3DRacers Zooms Out of Beta, onto IndieGoGo

There is a lot of buzz nowadays about 3D printers.

There is a lot of buzz nowadays about 3D printers. These machines allow you to construct almost anything you want, so if you can imagine it, you can make it. Who wouldn’t love that idea?

Now, the 3D printer meets indie gaming with 3DRacers .

The upcoming game from the Italian developer of the same name will allow gamers to design their own racing car, then download the schematic in order to make it on their 3D printer. Using the online editor, gamers can select from an array of cars and customize the colors, decorative accents, and so on. The data is then downloaded to the player’s computer, and the components of the car are printed with the 3D printer. From there, the racer is assembled and programmed to be made ready to race.

What do you do with your completed racer? Take it to the track, of course! The 3D printer is also used to construct racing courses for the little cars. Using the Android or iOS app, or even by downloading and printing a remote control, you control the car and make it follow the course. The app enables you to connect with other racers around the world using the same course and compete to win the race. Up to one thousand players can compete in the same race at the same time. Real-time scoreboards and lap times keep track of the victors; each car is equipped with a sensor which allows it to detect the specially designed gates on each track. According to lead developer Davide Marcoccio, the game will feature two additional modes of play – Battle mode, which adds power-ups and weapons to the racing experience, and SIM mode, which includes warm-up laps, pit stops, and realistic fuel and tire consumption.

The developer describes the game as designed “by makers, for makers.” The racers are equipped with Arduino boards which have Bluetooth and motion drivers, and the rechargeable battery permits up to 30 minutes of gameplay at one time. It was demonstrated in October 2014 at the European edition of Maker Faire, Make magazine’s celebration of crafts, science projects, and other do-it-yourself creations.

Now, the 3DRacers team invites the international racing community to be a part of launching the game. An Indiegogo fundraiser just launched for the project. In the meantime, players are encouraged to visit the online editor and enjoy designing and printing racers. You can also learn more about 3DRacers and keep up with all the latest news by visiting their Facebookpage.