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One of the studios present at gamescom 2024 was Reliable Plumbing Services, showcasing their innovative game Roadlike, an arcade racing roguelike that combines the thrill of classic high-speed racing with procedurally generated tracks. The game allows players to customize their cars with upgrades and enjoy endless replayability, whether playing solo or with friends in local multiplayer. To gain more insight into the game and the studio's participation at the event, Matt Murtagh, the studio's director, shared some interesting perspectives.

When asked how Roadlike integrates classic elements from games like Outrun and Daytona USA with modern procedural generation, Murtagh explained that the team has always been big fans of Outrun, particularly Outrun 2006: Coast to Coast. "We love the feeling of setting out on the open road and getting to choose your own route to the end," he said. When prototyping Roadlike, the team wondered what Outrun would look like if it were made in 2023. "We realized that the unpredictable and strategic aspects of roguelikes would fit well into the original Outrun formula," he added. After testing this idea in a game jam, the studio decided to continue development.

Regarding the game's aesthetics and audio, Murtagh mentioned that the studio aimed to capture the magical mid-90s Sega blue sky feel. "Our team agreed on bringing that iconic mid-90s Sega feeling that made Daytona USA so approachable," he explained. The soundtrack, inspired by Takenobu Mitsuyoshi, and the art direction, featuring colorful visuals and simple textures, were carefully crafted to evoke that era of arcade games.

Discussing the procedural generation and its impact on gameplay and player experience, Murtagh highlighted that it significantly shifts the player's focus. "Instead of memorizing track layouts, as in traditional racing games, players need to focus on moment-to-moment skill," he said. This requires quick reflexes and real-time decision-making, rather than following predetermined paths. Procedural generation also adds strategic depth, forcing players to adapt their strategies to each new challenge they encounter.

During gamescom 2024, Roadlike was showcased at the Indie Arena Booth, a space dedicated to showcasing promising indie titles. "Our main goals were to promote the game, get feedback from consumers, and see how it was resonating with our target audience," Murtagh explained. Although this was the first time the studio exhibited at gamescom, the event provided a valuable opportunity for networking with publishers, investors, and other indie developers. Murtagh noted that while exposure and an increase in the wishlist were significant, the real value was in the connections made during the event.

When asked about new trailers or developments shared during gamescom, Murtagh revealed that the studio had released an exclusive trailer with IGN a week before the event. "gamescom was the first opportunity for players to try our demo, specifically the multiplayer mode," he stated. He highlighted that seeing four friends playing together at the booth was a special experience.

Regarding potential new partnerships and feedback received, Murtagh mentioned that while they had initial discussions with potential partners, there was nothing to reveal at the moment. "The feedback we received, both from meetings and players, has been invaluable for a young studio like ours," he said. The studio is working on new features and changes that will be revealed in the coming months.

Discussing the importance of gamescom for the gaming industry, especially for independent games, Murtagh emphasized the value of the event for small studios like theirs. "Events like gamescom play a vital role in helping independent studios establish themselves within the gaming ecosystem," he commented. Additionally, he noted the importance of ensuring that gamescom remains accessible to these studios, particularly those from lower-income countries.

Finally, Murtagh shared that supporting independent studios is crucial for innovation in the industry and that events like gamescom must continue to provide an inclusive platform for these developers. "I believe greater emphasis should be placed on making the event more inclusive, especially for developers from lower-income countries," he concluded.