The developers of GRID 2 have finally revealed more details about how the multiplayer will work in GRID 2. Promising player progression, increased depth and more rewards as the main design philosophy that the multiplayer is designed around.
Multiplayer Modes
In terms of multiplayer modes, the developers have revealed that there will be a quick online race mode and two-player split-screen. The MP will also feature matches with up to 12 players online and will have custom race modes wherein players can customise the game settings or choose from pre-defined playlists. In addition to this players can show off their own car customisation, not just in the mechanical side of the car, but also in terms of the visual aspect. There will be a total of 6 billion(!) different combinations that the livery editor will offer!
To ensure that players remain fair, the game will ensure a new anti-griefing technology. This technology tracks player behaviours in terms of ramming other players, so that players who consistently race clean end up with fellow clean racers. While those who just go around bashing all the players completely for the lulz, will be matched with similar players.
The actual game modes will include: Race (including a new thing called LiveRoutes), Endurance, Drift, Touge, Checkpoint, Face Off, Time Attack. There will also be Global Challenge events such as Overtake and Power Lap.
RaceNet
GRID 2 will feature a new system called RaceNet, this is a free online browser-based extension that tracks player's races, rivals and rewards. It will launch fully with GRID 2 and is the main hub for the multiplayer side of GRID 2.
Players who have played Battlefield 3 will probably find RaceNet oddly familiar (Battlelog).
These stats can also be viewed from desktop tablet and mobile devices using dedicated free applications available in the various application stores. Players can already sign up for RaceNet by clicking here.
Social Competitive Aspects
GRID 2 will employ a Rival and Follower system. How it will work is player will be matched up against a similar other player on a weekly basis to compete against based on ability and activity in-game to ensure a well-matched challenge.
In addition, players can also Rival against their friends or players from previous races or a custom Rival can be set on parameters chosen by the player using event type and geographic filters.
As players increase their Fame level, they will gain more followers; these can be lost by losing against Rivals in the weekly challenges. Additional followers can also be gained through beating Community Challenge events and RaceNet objectives. Followers is yet another mechanic in place for players to compete with other players on to show off who has the most followers.
The social aspects do not end there, RaceNet and GRID 2 will connect directly with YouTube, Facebook and Twitter to allow players to quickly record and upload highlights from their races to YouTube and share it over RaceNet, Facebook and Twitter.
GRID 2 will be releasing on May 31st for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
