Automation on the way

Here is something a bit different from the usual hurling cars around tracks type of video game. Automation is a new game under development in Melbourne that has potential to tap into a huge demographic hungry to look at other aspects of the auto world in game form.

Initially developed as a design-your-dream-car tool, the makers of Automation, Camshaft Software, saw it could take the concept to another level.

Already the game features a full set of tools to help you fulfil your design dream. Design the cars you would have in your garage, choose from diverse chassis types and materials, engine placements and drivetrain setups, gearboxes, suspensions, brakes, tyres, and so on... Then, finish off your design with fully customisable body types, looks and styles.

Based on different four-stroke configurations (inline 3, 4 ,5, 6, V6, V8, V10, V12, V16 and flat 4 and 6) engines can be created and tuned with myriad possibilities combining different internals, head types, mufflers, forced induction and fuel systems. These creations then get tested in the lab with comprehensive performance report produced.

The developers knew that there just is not enough game -- as much fun as it might be -- in simply creating a car with a high performing, but perhaps pure fantasy engine. So they added an economy.

Now, Automation is a Car Company Tycoon game with great potential. Right now the game is still in heavy development, but what you can play today just hints at the detail that can be added...

Along with the flexible yet real world creativity, players will need to keep costs in mind. Camshaft Games has decided that Automation should reflect many of the challenges faced by car manufactures in today’s environment.

Players may want to build the supercar of their childhood dreams, and they can, but ultimately there will also be a dynamic world market to which to cater. The ‘winner’ might instead be the next ‘people’s car’.

The designer module of Automation is available from the team’s website and you can expect the Tycoon part of the game to be rolled out sometime next year.

From that point there is almost no limit to what could be added to the game.

Extending the types of cars on offer, adding interior features, allowing the player’s car company to become involved in motor racing... There’s myriad opportunities ahead.