To be fair, using the term ‘Zwift Competitor’ might be a bit…early. Like looking at a pile of ingredients on a table and calling it a cake. But damn, it looks pretty. And everyone likes eating cake batter anyway.
We found their actual site, which in turn got us distracted watching their Twitch feed. The one-man-band of a developer was doing a 24hr ride to kick-off the launch of his platform, named The Rivet. All while his social media manager (aka…friends), supplied him with a Greek salad and noodles on the bike to keep him fueled.
At first I was impressed by the game’s graphics, based on the Unreal engine. But to be honest, I think I’m actually more impressed listening to him answer the sprinkle of occasional questions into the chat window from the assortment of 1,000 people that have stopped by to watch. Almost every question prompted a flood of ideas he has to implement, or things he doesn’t quite think are perfect in the game yet. All of them well thought through.
At present, the biggest ‘selling’ point, if you will, is steering and braking, plus of course the graphics you’ve already seen above. The biggest downsides is essentially missing everything else. But so was Zwift when it first started, at least compared to today. So after watching and listening in the background for an hour or so, we decided to share THE RIVET with our audience.
Riding means braking: Turn your handlebars to steer, use the app to brake, and lay down the power with your smart trainer.
Real cycling dynamics
With an accurate physics engine and full control of your avatar, power alone isn’t enough to win. Technique and racecraft are crucial for victory.
Real cycling dynamics. With an accurate physics engine and full control of your avatar, power alone isn’t enough to win. Technique and racecraft are crucial for victory.
Racing game modes. The Rivet is built for multiplayer racing from the ground up. Points races, elimination races, madison and more are adapted for the open (virtual) road.
