Smells Like Burnt Rubber News

Hey everyone,

I've been working hard over the past few weeks on a new network implementation, and I’m excited to announce that a Beta version is now available for testing!

So if you are brave enough, you can switch Smell Like Burnt Rubber to the Beta branch and test it :-)
Check out the instructions below to get started.

This update includes numerous small improvements and bug fixes, but the biggest change is the network layer overhaul:

1. New online gameplay via Steam Servers
   
2. Local LAN support
   

If you encounter any issues, please report them here in the Community Hub or on my Discord server. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!





1.) Right-click on Smells Like Burnt Rubber in your Steam Library and select Properties.



2.) Go to the Betas tab, choose "beta - Beta branch" under Beta Participation, and click OK.



To switch back, simply repeat the steps and select "None" under Beta Participation.


The full release is getting close! I’m aiming to launch within the next 2–4 weeks. That depends on the Beta test feedback.

Stay tuned! 🚀

Steam Spring Sale is Here! Get Smells Like Burnt Rubber for 50% Off! 🔥

The Steam Spring Sale is live, and you can grab Smells Like Burnt Rubber at 50% off! Don't miss this chance to jump into the action-packed arcade racing experience!

[h2]🎮 Multiplayer Madness![/h2]

• Race with up to 4 friends in splitscreen 🏁
  
• Compete online with up to 8 players 🌍
  

[h2]🏆 Chase the Leaderboards![/h2]
Take on the weekly & monthly leaderboard events and prove to the world that you're the fastest racer!





https://store.steampowered.com/app/2194840/Smells_Like_Burnt_Rubber/

Get your friends together, some snacks, soda and enjoy Couch Co-Op games... like in the good old days!



Smells Like Burnt Rubber is speeding into the Steam Couch Co-op Event with a massive 90% off discount! 🏎️💨

Hit the track and experience the ultimate 4-player split-screen racing chaos. Drifts, crashes, and high-speed action - this is couch multiplayer at its finest! Don't miss out!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2194840/Smells_Like_Burnt_Rubber/

This update is a small one, but it brings some solid improvements!



[h2]Wait, wasn’t there something bigger planned?[/h2]
Yes! The big network update is still in the works, but it’s taking longer than expected. During testing, I ran into a major issue with object syncing. Plus, large-scale testing as a solo developer is tough! Huge thanks to my wife and friends for helping out after work.

On top of that, we've been battling colds a lot lately, which slowed things down.

Being a solo dev is challenging, but I won’t give up! The network rework is still a priority, and I’ll keep pushing forward in the coming weeks.

[hr][/hr]


Here's everything that's been updated:

[h2]Improvements[/h2]

• Reworked hit points animation
  
• Reworked stunt hit animation
  
• Reworked on screen comic text
  
• UI: added latest news to the main menu
  
• UI: splitscreen players are now visible on the main menu
  
• UI: vehicle selection: here you can toggle between simple vehicle stats and the full ones
  

[h2]Bug Fixes[/h2]

• Various small fixes all over the game
  

[hr][/hr]


The new network library remains the top priority. I can’t give an exact release date, as my previous estimates didn’t hold up, but I’m on it! Stay tuned!

Merry Christmas to everyone around the globe! 🎄
I wish you a joyful time with your family and hope you enjoy the holidays to the fullest.




The migration to the new network library is complete! 🎉 I’ve entered the testing phase with my friends, and while I expect we’ll uncover a few bugs, I’m confident there won’t be any blockers.

This release also includes a ton of improvements, new features, and bug fixes—like brand-new camera views!

For example, I'm introducing 2 additional camera views:

1️⃣ Fixed Top-Down View – Perfect for those who love a classic arcade racing feel.




2️⃣ Dynamic 3rd-Person View – This one closely follows your vehicle's rotations




I hope you're as excited as I am for this update. The biggest one since the game’s release!

"When can we expect the new Release?"
For now, I’m aiming for a release at the end of January or early February.


I’m also focusing on improving my skills as a game developer. While this is still just a spare-time hobby, creating video games has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. ☺️

Over the last few years working on Smells Like Burnt Rubber, I’ve learned so much about game development, design, and even marketing. And now? I’m brainstorming ideas for my next project and want to improve further my skills.

Stay tuned for more updates! 🎮