Driving Is Hard, the physics-based off-road rage game from developer Elegant Horse Studios, is available now on Xbox with Xbox Play Anywhere support. Priced at $9.99, the game challenges players to pilot an unconventional vehicle across steep, unforgiving terrain where every fall costs hard-earned progress.
Quick Facts
- Developer: Elegant Horse Studios
- Platforms: Xbox (with Xbox Play Anywhere), PC, Linux
- Price: $9.99
- Content: 7 unique worlds, 21 collectible soaps, and customizable bathtub skins
From Office Joke to Foddian Reality
What began life as a coffee-machine joke among co-founders Liudas ("Hangeris") and his colleagues has materialized into a fully realized Foddian rage game. Initial prototypes experimented with a mouse-only control scheme, which the developers quickly scrapped after finding it too unintuitive and frustrating. Transitioning to more traditional arcade-style controls shaped the project into a viable indie release.
The game's distinctive visual identity centers around Jeff, a semi-nude bald protagonist navigating off-road hills inside a bathtub on wheels. According to the studio, the bathtub vehicle design was inspired by Hangeris's childhood memory of a renovated family bathroom, while the protagonist's name originated casually during a walk with the developer behind the horror game Baisu.
Gameplay and Difficulty Modes
Designed to test player patience, Driving Is Hard features simple controls paired with challenging physics mechanics spread across seven distinct worlds. Players can tailor the experience through three selectable difficulty settings:
- Driving is Easy: Offers a more relaxing experience utilizing checkpoints.
- Driving is Hard: Delivers the original punishing challenge intended by the developers.
- Driving is Insane: Built for players seeking an extreme difficulty spike.
Alongside the core climbing mechanics, players can hunt for 21 hidden soaps and unlock different car skins for their bathtub as they progress through Jeff's journey.