Difference between revisions of "About LFS"

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The outer loop of the physics and environment checks run at 100 Hz, but with 20 uninterruptible sub-updates inside that (tight loop on each car) so in one sense it's 2000 Hz physics.
 
The outer loop of the physics and environment checks run at 100 Hz, but with 20 uninterruptible sub-updates inside that (tight loop on each car) so in one sense it's 2000 Hz physics.
  
== History of LFS ==
+
== History ==
 
* Sometime in 1999: Working on Lionhead's Black & White, Scawen starts to write a small stunt simulator with mouse steering in his free time  
 
* Sometime in 1999: Working on Lionhead's Black & White, Scawen starts to write a small stunt simulator with mouse steering in his free time  
 
* Spring 2001: After the release of Black & White, Scawen and Eric leave Lionhead to work fulltime on LFS  
 
* Spring 2001: After the release of Black & White, Scawen and Eric leave Lionhead to work fulltime on LFS  
* 18.08.2002: A user of the West Racing forum finds the demo test {{LFS version|0.04k}} on the internet and spreads the word about LFS: http://www.west-racing.com/forum/index.php?topic=958.0
+
* 18.08.2002: A user of the West Racing forum finds the demo test {{LFS version|0.04k}} on the internet and spreads the word about LFS: https://web.archive.org/web/20090302121825/http://www.west-racing.com/forum/index.php?topic=958.0
 
* 19.09.2002: The official LFS forum starts at Race Sim Central: http://forum.rscnet.org/forumdisplay.php?f=205  
 
* 19.09.2002: The official LFS forum starts at Race Sim Central: http://forum.rscnet.org/forumdisplay.php?f=205  
 
* 17.07.2003: Release of Live for Speed S1, the first full LFS release  
 
* 17.07.2003: Release of Live for Speed S1, the first full LFS release  
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* 18.08.2022: LFS turns 20! 20th anniversary progress report: https://www.lfs.net/20th-anniversary
 
* 18.08.2022: LFS turns 20! 20th anniversary progress report: https://www.lfs.net/20th-anniversary
  
== Major LFS releases ==
+
== Major releases ==
 
* 18.08.2002: {{LFS version|0.04k}} - The first public LFS version ever  
 
* 18.08.2002: {{LFS version|0.04k}} - The first public LFS version ever  
 
* 06.09.2002: {{LFS version|0.1B}} - Demo test with added reversed track configs  
 
* 06.09.2002: {{LFS version|0.1B}} - Demo test with added reversed track configs  
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* 05.04.2005: {{LFS version|0.5K}} - S2 Demo Alpha, features work-in-progress S2 physics but with only demo content  
 
* 05.04.2005: {{LFS version|0.5K}} - S2 Demo Alpha, features work-in-progress S2 physics but with only demo content  
 
* 25.06.2005: {{LFS version|0.5P}} - S2 Alpha, physics improved since {{LFS version|0.5K}} but still in development, full S2 content available
 
* 25.06.2005: {{LFS version|0.5P}} - S2 Alpha, physics improved since {{LFS version|0.5K}} but still in development, full S2 content available
* 19.12.2015: {{LFS version|0.6K}} - The S3 License is available
+
* 19.12.2015: {{LFS version|0.6K}} - The S3 License is available with [[Rockingham]] racetrack
 
* 16.12.2021: {{LFS version|0.7A}} - [[Vehicle Mods]] support, [[LFS Editor]] (vehicle editor and modelling tool) also released
 
* 16.12.2021: {{LFS version|0.7A}} - [[Vehicle Mods]] support, [[LFS Editor]] (vehicle editor and modelling tool) also released
  
== Complete list of LFS releases ==
+
== The development team ==
{{main article|Version History}}
 
 
 
Note that this list excludes the numerous test patches that have been released.
 
 
 
For more details see [https://www.lfs.net/news/type/-2 Official LFS News].
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 100%"
 
! Version
 
! Date
 
! Changes
 
|-
 
| colspan="3" align="middle" style="background-color: #52a19c" | '''Demo test era'''
 
|-
 
| '''{{LFS version|0.04k}}'''
 
| 18.08.2002
 
| The first ever public version of Live for Speed
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.04Q}}
 
| 31.08.2002
 
| {{Template:Unknown}}
 
|-
 
| '''{{LFS version|0.1B}}'''
 
| 06.09.2002
 
| Major update, lots of bug fixes and surprises
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.1C}}
 
| 11.09.2002
 
| {{Template:Unknown}}
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.1E}}
 
| 15.09.2002
 
| Greatly improved controller support
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.1F}}
 
| 11.10.2002
 
| Replays controls, more options and improvements
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.1H2}}
 
| 27.10.2002
 
| Added multiplayer replays, other small improvements and bug fixes
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.1J}}
 
| 09.11.2002
 
| Small improvements and bug fixes
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.1N}}
 
| 13.12.2002
 
| Small improvements and bug fixes
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.1P}}
 
| 30.01.2003
 
| Small improvements and bug fixes
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.1Q}}
 
| 05.02.2003
 
| Small improvements and bug fixes
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.1T}}
 
| 19.02.2003
 
| Small improvements and bug fixes
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.1W}}
 
| 04.03.2003
 
| Bug fixes
 
|-
 
| '''{{LFS version|0.2A}}'''
 
| 22.03.2003
 
| Demo test, similar to S1 but without the new cars & tracks
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.2B}}
 
| 02.04.2003
 
| Uses UDP packets for car position updates, various minor fixes
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.2C}}
 
| 02.04.2003
 
| {{LFS version|0.2B}} had a bug and was replaced by 0.2C the same day
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.2D}}
 
| 07.05.2003
 
| Adds {{folder|skins_x}} directory for other drivers' skins
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.2E}}
 
| 01.06.2003
 
| New SPR replay format (was GST format), added bump stops, gear ratios individually adjustable
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.2F}}
 
| 25.06.2003
 
| Master server IP change update, last checkpoint time differences are displayed on the position list
 
|-
 
| colspan="3" align="middle" style="background-color: #6badef" | '''S1 era'''
 
|-
 
| '''{{LFS version|0.3A}}'''
 
| 17.07.2003
 
| First release with paid content
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.3B}}
 
| 25.09.2003
 
| Adds translations, fixes many bugs
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.3C}}
 
| 30.10.2003
 
| Allows up to 16 players to race online at once (previously 12), adds remote administration
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.3D}}
 
| 31.10.2003
 
| Small bug fixes
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.3E}}
 
| 15.12.2003
 
| Adds a new car ([[Single-Seaters#MRT5|MRT5]])
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.3F}}
 
| 02.03.2004
 
| Adds HVS support, in-game [[LFS World]] integration and makes changes to keyboard steering system (less assists)
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.3G}}
 
| 08.04.2004
 
| Reduces multiplayer warping, faster server browser, adds option to block chat messages
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.3H}}
 
| 08.10.2004
 
| Adds skid marks and improved online stability
 
|-
 
| colspan="3" align="middle" style="background-color: #ebca46" | '''S2 era'''
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5A}}
 
| 14.08.2004
 
| Pre-alpha tested at the Games Convention in Leipzig, included MRT6 and LX8 GTR
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5D}}
 
| 15.01.2005
 
| S2 CMX viewer released so work on S2 skins could begin
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5F}}
 
| 11.02.2005
 
| Early alpha build leaked across the net at some point in March, S2 content included but only S1 content could be unlocked
 
|-
 
| '''{{LFS version|0.5K}}'''
 
| 05.04.2005
 
| Demo content only with numerous WIP improvements from v0.3
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5L}}
 
| 30.04.2005
 
| Updated demo with the addition of clutch pack differentials and improved tyre heating
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5N}}
 
| 17.06.2005
 
| Updated CMX viewer released only
 
|-
 
| '''{{LFS version|0.5P}}'''
 
| 25.06.2005
 
| First official release with full [[:Category:S2 contents|S2 content]], up to 20 cars per server
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5Q}}
 
| 27.11.2005
 
| Improved international support
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5S}}
 
| 18.04.2006
 
| Updated CMX viewer released only
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5T}}
 
| 21.04.2006
 
| Improved tyre & aero physics, a new car ([[BMW Sauber F1.06]]), two new configurations for [[Aston]] and much more
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5U}}
 
| 29.04.2006
 
| Adds [[OutGauge]] system, server welcome messages, also fixes many small bugs
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5V}}
 
| 22.12.2006
 
| New engine sound system, improved multiplayer, auto-patcher system and many small GUI and usability improvements
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5W}}
 
| 31.03.2007
 
| Improved car sounds, various graphical updates, many small other improvements
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5X}}
 
| 08.06.2007
 
| Improved multiplayer (up to 32 cars per server), pre-load added to clutch pack diffs, handicaps system, high-res skin downloading
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5X10}}
 
| 08.07.2007
 
| Adds force cockpit view option, lots of smaller usability improvements
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5Y}}
 
| 21.12.2007
 
| Improved physics, updated tracks ([[South City]] and [[Blackwood]]), a new car ([[Formula BMW FB02]]), engine stall, clutch wear, AI improvement
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5Z}}
 
| 02.07.2008
 
| New interiors for some cars, physics parameter updates, replay controls, demo licencing, and more language translations
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5Z25}}
 
| 28.10.2009
 
| Improved car shadows, new wheel drawing system, improved road car dashboards, ABS brakes on some road cars, improved and much faster List of Hosts, powerful and flexible multiple screen support
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.5Z28}}
 
| 25.11.2009
 
| Installer, storage of multiple host passwords, added support for {{kbd|lfs://}} protocol
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.6B}}
 
| 17.06.2011
 
| Open track configurations, autocross and object improvements, collision reporting system and other [[InSim]] changes, adjustable tyre warmers for hot lapping
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.6E}}
 
| 30.11.2012
 
| Multiplayer improvements: New "instant" join system for fast and reliable connection, new packet buffering and storage system, new hacking protection and cheat detection systems
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.6F}}
 
| 21.06.2014
 
| Support for 3D devices (3D TVs, Oculus Rift), DirectX 9 graphics engine
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.6G}}
 
| 27.09.2014
 
| Oculus Rift DK2 support, graphical improvements
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.6H}}
 
| 02.04.2015
 
| Rebuilt and extended version of the [[Westhill]] racing environment with additional configurations, full support for open configurations, improvements to the layout editor
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.6J}}
 
| 15.08.2015
 
| High performance update
 
|-
 
| colspan="3" align="middle" style="background-color: #d96060" | '''S3 era'''
 
|-
 
| '''{{LFS version|0.6K}}'''
 
| 19.12.2015
 
| S3 license is now available with [[Rockingham]], graphical improvements including new reflections and dynamic environment maps, AI improvements, support for HTC Vive
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.6M}}
 
| 13.02.2016
 
| Rockingham update, borderless window system and other fixes
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.6N}}
 
| 24.03.2016
 
| Updates in VR ("look and click" system, virtual keyboard) and audio
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.6P}}
 
| 16.04.2016
 
| Updates in VR and controller support
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.6Q}}
 
| 03.09.2016
 
| New system to simulate the mirrors realistically, full stereoscopic 3D mirrors in VR modes
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.6R}}
 
| 28.01.2017
 
| Rebuilt and extended version of the [[Blackwood]] racing environment (plus an industrial estate open area), minor improvements (shadows, track maps)
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.6T}}
 
| 07.07.2018
 
| More robust multiplayer system, massive layout editor changes
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.6U}}
 
| 13.03.2019
 
| View (lock to horizon), VR, AI changes
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.6V}}
 
| 28.02.2021
 
| Multiplayer improvements, {{kbd|/pps 12}}, "Alternate" config for [[:Category:GTR cars|GTR cars]] (adjustable tyre sizes, wider steering lock, new tyre choices), adjustable handbrake strength, F12 and pitstop changes, FFB options, Live multiplayer replay support, VR, [[InSim]] / OutSim updates
 
|-
 
| '''{{LFS version|0.7A}}'''
 
| 16.12.2021
 
| [[Vehicle Mods]] support, new [[RB4 GT]] and updated [[MRT5]], new environment ([[Layout Square]]), [[LFS Editor]] (vehicle editor and modelling tool), major hosting changes
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.7B}}
 
| 14.02.2022
 
| Improvements to the Mods browser interface (with favourites system), AI for [[Vehicle Mods]], built-in Skin Viewer and skin template / wireframe generation, regenerative braking for electric vehicles
 
|-
 
| {{LFS version|0.7C}}
 
| 08.04.2022
 
| Upcoming events on the entry screen, new text entry system (with better support for multiple input languages), wireframe view in Garage
 
|-
 
| '''{{LFS version|0.7D}}'''
 
| 15.04.2022
 
| Event list and mods screen improvements, fixes (for keyboard arrow steering, for two FFB axes wheels etc.)
 
|-
 
| '''{{LFS version|0.7E}}'''
 
| 17.12.2023
 
| Popup headlights, sidelights/low/high beams, fog lights, dashboard improvements, improved bike physics, better AI racing, HUD improvements, maximum connections increased to 79
 
|}
 
 
 
''Missing versions in the list were only released to the beta team for testing''
 
 
 
[[File:LFSTimeline.png|center]]
 
 
 
== The development Team ==
 
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
image:Dev_team.jpg|fltr.: Eric, Victor, Scawen
 
image:Dev_team.jpg|fltr.: Eric, Victor, Scawen
Line 361: Line 72:
 
* [http://www.liveforspeed.no/index.php?side=intervju&med=victor&spraak=engelsk Sep 2006: All, lfs.no]
 
* [http://www.liveforspeed.no/index.php?side=intervju&med=victor&spraak=engelsk Sep 2006: All, lfs.no]
  
== Logos of LFS ==
+
== Logos ==
 
<gallery heights="55px">
 
<gallery heights="55px">
 
File:LFS 800.gif|An early logo
 
File:LFS 800.gif|An early logo

Latest revision as of 17:28, 9 January 2025

An internet multiplayer race in S2 with the Formula XR
The amazing tyre flex physics in Live for Speed S2
Choose between various setup settings
An old LFS logo
An early development version of LFS
The GT Turbo in LFS v0.1 at an unpublished city track in Miami.

Live for Speed is an online racing simulator developed by Scawen Roberts (game engine), Eric Bailey (tracks & cars) and Victor van Vlaardingen (music, website, sales). Its main features are the realistic physics engine and internet multiplayer with up to 40 players. The game is only sold at the official website http://www.lfs.net. You won't find it in any shops as the developers want to stay independent from any publisher, so they can include exactly the features they want to have in the game and do not have to change the game according to some manager's opinion. Starting as a demo in August 2002 more and more people tried the game and joined the internet community. With a lot of development progress the first stage (S1) of the game was published in July 2003. Two years later (2005) the S2 Alpha version was released and was under development with fresh new updates every 6 months to a year, not including test patches. Now the S3 license is available with Rockingham, a new laser scanned track (more content scheduled for the S3 license). VW Scirocco and a completely re-written tyre physics engine are planned for the future. The three developers have a close connection to the community and they frequently visit the official forum to get ideas of what the players want to see in the game. All the new updates to the game are accessible by the auto updater from within LFS.

Physics engine

The outer loop of the physics and environment checks run at 100 Hz, but with 20 uninterruptible sub-updates inside that (tight loop on each car) so in one sense it's 2000 Hz physics.

History

Major releases

  • 18.08.2002: 0.04k - The first public LFS version ever
  • 06.09.2002: 0.1B - Demo test with added reversed track configs
  • 22.03.2003: 0.2A - Demo test, similar to S1 but without the new cars & tracks
  • 17.07.2003: 0.3A - S1
  • 05.04.2005: 0.5K - S2 Demo Alpha, features work-in-progress S2 physics but with only demo content
  • 25.06.2005: 0.5P - S2 Alpha, physics improved since 0.5K but still in development, full S2 content available
  • 19.12.2015: 0.6K - The S3 License is available with Rockingham racetrack
  • 16.12.2021: 0.7A - Vehicle Mods support, LFS Editor (vehicle editor and modelling tool) also released

The development team

Interviews

Logos