TrackMania

Logo of Trackmania (2020)

Cover of TrackMania Nations ESWC

Trackmania United Box

TrackMania is a series of racing video games developed by the French studio Nadeo and published by Ubisoft. Since its first release in 2003, the franchise has become known for its engaging blend of arcade-style racing with extensive track customization features, allowing players to create and share their own race tracks. The series has garnered a dedicated community and has been influential in the racing game genre, particularly in the realm of user-generated content.

Gameplay

The core gameplay of TrackMania involves racing cars on various tracks, aiming to achieve the fastest time possible. Unlike many traditional racing games, TrackMania places a heavy emphasis on time trials and does not typically feature collisions between players' cars. The game's physics are unique, with cars able to perform exaggerated jumps and stunts. Each installment in the series introduces different environments, each with its own unique vehicle physics, challenging players to adapt their driving skills.

One of the hallmark features of TrackMania is its track editor. This tool allows players to design and build their own tracks using a wide array of in-game objects and terrain pieces. These custom tracks can be shared with the TrackMania community, leading to a vast and diverse collection of user-generated content.

Series Overview

The TrackMania series consists of several main titles and expansions:

• TrackMania (2003): The original game that introduced the series' signature gameplay and track editor.
• TrackMania Sunrise (2005): A sequel that added new environments, improved graphics, and enhanced editor features.
• TrackMania Nations (2006): A free version of the game focused on online play and esports, featuring a single environment.
• TrackMania United (2006): A compilation of content from the series, including all environments from previous titles and additional features.
• TrackMania 2 (2011-2013): A series of games released under the TrackMania 2 title, including Canyon, Stadium, and Valley, each offering new environments and improved graphics.
• TrackMania Turbo (2016): A title that aimed to bring the series to a broader audience, featuring a campaign mode, multiplayer, and VR support.
• TrackMania (2020): A reboot of the series, focusing on a seasonal content model and further expanding the track editor capabilities.

Community and Esports

TrackMania has a vibrant online community, with players sharing tracks, participating in online races, and organizing tournaments. The game has also made a mark in the esports scene, particularly with TrackMania Nations, which was selected for several World Cyber Games competitions. The community-driven nature of the game has led to the creation of numerous fan sites, mods, and custom content, further enriching the TrackMania experience.

Development

Developed by Nadeo, a small French studio, TrackMania's success is largely attributed to its focus on creativity and community. Nadeo has consistently supported the series with updates and new content, while also fostering a close relationship with its player base. This approach has allowed TrackMania to maintain its popularity over the years, adapting to new gaming trends and technologies.

Reception

TrackMania has been praised for its innovative gameplay, robust track editor, and active community. Critics and players alike have lauded the series for its fun, addictive racing mechanics and the virtually limitless replay value offered by user-generated tracks. However, some entries in the series have faced criticism for their monetization models and the fragmentation of the player base across multiple titles.

Conclusion

TrackMania stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of user-generated content and community-driven game development. Its unique blend of racing and creativity has secured its place as a beloved franchise in the racing game genre.