What is "gpxpatch"

GPxPatch is a tool for the PC racing simulators Grand Prix 3 and Grand Prix 4. It was created by René Smit, with additional contributions by Marc Aarts, Laurent Rousseau and a whole host of others. It involves a simple download, installation and play procedure, and runs off a decrypted GP4.exe, which is available on a range of download sites. The program itself is mainly programmed in Visual C++ and assembly language.

The program contains four functions:

• GPxSat gives official timing information displayed as if it was on TV, overlays include the classic Tag Heuer graphics, and the more up-to-date modern Siemens graphics. The section GPxCInfo also gives the opportunity to add custom 'panels' such as a rev counter and the F1 logo as displayed on television.
• GPxSound function allows the user to add in a 'soundset' which is a compilation of .wav sounds which can be anything from recorded commentary to team radio. It also adds 3D sound to Grand Prix 3.
• GPxTrack function allows the user to alter the tracks used in the game, simply by browsing your computer.
• GPxSet function allows the user to change the qualifying rules, amount of cars on the track at any time, the weather probability, quickrace length, random seed and other things too.

There are additional features as well, such as an "extended pause mode" where the player can take interesting screenshots by altering the onboard camera positions. Also, the program includes a 'Debug Mode' option where if there is a problem with the game, the debug will determine the problem in the form of a log file. For GP3 it enabled using a unique texture for each car making it possible for the first time to drive with 22 different car liveries.

GPxPatch is regarded as one of the must-have add-ons for the GPx Series, as it makes the gameplay much more enjoyable and worthwhile. After a three year break, GPxPatch version 3.92 was released which included several fixes and changes.