DeathSprint 66 Devs On Leveraging UE5 Technologies

Launched earlier this month, DeathSprint 66 from Sumo Digital and Secret Mode seeks to redefine hardcore arcade racing by combining high-speed on-foot racing with a dystopian backdrop and deadly obstacles. To build this world of brutal entertainment, the developers leveraged Unreal Engine 5 and provided some insights into how its technologies improved the production process.

Starting with Nanite and Lumen, Sumo Digital explained that Nanite allowed them to create much more complex environments than ever before, enabling to increase the polygon count in each level and add plenty of detail that was previously achieved with normal maps while maintaining "rock solid" performance. As for Lumen, it was a game-changer for the project, as the team could iterate right up until the very end and fine-tune the visual identity they wanted for each level.

Although DeathSprint 66 didn't need an open-world setup, the use of World Partition allowed for the integration of Data Layers, giving developers greater flexibility in level design. This made it possible to dynamically turn off and on large amounts of content, which was crucial for creating the various PvE modes.

Niagara VFX System enabled the impactful effects of the player being crushed by the rollers or struck by the saws. Its flexible component system allowed for experimentation with multiple layers of gore, streamlining iterations based on performance and readability and quickly implementing changes across various systems using parent emitters.

Finally, Control Rig played a crucial role in the animation of DeathSprint 66 by providing a strong IK connection between the hands and traversal surfaces while also managing foot placement and orientation on angled terrain. This allowed developers to dynamically adjust the character's hips during movement, adding extra sway to the legs for a more natural and fluid motion.

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