SuperTuxKart gets new game engine for better graphics performance

The developers of SuperTuxKart have introduced a new game engine. The graphics of existing tracks of the originally Linux game would have been significantly improved by the Antartica engine.

Only the meshes and textures are still processed based on the original Irrlicht engine, the blog post states. The new engine makes additional features possible and the existing race tracks have also undergone a graphic update. The Antartica engine can render lights and shadows better, among other things. In addition, two reportedly sizable new tracks have been added. Cocoa Temple replaces Jungle and Gran Paradiso Island replaces Island.

In addition, online accounts have been added. The developers behind SuperTuxKart claim that the feature is a precursor to the game’s multiplayer. That mode is still in development, but the team says that feature is currently the main focus. However, the online accounts allow players to upload all their achievements and connect with their friends.

Version 3.1 is now used instead of version 1 of OpenGL. This would give the developers more advanced functionality, but on the other hand, it produces more bugs. The team says they need as much feedback as possible to fix those bugs, because there is no budget to test everything themselves.

SuperTuxKart is a free-to-play racing game for PC. The game previously existed under the name TuxKart. The game has been updated annually since 2006, but the last change dates back to December 2012. However, with version 0.8.2, that has changed.