Make room, Zwift, there’s a new virtual cycling game in town. And this one wants to take indoor riding to alternate dimensions.
CVRcade, a gaming platform for stationary cyclists, will launch in beta on December 1, courtesy of developer Cycligent Physical Esports. If that name rings a bell, it’s because Cycligent is the same company behind the CVR World Cup, a series of virtual races formerly run on Zwift, where riders compete for tens of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.
Now, Cycligent wants to take on Zwift with a platform of its own. Rides and races will still take place on virtual courses, but CVRcade is promising a fully customizable experience. You can choose from a standard, realistic-looking course, or go all-in on the gaming element with a fantastical cycling-scape complete with tractor beams and power-ups.
Whichever you choose, you’ll find elements designed to make the indoor riding experience more realistic. There will be options for wind and weather, and you’ll need to steer and handle your virtual bike to pass other riders. Your avatar can actually crash, while in-game video and audio will allow you to see and speak with fellow gamers. Users can also opt for a physical equalization feature to create an even playing field among riders of different sizes.
The basic platform will be free for everyone, but users can unlock special features and different courses by leveling up through time spent on the system or through in-game purchases. And get ready, mountain bikers: CVRcade will offer the first off-road courses in virtual cycling.
“We want to grow cycling for everyone by offering a free-to-play indoor platform for enthusiasts, as well as introducing cycling to people who don’t already ride in new and unique ways,” said Cycligent CEO Frank Garcia. “People who are into the gaming side who would not necessarily be excited about cycling will start to understand how to take a corner, ride in an echelon, and sprint out of turns. Some will stay in the virtual world. But our hope is that a lot of them will want to try that outside, too.”
Whether the new game will become a viable competitor to Zwift, of course, remains to be seen. A long-established platform almost synonymous with virtual cycling, Zwift enjoys enormous popularity among riders from more than 195 countries worldwide. Last year alone, Zwift users rode more than 125 million miles, and in 2018 they have clocked an average of about 1 million miles per day, according to Zwift brand manager Kate Veronneau. And the company has fine-tuned its rider experience with realistic elements like drafting, dust clouds, and aero advantages.
Based on the preliminary buzz on Facebook and online message boards, many riders appear curious and willing to give CVRcade a try. Since it’s brand new, however, there are plenty of open questions about how it all works, as well as how elements like steering and crashing will play into the riding, training, and racing.
Those interested in trying CVRcade can sign up for beta testing starting December 1. You’ll need a smart trainer to get the full experience of wind, gradients, and drafting. But anyone with a bike and trainer that connects to a PC or Mac can play.
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