Because people wanted cockpit cam, so they put it back in. For some reason, whether it's performance or time restrictions, they're unable to fill out the detail of these cockpits. They've given it a DOF effect, which is not all that unrealistic if you're travelling at speed and staring into the distance, which covers up the lack of detail somewhat. The alternative would have been a silhouette, like Gran Turismo's 'standard' cars - I think this is a better solution.
The Shift series did a similar thing to create a sense of speed, but it was dynamic based on how fast you were going.
It shouldn't hurt your eyes though - you're just expecting it to come back into focus by staring at it. The solution is to use it as designed - don't stare at it, and watch where you're going!The point of a cockpit cam isn't to ogle at car interiors, it's to give you the correct perspective. Of course the camera should be there!
The DOF effect didn't make sense in Shift and it's only there in GRID because the cars weren't modeled with cockpitview in mind. When I stare into the distance in a game, I'm not focused on the dials just like in a real car, but I can still see them whenever I want for information. Now, 30% of the screen is blurred out all the time and it takes me right out of the experience.
To me, it makes the game feel like a quick way to make some money on the critic GRID2 rightfully garnered. It's not a matter about textures, it's a very low poly cockpit modeled to save performance because no one was meant to see it in the first place. It will always look unfinished to me. Guess I have to wait for a next generation CM racer.
