The main hook of the title, as you’ve probably ascertained by now, is battle-royal-style racing, in karts. This will be online, with up to 60 simultaneous players duking it out for supremacy.
The free-to-play title will launch into Steam’s Early Access programme later in 2023, with sign-ups now live for a series of summer playtests.
Vehicle customisation is said to be at the heart of the experience, de rigueur for a title of this ilk, and items can be unlocked during the upcoming series of limited-time events and trials.
The gameplay is focused on three-round eliminator events, mixing both races and battles, plus utilising a suite of weapons. These are set to be layered into a set of challenges, individual events and seasons.
“Racing games have been at the core of Sumo Digital since the company was founded 20 years ago, from Outrun 2006: Coast 2 Coast to the Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing series, and co-development on Forza Horizon 5,” said Paul Hollywood, Development Director at remote-first developers Sumo Leamington.
“Sumo Leamington is a new studio filled with veterans of racing game development. Our debut title, Stampede: Racing Royale, proudly adds to Sumo Digital’s heritage with an innovative new take on the karting genre.”
Published by Secret Mode – think Turbo Golf Racing – after the initial PC launch, console versions of Stampede Racing Royale are also planned, although platforms and timing are yet to be confirmed.
