Manage your driver in short, tactical races. Rapidly choose from dozens of upgrades each race. Use tire compounds to shape your strategy. Machine-learned drivers make every race unpredictable. Can you become the Champion?

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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 driver's behaviour, the gameplay mechanics, game balance, livery editor and TrackForge. 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, new upgrade cards, a story mode 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 (online and splitscreen), online multiplayer, TrackBuilder, 8 different cars, multi-class racing and livery editor.”

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

“The plan is to gradually raise the base price when more features and content will be released, such as new tracks, car types, game modes, and a fully-fledged story mode. Very specific and/or niche additions that not everyone may like like in the base game will be offered as DLC instead.”

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, Socials (Reddit/Instagram/TikTok) and more, like I am already doing now. Gathering feedback will still be done using by engaging in discussion, observing (video) reviews, and by collecting feedback via posts/discussions/chats, in order to 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. In the end I will do what I personally believe is best for the game, like I have been doing already, which may not address everyone's concerns or feedback. However, together, we will be implementing the necessary changes based on community input in order to ensure the best possible experience for all.”
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Download Backseat Champions: Rookie Edition

This game is not yet available on Steam

Planned Release Date: Nov 13, 2026

This game plans to unlock in approximately 5 weeks

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About This Game

An endless source of real, exciting races.

Manage your driver’s race in an autobattler with roguelite mechanics, focused on the thrill of racing. Select random upgrades throughout the race, navigate the weather and pick the most optimal tire compounds. Overcome each race's challenges and win co-op championships!

Feel free to try the demo with multiplayer before buying the game!

With everyone on equal footing, how will you make the difference?

  • Upgrade your car. During the race, select random upgrades, unlock bonuses and build the fastest car to win each 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

  • Quick, exciting races. Each race lasts roughly 10 minutes by default. Quickly hop in and out, or apply modifiers to extend race lengths up to 500%!

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

Trained on personal servers using the game's tracks. Optimized towards competitiveness with a touch of drama.

  • All racing is real - nothing is scripted. The drivers are powered by machine learning. Naturally observe the craziest of overtakes and the hardest of crashes

  • All drivers are equally skilled. No one to blame but yourself... well, mostly. How will you take the win?

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

  • Highly customizable. Apply race modifiers, draw your own liveries and build your own tracks. Custom content can be shared via the Steam Workshop!

Many pit stops are planned. However, anything can happen during a race, and it usually does!

  • Plan strategic pit stops. Manage your pit stops and utilize 7 different tire compounds to optimize your race. Will you pit early, or risk a puncture?

  • Qualify for the grid. Set your fastest lap against the clock in an optional qualifying session. Squeeze in one more lap, or call it in?

  • Many tires to choose from. All compounds play a specific role in the race. Pick whether you need track position, better scaling or raw speed

  • "Rock-paper-scissors"-like gameplay. Each tire compound works better against another. Outsmart the grid directly or play the long game

Risky upgrades can make or break your race. Do you dare take that risk?

  • To pick or not to pick? Fully max out an upgrade on the spot, at the risk of an engine failure that forces you into the pits. Will you take the gamble?

  • Safety Car action. Crashes bring out the Safety Car and bunch up the whole field. Races can change dramatically based on what others do

  • Extend with modifiers. Rather see more or fewer risks? Enable modifiers like "Shared Card Seed" or increase the Weather Transition slider for your ideal level of action!

Will it stay dry, or do we pit?

  • Navigate the weather. Experience dynamic weather changes throughout the race. Can we risk one more lap?

  • Race unique cars. From all kinds of Formula cars, to Supercars, Stock cars, and all the way to modern Endurance cars. Face new challenges in different race dynamics across many car types

  • Mix it up in multi-class races. Put several car types on the same track, each fighting for their own positions, points and podium. All car types can participate at the same time if you'd like... I won't judge!

Play with mouse and keyboard or your favorite controller, with (or against) friends!

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

  • Local and remote splitscreen. Race with up to 4 players on one screen, on the couch or through Steam Remote Play

  • Join online matchmaking. Take on the world with up to 12 players, and bring your splitscreen and online friends along

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

  • Full-on spectator mode. Rather just watch? Fill the grid with drivers, take a spectator seat and enjoy the show. Online matchmaking can be spectated too!

Draw a line and instantly race it!

  • Build your own tracks. Draw a circuit, decorate it, and instantly race it. Or press one button for a fully random track. Build together with friends and share your creations on the Steam Workshop. Edit together, race together

  • Edit your liveries. Paint your own livery from scratch with brushes, stickers and text, and race it solo or online

  • 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!

  • Apply race modifiers. Race the way you want. Change the race length, tire wear, car type, grid order and much more. Want to do a proper endurance race? Sure can!

System Requirements

Windows
SteamOS + Linux
    Minimum:
    • OS: 10
    • Processor: Intel Core i5-8300H @ 2.30GHz / AMD Ryzen 3 4300U
    • Memory: 12 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 4GB / AMD Radeon RX 560
    • DirectX: Version 11
    • Storage: 11 GB available space
    • Additional Notes: Online connection to Steam required
    Recommended:
    • OS: 11
    • Processor: Intel Core i7-13700HX / AMD Ryzen 9 series
    • Memory: 16 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT
    • DirectX: Version 12
    • Storage: 11 GB available space
    • Additional Notes: Online connection to Steam required
    Minimum:
    • OS: Steam OS or similar
    • Processor: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz
    • Memory: 12 GB RAM
    • Graphics: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz
    • Storage: 11 GB available space
    • Additional Notes: Online connection to Steam required
    Recommended:
    • OS: Steam OS or similar
    • Processor: Intel Core i7-13700HX / AMD Ryzen 9 series
    • Memory: 16 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT
    • Storage: 11 GB available space
    • Additional Notes: Online connection to Steam required
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