Ride 6 Lands Feb 12 – How Drones, Data and Design Shaped Its Tracks

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Ride 6 launches on February 12, and the studio has outlined how its over 40 tracks were created. The roster spans both real-world circuits and fictional layouts, each built with a distinct pipeline. Real venues are reconstructed from detailed drone surveys, while original tracks are shaped by design goals and validated by the physics team. The result is a mix of fast, flowing routes and tighter, technical challenges, with environments chosen to influence the feel of speed. Below – a breakdown of the process and what it means for players at launch.

Real Circuits – Drone Scans, Gps Control Points and Point Clouds

For authentic locations, the team conducts on-site aerial mapping. Each track is photographed from above using drones, capturing 2,000-2,500 photos depending on size and complexity. Before flights, they place 20-25 Ground Control Points – PVC panels marked with an “X” – and record their exact positions via high-precision GPS antennas. Linking each image to visible GCPs enables point clouds with an accuracy margin of 2.5 cm.

These point clouds encompass more than the racing surface – they include asphalt, curbs, paddock areas, and the surrounding environment such as vegetation, run-off zones, and grandstands. Once compiled, the data is handed to the Art Team as the foundation for the final 3D models.

Mugello and Beyond – Building out the Full Scene

Iconic venues like the Mugello Circuit are recreated with environmental context intact, ensuring trackside elements inform braking markers and sightlines. This approach aims to preserve the character of each location, not just its layout.

Fictional Tracks – Design-First Concepts, Physics-Tuned Handling

Original circuits start with a target experience – the track is tailored to the bike class and riding style it should showcase. The Design and Physics teams collaborate to strike a balance between approachability and challenge, ensuring the layout complements each machine’s strengths.

• Fast, flowing circuits – intended for newer players, with long straights, wide corners and generous lanes to build confidence. The Kapadokya Rally exemplifies this, offering a near rally-like off-road experience.
• Technical layouts – tighter and more demanding, aimed at experienced riders. Environment choice is deliberate: a dense forest can amplify the sensation of speed compared to the same layout in an open area.

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From Graybox to Final Art – Testing on a “Track in the Void”

Once a layout is locked, practical testing begins on a stripped-down prototype – essentially a ribbon of asphalt suspended in empty space. The Gameplay Team evaluates flow, pacing and lines, feeding back refinements to Design. To aid player learning, reference elements such as a house, road sign or curb are then placed as visual anchors for racing lines and braking points. After this iteration, the Art Team builds out the full 3D environment.

Key Build Stats at a Glance

The figures below summarize the core parameters of the track creation pipeline – helpful context for how real-world fidelity and fictional design come together.

Final Takeaway – Why This Build Philosophy Matters

Ride 6’s track roster blends measurable real-world precision with purpose-built fictional designs. For players, that means familiar circuits captured with granular detail and new routes that deliberately teach, test and reward skill – all ready to explore on February 12.