TL;DR
- Status: Servers have been unreachable for several weeks according to player reports.
- Symptom: The game gets stuck on the startup screen or fails to launch.
- Workaround: Launching is currently only possible by physically disconnecting the internet (Offline Mode).
- Developer: No official statement yet; the official website is also reportedly down.
Uncertain Future for DRL Simulator:
Signs are mounting within the FPV community that the days of the official “The Drone Racing League Simulator” (DRL Sim) may be numbered. For several weeks now, pilots have been reporting massive issues launching the software, pointing towards a potential shutdown of the backend infrastructure. However, as an official confirmation from the developers or the league is still pending, the current situation must be regarded as a suspected “End of Life” scenario.
Server Outage and Login Issues:
Numerous users are reporting that the simulator is no longer able to establish a connection to the master servers. During the startup process, the software attempts to connect multiple times, eventually resulting in an error message or preventing the game from loading altogether. Players describe a situation where the game hangs on the “Connecting” screen, making the standard online experience impossible.
Workaround: Pull the Plug:
Since the regular login process is failing, the game is effectively unplayable for many in its standard mode. Multiplayer races and community leaderboards are currently inaccessible. However, the community has identified a temporary workaround: The game can be forced into a local “Offline Mode” if the PC’s internet connection is physically disconnected or blocked via firewall prior to launching. This bypasses the server check, allowing access to single-player content.
Radio Silence from DRL:
So far, there has been no official communication regarding maintenance work or a planned sunsetting of the service. The official website is currently unreachable, fueling speculation about the project’s permanent discontinuation. Whether this is a temporary major outage or the final shutdown of the simulator remains unclear without a statement from the operators.
Original Source:
Images: The Drone Racing League
