Independent game studio Messhof has launched its new title, Wheel World, an open-world cycling game that showcases a vibrant and expansive environment. Co-founder and creative director Mark Essen revealed the development journey during a recent interview with Game Developer. He shared insights into the unique challenges faced in creating an immersive experience that contrasts sharply with the bloody chaos of their earlier game, Nidhogg.
The transition from the 2D arenas of Nidhogg to the lush three-dimensional landscapes of Wheel World was not straightforward. Essen described the process as a gradual evolution, with the team of approximately ten people working on the game at its peak. The shift to 3D required extensive planning to effectively build out the gameplay experience. “We wanted this to truly be an open world that players could explore in any direction they wanted,” Essen explained.
Creating the game’s world was a complex task, as assessing macro gameplay elements only became possible after substantial portions of the environment were developed. Essen emphasized that establishing the average bike speed early in production was crucial, impacting the distances between objectives and overall pacing. To enhance the feel of speed, the team employed techniques such as adjusting the field of view and camera angles.
In Wheel World, players are encouraged to explore the environment freely, yet a structured narrative guides their journey. The core quest involves racing against bike-riding bosses to collect sacred bike parts, while additional components are scattered throughout the landscape. “We encouraged players to explore quickly, but story beats naturally guide you to easier races in the Farmlands first—where you can also face the first boss. Velo City is the toughest area, with tight turns, aggressive AI, and heavy traffic,” Essen noted, explaining how gameplay areas are gated by “bike snobs” who require players to upgrade their bikes before entering.
The game allows for various bike builds, catering to different racing strategies. Players can choose high-handling bikes for sharp turns or opt for drift builds that provide boosts on slides. This flexibility ensures that different builds feel viable across diverse tracks, which vary in elevation, obstacles, and surfaces.
Messhof aimed to create a cohesive open world that rewards exploration without overwhelming players. “We wanted a large open world with towns, countryside, and lots to explore. The style had to be achievable by a small art team and feel like a cohesive, believable place—not something thrown together from stock assets,” Essen explained.
The artistic vision for Wheel World draws inspiration from various sources, including old Tour de France posters and early 20th-century travel art. The studio also looked to comics and the work of artists like David Hockney and Moebius for visual guidance. Given the small size of the art team, which fluctuated between two and three members, delivering on this ambitious vision was no small feat.
As players navigate through Wheel World, they encounter a captivating landscape that reflects the game’s unique premise: an alternate universe where life and death revolve around bicycles. With a focus on both exhilarating races and the beauty of the environment, the game promises an engaging experience that encourages players to take their time and appreciate the sights.
In summary, Wheel World represents a significant leap for Messhof as they expand their creative horizons beyond the confines of 2D gameplay. The development journey showcases the challenges and triumphs of crafting an open-world experience that captures the essence of exploration and competition in a visually stunning setting.
