From free student game to studio-made $125,000 project

Last year the impossible happened:Nitronic RushdethronedSan Francisco Rush 2049for being the best futuristic racer with “Rush” in the title. Now the developer is going to do a retail victory lap with spiritual successorDistance, but they need your help first. Like,$125,000worth of your help.

Considering the level of quality this group achieved as students at DigiPen with the excellent (and free!)Nitronic Rush, the promise of making a more ambitious follow-up with more money and staff is exciting.Refract Studiowas formed by three of the main developers ofNitronic Rushand now they want to make their wishlist of ideas for that game come true withDistance.

Article image

From the game’s official website:

“We’re buildingDistancefrom the ground up. This allows us to now include many fan-requested features like LAN/Online multiplayer, a powerful new level editor, the ability to be on other distribution platforms (like Steam, Origin, etc), and tons of more content!”

There isn’t another game on the market that captures the “survival racing” approach ofNitronic Rush, so I hope this project receives funding. I feel compelled to donate since I had such a blast with the first game. Why notdownload the free gameand see if you feel the same?

John and Molly sitting on the park bench

Close up shot of Marissa Marcel starring in Ambrosio

Kukrushka sitting in a meadow

Lightkeeper pointing his firearm overlapped against the lighthouse background

Overseer looking over the balcony in opening cutscene of Funeralopolis

Edited image of Super Imposter looking through window in No I’m not a Human demo cutscene with thin man and FEMA inside the house

Indie game collage of Blue Prince, KARMA, and The Midnight Walk

Close up shot of Jackie in the Box

Silhouette of a man getting shot as Mick Carter stands behind cover