A Rational Approach to a Racing Game Track Design

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6477/a_rational_approach_to_racing_game_.php?print=1

• The use of straightaways needs to be implemented in such a way that the player is never able to significantly overshoot the ideal corner entry speed. Any braking should be kept to a minimum.
• Corners need to be progressively tighter to ensure that players are able to have close to ideal corner entries.
• The standard deviation in vehicle speed should be quite narrow, ideally within a plus or minus 30 percent region.
• Road markings are essential to creating a sense of speed.
• Needle threading corners should be used to provide a sense of awe for the player and embellish their skills.
• All corners in an arcade racing game should be on-camber.
• Height variations should always be used in track design to create emotionally diversity. Rapid changes in height should be avoided though.
• Use straights to create "punctuation" for the player. Separate corners using landmarks or iconic features to aid this,