I have now completed the initial terrain generation for the first real world location - the Balearic island of Menorca and you can try it out by opting in to the RealWorld beta
To optin...
1. Right click on "Powerboat VR" in your library and select "Properties"
2. From the new window select "BETAS"
3. Then select "RealWorld - Real World Terrain" from the list.
4. You should then receive a new update for the game.
5. You should choose "Freeplay" from the in game menu as races have currently been disabled and you will start in Mahon harbour.
6. Fish spawning has been increased so you should see more shoals and sharks as you drive around.
The entire island terrain has been imported at a scale of approximately 1:1. So far I have done a 1st pass of the main port of Mahon and a couple of other areas of interest along the inland water way. However, it is possible to circumnavigate the entire island (although there are some odd terrain formations in the sea that I need to fix) and spot the main coves etc but it is quite bland at the moment.
The main focus of future updates will be to populate the main ports of Menorca (Mahon & Ciutadella) and then some of the other main towns and coves. Again, all areas will be approximations of the area using the assets that I currently have so don't expect a true representation with accurate buildings etc - I'm only one person :D
Once these areas have been completed I will be adding a mission board to each port/cove allowing you to pick randomly generated mission using specific boats. Things like...
1. Passenger/Cargo transportation
2. Coast Guard Duties (Boat/Person rescue)
3. Wildlife spotting
4. Treasure hunt
5. Finding places of interest
I will also be adding some different boats into the game such as larger powerboats, super yachts, ferries & cargo ships to add a lot of variety. Other water craft such as hovercraft, sail boats, canoe's and jetskis are all possible but the change in physics mean they will be coming later in development and I can't rule out that they will need to be paid DLC - it really depends on how well the game sells...
Other islands will be added to give an "Ultimate Hits" of boat driving areas with enough space for the BIG boats! So, no matter what boat your driving - from a tiny Canoe all the way up to a Super Container Ship - you should be able to find the perfect place :)
Other things I want to add...
1. Buoy navigation
2. RADAR
3. Weather systems
4. Tidal/Water flow
5. AI boats
6. Boat damage
This should show the direction this game will be going i.e. a more encompassing, realistic, simulation rather than just a racing game.
Racing will still feature but, at least for the moment, it will take a lesser priority.
As always, please join in on the forums as your ideas and suggestions really are driving this game!