Multiplayer Racing Game for iOS with Accelerometer Controls

Summary

A Dutch marketing agency needed a skilled iPhone application development company to build a game it planned to use to promote one of its clients. INNERLUXES ported the client's Flash banner game to a native iOS app with accelerometer controls and a two-device multiplayer mode, plus a branded promotional banner — delivered on time and on budget, and popular on the App Store.

About the Client

The Client is a Dutch marketing agency that works internationally, running digital marketing campaigns and internet strategy audits in Europe.

The Challenge

The Client turned to INNERLUXES to develop a game to promote one of its clients. The aim of the game is to cross a freeway in 60 seconds while avoiding enemies and clearing obstacles. The user turns the car right or left by tilting the phone (using the accelerometer) and speeds up or slows down by pressing two pedal-buttons. Each level ends with a bridge the player must jump over to reach the next stage. Project goals:

• Port the Flash banner game as a native iPhone application.
• Add a multiplayer mode supporting 2 devices.
• Add an advertising banner on the player's failure.

The Solution

The developed app simulates driving through a freeway and lets users bypass various obstacles using the built-in accelerometer. It supports a multiplayer game: a two-device mode lets the devices interact — when the first player passes a level, the car automatically jumps over to the second device.

As a promotional gimmick for the Client's end customer (an insurance company), INNERLUXES developed a banner that appears if a player cannot reach the bridge in 60 seconds or crashes the car — the banner states that the insurance company will compensate car repair, and the user can try again.

The Results

• The application was delivered on the planned deadline without exceeding the budget.
• The game was uploaded to the App Store as a free application; alongside the release, the Client spread a viral video based on the game, increasing downloads.
• The game proved popular in its first month on the App Store, and after the success of the first version the Client requested an update adding new levels, enemies, and obstacles.

Technologies and Tools

Management: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Project 2003/2007, Jira, risk management.

Project: MacOS X 10.5, XCode 3, iPhone SDK 3, Cocos2D engine, GameKit framework.