Fingersoft brings real-time multiplayer to Hill Climb Racing 3

At the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) Chennai, AnimationXpress spoke with Fingersoft growth director Mikko Kirmanen about the Finnish studio's upcoming Hill Climb Racing 3. The game introduces real-time multiplayer for the first time in the franchise, alongside enhanced 3D assets and updated monetisation. Fingersoft, which employs around 100 people, has seen the Hill Climb Racing franchise accumulate nearly three billion installs worldwide since launching in 2012.

Kirmanen highlighted rising user acquisition costs and competition as key challenges for smaller studios, despite AI making game development more accessible. He cautioned that widespread use of similar AI production methods risks making games look alike, and advised Indian developers to experiment with the technology and adapt to its growing role in professional workflows.

The multiplayer format brings fresh operational and marketing challenges, including server management and a carefully planned soft launch, which Kirmanen described as a learning curve for the studio. Fingersoft previously published third-party games but is currently focused on Hill Climb Racing 3, with potential revisiting of third-party publishing in the second half of next year.