At the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) Chennai, Fingersoft, a Finnish video game developer and the company behind Hill Climb Racing, growth director Mikko Kirmanen shared his views with AnimationXpress on the changing mobile gaming landscape, AI-led production and the studio’s upcoming plans.
The studio employs around 100 people, which is behind the popular Hill Climb Racing franchise. Its first game launched in 2012, followed by the sequel in 2016, and the franchise has clocked nearly three billion installs worldwide.
Kirmanen identified rising user acquisition costs, including cost per install (CPI) and cost per mille (CPM), as a major challenge, particularly for smaller studios. While AI is making game development more accessible and increasing the number of titles entering app stores, attracting players remains difficult.
“It doesn’t matter how many games you can put on Google Play every day, but you also need people to play the games,” he said.
AI, he added, has enabled even one- or two-person teams to create games on a scale that was previously difficult to achieve. However, widespread use of similar production methods could make games look and feel alike.
For Indian developers, Kirmanen recommended exploring AI and its potential. “Just create stuff,” he said, encouraging studios to experiment with the technology and adapt to its growing role in professional workflows.
Hill Climb Racing shifts gears
Meanwhile, Fingersoft is currently focused on Hill Climb Racing 3, which marks a significant step forward for the franchise. The game introduces real-time multiplayer for the first time, alongside enhanced 3D assets and updated monetisation.
“Game-wise, it’s real-time multiplayer. We haven’t ever had that in our games,” Kirmanen said.
The new multiplayer format also brings fresh operational and marketing challenges, including server management and a carefully planned soft launch. Kirmanen described the process as a learning curve for the studio.
Fingersoft has previously published third-party games, but its immediate priority remains the new Hill Climb Racing title. The company may revisit third-party publishing in the second half of next year.
With AI accelerating game creation, the industry’s next race may not be about who can make the most games, but who can make players care about them. Fingersoft, meanwhile, is putting its foot down on its next big climb.
