So ever since I first showed Desert Child to people, I have been asked “What about multiplayer?”

For ages, I was like “No, that’s not what the game’s about”.

Well, today I eat my hat. Multiplayer would be cool. I’ve been experimenting with a few ideas and I’ve settled on something that fits within the context of all the game’s other mechanics.

The multiplayer is sort of a hybrid of co-op and multiplayer, inspired by how a player can control Tails in Sonic the Hedgehog games.
Basically, when you would start a race in single player, you have the option of a second player taking control of your opponent. Options for FULL or HALVSIES let you decide whether the Player 2 will have full stats or the same stats as Player 1.

This is the part I’m most excited for. The idea that you can play through the whole game co-op, but when Player 1 is exploring the City, Player 2 is on the couch with them, yelling at them that they need to repair their bike, as Player 2’s bike is effected by Player 1’s.

Also, even if you friend wants to skip a race and go to the bathroom, you can just revert to an AI opponent for that race.

There’s a few little mechanical details that need tweaking, but I’m really excited to get this working seamlessly in the game, and get it out to people to try.

So on the Kickstarter, I have a stretch goal titled “Basic Multiplayer” this is what that refers to. A later stretch goal for “Full Multiplayer” would include an Exhibition Race mode, Battle Mode, and Tournament Mode. These are still pretty conceptual, as they would require a big chunk of time and money to implement. Essentially, they would be more customisable modes that are separate from the Story mode.

I hope this gets you as excited for this as I am! If it tickles your fancy, do check out the Kickstarter! http://kck.st/2ggPini