][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/753942d39c4d90b637cfe5a566eeba08a76a8880.jpg"][/img][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/0eb79268eb6d3ea3c0b2fbc001240c9fe6c01f8a.jpg"][/img][/carousel][/*]
- [p]Bentley Continental GTC Speed (Online Store) [img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/f4571b073e551de5417198ce7e2617826f48d31d.jpg"][/img][/p][/*]
Confirmed & Upcoming Fixes
[p]We mentioned a few fixes in the last letter that are arriving in Season 6, but let’s cover those again, and also mention some more![/p]- [p]Wheel Animation Desync On Wheels - With the implementation of multiple inputs, we’ve fixed the issue where the wheel can become desynced.[/p][/*]
- [p]Ferrari Portofino missing interior trim options - The Portofino now has the correct interior options![/p][/*]
- [p]Gas Station AR not being disabled - Gas Stations no longer have AR when you have the AR feature off.[/p][/*]
- [p]Cancelling an emote with an object makes the object stay in motion - We’ve fixed this issue so you can no longer throw multiple objects in the game, although we understand some players had fun messing around with this bug.[/p][/*]
- [p]Ford F150 Adventurer/Nissan GTR The Tyger/BMW M4 Competition PUMA upgrade pricing - We fixed the upgrade pricing of all the vehicles affected[/p][/*]
- [p]The Ferrari 488 Pista has the incorrect reverse/turn-signal lighting and interior/2D lens model - The 488 finally has its signature turn signal design![/p][/*]
- [p]Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE rim model - We’ve fixed these rims so they are more accurately reflected with more depth.[/p][/*]
- [p]While using an H-Shifter, the vehicle incorrectly produces a 'rev match' dynamic/sound when the gear select is in neutral too quickly (with auto-clutch off) - A well awaited fix, those who who use auto-clutch off, and especially those who use h-shifters, you will no longer hear the rev match noise![/p][/*]
- [p]Impossible Speed Challenges - All Impossible Speed Challenges can now be completed![/p][/*]
- [p]FSR3/XeSS/DLSS 99% is actually better quality than 100% - A very specific bug, but those who use the highest option of your upscaler, should see a slightly improved sharpness/clarity.[/p][/*]
- [p]& much more to be announced in the coming weeks and the patch notes![/p][p][/p][/*]
Network Improvements
[p]The network team is hard at work at many of the upcoming features arriving in TDUSC in the coming Seasons. We mentioned in the last letter, but the team is now focused on rewriting our servers code to increase stability, players visibility, and data reliability, which is mandatory for us to add cross region and crossplay in the future of TDUSC’s life. Of course, the team is also working on the Official Racing Center features (which brings a matchmaking playlist for ranked and unranked as a social hub), and Housing, which has many networking features regarding player sociability.[/p][p][/p][p]In Season 6, there are some improvements you can expect to see though, such as some fixes regarding session & group stability, and other issues concerning things the team saw with the PlayStation Plus arrival.[/p][p][/p][p]To discuss this in more detail, here is Sylvain from the network team again![/p][p][/p][p]“PlayStation Plus was a huge milestone for us, especially following the initial release of TDU. We worked hard the last few months to make sure that anything works as expected and that our infrastructure will be able to handle every new player. And it also gives us a lot of new data and insights to check regarding our applications ! In Season 6 we will introduce several fixes regarding our Session management system, mostly linked to what players see as "Lobby error" or group errors. [/p][p]Now the team is fully focused on the ‘servers v2’ part of the job, where we will rewrite a lot of our algorithms to improve stability of network connection, reduce the latency, and make sure that players will be able to see each other a lot more in the open world part.”[/p]- [p]Sylvain (TDUSC Lead Online Programmer)[/p][/*]
????️ Community Spotlight Winners - February
[p]Yup! It’s time to announce the winners for the month of February![/p][p][/p]Winners
[p]There have been some amazing pictures sent in for this month's Community Spotlight, but here are the top 3 voted photos of the month by the TDU team! [/p][olist][*][p]Discord member Crixus-style wins this month's Community Spotlight with their amazing photography of the Citroën 2CV![img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/2dddb393c86fad040373305748c4df58ae523cfd.jpg"][/img][/p][/*][*][p]Discord member Marc-Vincent shows off their Audi TTRS in the beautiful Ibiza sunset![/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/33040d8d4a358ed3a38a00e4b5b903bcb8c028e8.jpg"][/img][/p][/*][*][p]Discord member Bochel84 brings out the DeLorean DMC12 for a picture perfect sunset location on Hong Kong Island![/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38247908/adc325544a5f47066145f786fd2eceec7ad0cb5b.jpg"][/img][/p][/*][/olist][p]Congrats again to the winners! You all win 5,000,000 Solar Coins and 100 Diamonds![/p][p][/p]
How To Enter
[p]First, join our Discord which can be found at Discord.gg/TestDrive. Once you join our Discord, you’ll see a channel called ‘tdusc-photos’. Here, you can send the best pictures you've taken in TDUSC, but make sure to put #communityspotlight2 in your message post! [/p][p]Here are the rules:[/p]- [p]Each month there will be a theme![/p][/*]
- [p]Pictures must be high quality and not edited outside of the game or taken with tools that are not native to TDUSC's in-game photo mode[/p][/*]
- [p]Only 1 picture is allowed[/p][/*]
- [p]You are only allowed one post per month; however, you can delete your post and make a new one to replace it.[/p][/*]
- [p]3 photos will be selected by the TDU team to win each month[/p][/*]
- [p]The best picture will be showcased in the in-game news section in TDUSC[/p][/*]
February Theme
[p]Paris Fashion Week - Your photo must feature you in your Solar Hotel garage, dressed to impress, next to a car that matches! Good luck![/p][p] [/p]????️ Next Communications
[p]That’s the end of this month's letter, but what can you expect next? Here’s some of the upcoming news materials arriving between now, and the launch of Season 6; in no particular order.[/p][p][/p]Gameplay
[p]Over the next weeks, you can expect to find cruise and race gameplay of the Season 6 vehicles such as the beautiful Pagani Huayra Roadster, abundant with many interior and exterior manufacturer options, fully working dynamic wing, and a beautiful sound of the engine![/p][p] [/p]March Solar Club Letter
[p]As usual, you can expect another Solar Club Letter next month around the middle of the month![/p][p][/p]Future Outlook
[p]Here you’ll find a lot of new information about Season 6, Season 7, and Season 8 with more work in progress images and videos of housing, the Official Racing Center, Live Event enhancements and Solar Pass enhancements. We think the TDU community will be happy to see what’s coming ahead for the future![/p][p][/p]Season 6 Feature Showcase
[p]As usual and similar to our Season 5 showcase reveal stream, we will be going live with TDUSC’s Game Director, Guillaume Guinet. We’ll be announcing this date in the March Solar Club letter, which is planned to release around mid-March.[/p][p] [/p]❤️ Final Message
[p]We are hard at work continuing the improvements for Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, and we once again thank you for your continued support! Guillaume also has a message to share for the TDUSC community![/p][p][/p][p]“Hi everyone! I’m incredibly excited about what’s on the horizon for this season and the ones to follow.[/p][p]Detective is turning out to be exactly the Role Play experience we imagined! I’m so proud of what the team has done; we’ve poured our hearts into crafting unique stories for every mission to give you a true taste of the private detective life. [/p][p]As for Housing… I honestly can't believe what the team is pulling off right now. It is absolutely "wow." The ideas are flowing, and I’m dying to share more details with you all soon![/p][p]In the meantime, we have a ton of great content and surprises lined up. It’s going to be a long, incredible journey together.[/p][p]Again, we want to thank you for all your feedback and support. It truly motivates us to push our limits and deliver the ultimate "Test Drive Unlimited" experience. I hope you have as much fun playing it as we’ve had building it! [/p][p]"One last thing… We all love the Pagani in Season 6, right? But how about some sweet 6 cylinders for the upcoming seasons? Maybe even one of the most highly anticipated cars for enthusiasts everywhere?[/p][p]???????? & ????????[/p][p]That’s all I can share for now—gotta run!”[/p]- [p]Guillaume (TDUSC Game Director)[/p][p][/p][/*]
- [p]The TDU Team[/p][/*]
