All Games > Racing Games > Backseat Champions
Community Hub
Backseat Champions
Instead of driving, manage your AI driver in short exciting races. Plan strategic pit stops, apply mid-race upgrades, and manage your boost while navigating changing weather conditions. Observe machine-learning AI drivers making every race unique. Start your race and outsmart your rivals!

Sign in to add this item to your wishlist, follow it, or mark it as ignored

Features
Languages:
Interface Full Audio Subtitles
English ✔ ✔ ✔
Content
Includes Interactive Elements

Online interactivity

Coming Soon To Early Access

The developers of this game intend to release as a work in progress, developing with the feedback of players.

Note: Games in Early Access are not complete and may or may not change further. If you are not excited to play this game in its current state, then you should wait to see if the game progresses further in development. Learn more

What the developers have to say:

Why Early Access?

“Early Access will significantly help with the development of Backseat Champions. As a solo developer, I will need your feedback on the AI's behaviour, the gameplay mechanics and overall playability. Early Access will further enhance the existing features, build new ones and bring it towards a proper full release.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“Depending on the initial reception and feedback, along with polishing new and existing features; I expect roughly 2 years to fully develop Backseat Champions into a 1.0.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“The plan is to add more tracks, new types of cars, a story mode, a track editor, and an overall improved gameplay experience based on community feedback. Your input will also provide feedback on the consistency and performance across different hardware configurations.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Backseat Champions is currently available for Windows and Linux platforms, with optimised support for the Steam Deck. Players can enjoy using controller layouts, as well as Mouse and Keyboard. The game features limited tracks and offers a championship mode for solo and co-operative play, as well as an invite-only online multiplayer where you can compete with (or against) your Steam friends.”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“The plan is to gradually raise the price when more features and content will be released, such as new tracks, car types, game modes, track editor, and a fully-fledged story mode.”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“I will keep actively engaging with the community through platforms like the Steam forums, Discord, YouTube, Reddit and more, like I am already doing now. Gathering feedback will still be done using polls, forms, engaging in (video) reviews and discussions, we'll gather insights into what players like and dislike about the game. This feedback loop will inform the decisions as I work to identify and address the game's current strengths and weaknesses. Together, we will be implementing the necessary changes based on community input in order to ensure the best possible experience for all.”
Read more
This game is not yet available on Steam

Planned Release Date: 2026

Interested?
Add to your wishlist and get notified when it becomes available.
Add to your wishlist
 
See all discussions

Report bugs and leave feedback for this game on the discussion boards

About This Game

AI Powered racing like you've never seen before.

Instead of driving, you manage your driver.

Experience an autobattler with roguelite mechanics that focuses on the thrill of racing. Overcome each race's challenges and win co-op championships!

  • Short-burst races, allowing you to quickly hop in and get straight to the action.

  • Every race is unique. Experience different race lengths, dynamic weather conditions and random upgrades.

  • All racing is real - nothing is scripted. Driven by machine learning AI. Naturally observe the craziest of overtakes and the hardest of crashes.

  • Play with or against your friends. Battle it out or compete in the Career Mode championships together.

  • Upgrade your car. While driving, select random upgrades, unlock bonus upgrades and build the fastest car to win each race.

  • Plan strategic pit stops. Manage your pit stops and utilize many different tire compounds to optimize your race.

  • Manage your boost. Manipulate your car by using boosts and aerodynamics buffs. Assist your driver with overtakes, defending and by setting overall faster lap times.

  • Navigate the weather. Experience dynamic weather changes throughout the race. Will it stay dry, or risk making a pit stop for wet tires?

  • Start your Career Mode. Unlock championships by winning in others. Climb your way through the ladder and become the best ever Backseat Champion!

  • Unlock teams and customizations. Level up throughout your racing adventure. Unlock car customization features such as wheel rims, helmet designs, teams to choose from and more!

  • Your choices matter. Everyone starts on equal footing. Infinite possibilities. Where will you make the difference?

  • Race unique cars. From classic Formula cars all the way to modern Endurance cars. Face new challenges in different race dynamics.

Note on AI

This project does NOT use Generative AI.

The drivers are powered by reinforcement learning using conventional, non-generative neural network models.

All training was done from scratch using self-made training environments built within the 50+ tracks of the game, and run from personal servers.

No copyrighted material, or third-party data, was used during the development of the game. All assets were created either by commissioned artists or myself.

System Requirements

Windows
SteamOS + Linux
    Minimum:
    • OS: 10
    • Processor: Intel Core i5-8300H @ 2.30GHz / AMD Ryzen 3 4300U
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 4GB / AMD Radeon RX 560
    • DirectX: Version 11
    Recommended:
    • OS: 11
    • Processor: Intel Core i7-13700HX / AMD Ryzen 9 series
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT
    • DirectX: Version 12
    Minimum:
    • OS: Steam OS or similar
    • Processor: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz
    • Memory: 4 GB RAM
    • Graphics: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz
    • Storage: 4 GB available space
    Recommended:
    • OS: Steam OS or similar
    • Processor: Intel Core i7-13700HX / AMD Ryzen 9 series
    • Memory: 4 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT
    • Storage: 4 GB available space
There are no reviews for this product

You can write your own review for this product to share your experience with the community. Use the area above the purchase buttons on this page to write your review.