As Skyjaz Games, the previous studio founded by one of our founders, evolved, so did its ambitions. One of the studio’s most daring projects was Deliverace: Battle Racing, a Unity-powered multiplayer game that sought to redefine how players engage in competitive and cooperative experiences. While it didn’t achieve major commercial success, the lessons learned in multiplayer game development became invaluable for our studio’s journey.
(If you haven’t read Part 1 about our first viral success, Pesadelo: O Início, make sure to check it out to see how it all began.)
A Unique Multiplayer Concept
In Deliverace: Battle Racing, players could pick a car, team up in crews, and dive into dynamic multiplayer battles. The game offered a variety of engaging modes, including:
- Delivery Express: Teams competed to deliver the most cargo/supplies while sabotaging their opponents.
- Free for All: A chaotic mode where everyone raced and battled for supremacy.
- Bomb Mode: A high-stakes mode where one player carried a timed bomb, desperately trying to pass it off before it exploded.
With diverse vehicles, power-ups, and features like ramps, shields, and speed boosts, Deliverace provided players with endless opportunities to create their own unique playstyles. Players were rewarded with achievements, new vehicles, and customizations, ensuring that every match felt fresh and exciting.
Deliverace Official Trailer – IndieDB
Multiplayer Challenges and Insights
Launching a multiplayer game was a bold step for Skyjaz Games, but it came with its own set of challenges. Despite peaking at 1,200 concurrent players and gathering a total of 20,000 players, Deliverace struggled to maintain momentum. The experience highlighted several crucial lessons:
- The Importance of Marketing: Without a robust marketing strategy, the game struggled to reach a broader audience. Building excitement and awareness before launch proved to be essential.
- Polished Launches Matter: Multiplayer games thrive on smooth, polished experiences. While Deliverace had innovative mechanics, it launched with areas that needed refinement, impacting player retention.
- Understanding Multiplayer Dynamics: From balancing gameplay to managing regional servers and matchmaking, developing a multiplayer game introduced complexities that significantly expanded the team’s knowledge and expertise.
A Legacy of Growth
Though Deliverace: Battle Racing was one of the last games released by Skyjaz Games before the studio closed in 2019, it remains a vital part of our story. The experience of creating a multiplayer game—learning what worked and what didn’t—shaped how we approach development today.
Deliverace wasn’t just a game; it was an essential chapter in understanding how to create engaging, community-driven multiplayer experiences.
This post is part of our series exploring the history of our studio. Join us as we reflect on the games that shaped our journey and continue to inspire our future.