Want to brave an environmental disaster alongside fellow scientists? Check out Funnel Runners! Up to eight players gather data in a doomed city on an F5 tornado that is smashing everything in its path to smithereens. Buildings collapse, objects vanish into the rubble, and the wind sweeps away anything that isn’t bolted down. On top of that, the team must collect spare parts for their van in order to escape in time. This makes every round unique, because you never know what’s going to happen next. With Funnel Runners, Supernova Studios creates an atmosphere that draws gamers straight into the game. With a mix of adrenaline, teamwork and the constant sense that time is running out, the developers weave an experience that is unlike any other.
The indie studio, with a small but dedicated team, developed Funnel Runners as a reflection on the increasing frequency of natural disasters. Originally conceived as a horror game, Funnel Runners evolved over time into the co-operative survival experience it is today. The focus on visual intensity and teamwork gives the game its distinctive character.
ODIN Voice keeps the team together in a city on the brink of collapse
One of the key elements contributing to the immersive atmosphere and shared experience is the communication between players. Supernova Studios opted for ODIN Voice right from the start. With crystal-clear sound and true spatial audio, the voice chat enhances the atmosphere and provides both developers and players with an additional element for an intensified experience. Funnel Runners utilises ODIN Voice in three ways:
- Real-time team communication via walkie-talkies: Players can coordinate in real time via their walkie-talkies. This allows them to communicate even over long distances, support one another and provide guidance.
- Immersion through spatial audio: Without walkie-talkies, ODIN Voice’s great immersive strength shines through. All players’ voices are clearly mapped spatially and blend seamlessly into the game world. In this way, ODIN Voice enhances the immersion and experience of Funnel Runners further.
- Lobby for eliminated players: Anyone who does not survive the storm in Funnel Runners becomes an observer. For this group, Supernova Studios has set up a dedicated voice channel using ODIN Voice, where players can chat regardless of their position and comment on the actions of their still-active teammates.
“We were looking for a solution that matches the intensity of the game. ODIN Voice takes our game to the next level and enriches the overall experience,” emphasises Dusan Pav, Producer & Creative Director at Supernova Studios.
Integration with the Unreal Engine
The developers are using the Unreal Engine to perfectly render both the physics and the visuals of the devastating tornado. Getting ODIN Voice to work with the Unreal Engine was a breeze for the developers: “The voice chat was implemented, customised and up and running in less than five days, without any loss of performance”, explains Dusan Pav, Producer & Creative Director at Supernova Studios.
- Easy integration: The ODIN Voice Unreal SDK is specifically optimised for the Unreal Engine and requires virtually no code modifications.
- Stability under load: Even in dynamic environments, voice quality remains crystal clear – a must for a game that relies on real-time interaction.
- Low resource consumption: ODIN Voice runs efficiently in the background without affecting the game’s performance – even during complex physics calculations and graphical effects.
“The ODIN Voice SDK enabled us to integrate voice chat virtually offhand", says Julio, Lead Developer at Supernova Studios. “The documentation was clear, the support was highly responsive, and in the end we have a solution that simply works.”
The sound of cooperation in survival
Funnel Runners is currently available via Early Access. With more locations, new scenarios and an even more immersive multiplayer experience thanks to voice chat, Supernova Studios still has plenty of plans for the game. “We want players to feel as though they’re truly in this world,” emphasises Logan Bamford, CEO and Founder of Supernova Studios. “With ODIN Voice, we can ensure that communication between players is just as realistic as the game’s graphics or physics.”
In a game that focuses on teamwork, atmosphere and realism, a reliable voice solution is crucial for an immersive shared experience. ODIN Voice turns voice chat into a key gameplay element, offering the flexibility and scalability required for multiplayer games:
- Plug-and-play: Quick integration into your engine with minimal development time.
- Stable performance: Low latency and reliable connections enable lifelike conversations even in chaotic gameplay scenarios.
- Future-proof: Scalable for games of all sizes, from indie titles to AAA, from 2 to 2,000 active players.
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