A Case Study On Drifting in Games

Allow me to introduce the drifting mechanic, which has been a part of the world of racing video games for many decades, creating and replicating the excitement and challenge that comes with the skill involved in real life into the virtual driving format. Whether it’s drifting to build and release nitro, or to make precise turns without losing major momentum, Drifting has always been a core element and game changer for high-speed virtual racing. In the realm of racing video games, few mechanics have left a mark as drifting. This dynamic maneuver has been an integral part of virtual racing for several decades, seamlessly merging the thrill and technical finesse required in real-world racing with the immersive, virtual driving experience. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the sport, perpetually captivating both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

History

The roots of drifting in video games can be traced back to the arcade and home console racing games of the 80s and dominated by SEGA in the arcade, players discovered the thrill of sliding their virtual vehicles through tight turns and corners. Back then it was simple, the further your controller's movement stick, the more your vehicle would slide rather than turn, however, it was the release of Nintendo's iconic game, "Mario Kart," in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System that launched the drifting mechanic mainstream. Unlike traditional drifting, this game introduced a unique mechanic where players could execute power slides, setting the stage for future racing titles to adapt and refine this feature for unique racing experiences.

Function

Drifting serves a dual purpose, mainly as a skillful maneuver for navigating tight corners, and offering a strategic advantage for overtaking opponents. When executed with precision, a well-timed drift allows players to maintain momentum while making sharp turns, whereas, in games such as Mario Kart, it allows you to build up a boost that activates upon straightening your kart after and at the end of a drift. Additionally, mastering the art of drifting enables players to outmaneuver rivals, adding an extra layer of depth and competitiveness to the racing gameplay experience. Every game takes a different or similar approach to drifting and can create unique experiences for each style of racing game, where some games, drifting is imperative to get the best possible results and requirements to complete a challenge, such as drift scoring or getting a fast time, other’s add it to replicate the real-life experience with drifting and its skill involved, drifting is necessary to create the best possible racing game experience.

In any racing game nowadays, drifting offers players more enhanced control, speed boosts, and a sense of mastery with the learning of the technique, easy to learn, and takes time to master. It creates a sense of adrenaline and a clear comparison of skilled players and the average racer. Without it, handling is predictable, gameplay is less dynamic, provides a slower experience, and appeals to new players seeking simplicity. Either way, drifting’s design to its very core can separate you from taking slower corners to acing the very mechanic to be first across the finish line.

Design Context

What makes drifting essential to a game comes down to how accessible drifting is and what techniques and skills are involved. A lot of games feature the ability to fine-tune the percentage of drifting sensitivity or to swap parts so a player's car leans towards a more drift build, allowing players less steering before an initial slide begins, whereas others simply depend on the skill of the player, breaking and immediately hitting the ignition steering directionally and straightening in an instant or holding a drift to build up speed or nitrous burst/boost, these all follow the design principle of providing option’s and experiences to drift during play. Most games would look to either replicate or add something new to it, like rewarding the player with a quicker boost the longer you drift or refueling your nitrous meter, if it can grant the basic foundations and achievements that come with learning and mastering drifting, it can create a great system for any and all racing game enthusiasts.

Game Examples

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Initial D Arcade Series:

Based on the popular anime and manga series, this SEGA arcade game series places heavy emphasis on drifting techniques at high speeds in the tight roads and mountain passes of Japan. Players must master the art of street racing, where precision and control during drifts are paramount to success that can either lead to wipeout victories and times or to catastrophic failure and left far behind the competition. This series is still going strong and played in big numbers worldwide with its most recent installment, Initial D: The Arcade, allowing players to carry progress on the go with their Play Cards.

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Need for Speed:

The Need for Speed franchise originally started as a top-down racing game that I played as a kid, now a story-driven open-world experience as you race and compete in special events for cash and reputation, all to become the best racer of the many locations in the franchise. Need for Speed has a heavy emphasis on drifting as a quick release of the R2 trigger before continuing to accelerate allows you to drift and build up Burst Nitrous to really get ahead of the competition and quickest around the turns. A car that has more parts that lean towards a drift build allows the car to get the best when drifting, especially for its drift-only events like Takeover in Need for Speed Unbound, drifting is still possible with any car build but it all depends on the user's build.

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Conclusion:

Drifting mechanics have not only revolutionized racing games but have also become a testament to the creativity and innovation within the gaming industry and their efforts to either replicate or add a new spin to the mechanic. Its evolution from arcade cabinets to hyper-realistic simulations showcases the endless appeal of this dynamic gameplay feature. By offering challenges and rewards to players, drifting continues to captivate players and remains a cornerstone of the video game racing genre.

Bibliography:

History of drifting games:

https://youtu.be/Q0F1HxVo4aw?feature=shared

Mario Kart:

https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/the-design-origins-of-drifting-in-i-mario-kart-i-

Mario Kart SNES:

https://www.nintendolife.com/games/snes/super_mario_kart

Drifting Guide:

https://www.redbull.com/au-en/what-is-drifting-guide#9-drift-games:-virtual-training-at-home

Initial D History (also mentioned is Daytona USA):

https://www.geeksundergrace.com/gaming/the-underground-arcade-racing-scene-a-history-of-initial-d-arcade-stage/

Initial D: The Arcade:

https://www.teamvvv.com/news/initial-d-the-arcade-drifting-into-japanese-arcades-next-week/

Need for Speed Unbound Drifting Guide:

https://www.ea.com/en-au/games/need-for-speed/need-for-speed-unbound/news/how-to-drift

Paper Submitted 20th October 2023 for Assignment 1 Foundational Game Elements - Awarded 85/100 - High Distinction