Circuit Connection
The concept behind this indoor Circuit Connection is that the final stretch leading to the finish line runs directly beneath one of the game’s most important hubs. That meant it had to be underground, but not dark or utilitarian. Instead, it’s sleek, stylish, and built according to the distinct architectural language of a certain alien race. It’s not just a racetrack, it’s leisure and community center. Visitors can shop, dine, or simply enjoy the atmosphere… though you might want to bring earplugs.
Entry Stands
Before entering the inner Circuit Connection (shown above), we wanted to create something special at the entrance. The grandstands themselves are fairly standard, but there’s a striking, highly visible gate and a ramp that racers use to enter the final stretch. It’s the perfect spot for spectators to gather and catch the action. The large, sleek concrete structure lined with palm trees gives off strong Jurassic Park vibes.
↓ In-game screenshot
↓ Youtube-Video showing the state of development back in the days. (Entry Stand at 2.30min)
Floating Bleachers
While working on a concept for the gate, I ended up placing these floating bleachers, an idea that quickly evolved. I imagined the wealthy elite of this world arriving with their own floating booths and bleacher platforms, complete with personalized crews, custom designs, and bold branding. These early bleacher concepts became the foundation for a unique and defining element of the Star Atlas racing experience.
After the initial positive feedback on the bleacher concept, I decided to take it further. Why not think bigger? Why not push the shapes into something bold and exaggerated? Desert racing is a dusty business, so naturally, spectators would want to stay above it all. They might sit higher depending on their rank or status. Additionally the racing vehicles move so fast that having a broader overview becomes essential to truly follow the action.
Cable car gondolas connect the various bleacher platforms. They can float independently or combine to form massive, modular grandstands. This flexibility adds both spectacle and functionality to the viewing experience.
Bleachers could come in a variety of forms, ranging from single-seat platforms to full-scale cinema-style stands, or even modular units that interconnect to form larger viewing structures. Most importantly: don’t forget the solar sun screens. In a setting like this, shielding from the intense desert sunlight is essential, not just for comfort, but as part of the environmental storytelling of the world.
More detailed callout on a bleacher.
Luxury & Leisure: interior blockout focussing on comfort and status.
Track Gameplay Suggestions
While working on the assets above, we realized the track was lacking a sense of excitement and intensity. Although it wasn’t part of my initial brief, I felt called to contribute some ideas. I’m not a racing game player myself, but in a sci-fi, outer-world setting, the possibilities are wide open.
I wanted to introduce elements of verticality and pinching: narrow choke points that suddenly open into wider sections, dramatic elevation changes, and landmark-style curves, almost vertical in places. Imagine sharp, near-90-degree angles. My ides was to make racing feel less like traditional track driving and more like riding a high-speed rollercoaster through a desertous world.
Gate
In addition to the Entry Stands and the indoor Circuit Connection, there’s also a Gate, originally intended to serve as both the starting and finish line of the race. It’s designed as a gatehouse embedded within a massive enclosing wall, which plays a crucial role in making plant growth inner area possible at all.
Grandstand
We also needed a large surrounding grandstand. My initial idea was to construct it from thousands of floating bleachers, forming the structure almost like particles coming together. Unfortunately, that approach wasn’t technically feasible, so we pivoted to a more classic, grounded grandstand design.
↓ In-game screenshot (Video above)
