HardDriverz
HardDriverz is an arcade racing game where players can customize their karts to compete through fun, twisty, futuristic tracks that defy gravity.
HardDriverz | Unreal Engine 5
My role: Level Design/ Track Design
Team Size: 60 People
Development time: 12 Weeks
Platform: PC | Steam
Trailer
Play Now On Steam
My Work
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Establish the basic pickup type with the team
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Design the full racetrack of Disk Map using UE Spline tool
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Implement and integrate pickups and obstacles throughout the map
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Developed track variation features such as loop-de-loops, and established movement metrics for karts based on track segments.
Level Map
The level is built around a central "Disk" theme, featuring two primary islands connected by dual track routes.
Each island integrates the racing track into the surrounding environment, creating a cohesive layout that supports multiple path choices and competitive flow.
Track Design
Early White Box Stage
Experimented with various track layouts to discover designs that create a dynamic and engaging racing experience.
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Shortcut design - able to allow player gain advantage
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Curved path - advanced skill set for racing, allowing players to build momentum through precision control
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Flying through sections- create “wow” moments and break the pacing for visual excitement
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Circular paths - begin at higher elevations to provide an overview of the upcoming course, enabling quick, strategic decisions during races
Action Block - Fly moment
Action Block - Shortcut
Actually Shortcut design in game - combine with fly moment
Design Goal: Enhance fun and gameplay variety
Track Variance - Wow Moment
In the production stage, beyond implementing the full track layout, I focused more on track variation— How to design the track so that players continue to find it fun and engaging even after looping through it two or three times during a race.
Building on the experience and feedback gathered during the whitebox phase, I iterated and completed several variations to improve replayability and pacing across the track.
Rotating Disk
Shortcuts
- The shortcut features tighter, curved track geometry that requires advanced turning control and riskier execution.
- The regular path provides a smoother racing line with boost pads to support acceleration and maintain consistent speed.
Flying Path
The flying path creates a high-speed traversal moment through a disconnected track structure and airborne route transition.
Players need to maintain enough speed before entering the section and align their trajectory in mid-air to reconnect with the next part of the track. This design adds verticality and spatial variety to the race while creating a visually memorable “wow moment.”
Loop-de-loop
The loop-de-loop section reinforces the anti-gravity driving fantasy by introducing a full vertical inversion into the track.
Players must enter the loop with sufficient speed and maintain stable vehicle control throughout the rotation to smoothly reconnect with the following route.
This section breaks the traditional flat racing rhythm and creates a strong sense of speed, direction change, and visual excitement.
