The University of Utah’s The Division of Games (Utah Games) program is proud to celebrate the success of Back Off Me Booty, a student-developed game that captured the hearts of players at IndieCade 2024, earning the coveted Audience Choice Award. This prestigious honor highlights the talent, creativity, and dedication of the University’s budding game developers.
A Swashbuckling Adventure Like No Other
Back Off Me Booty is a multiplayer party game that plunges players into the chaotic world of pirate treasure hunts. With its Back off me bootyfast-paced gameplay, vibrant art style, and hilarious mechanics, the game challenges players to defend their precious booty from rival pirates while employing clever strategies to outwit their opponents, all while riding a physical see-saw. The game’s unique blend of competitive and cooperative elements has resonated with audiences, making it a standout title at this year’s IndieCade festival.
About IndieCade 2024
IndieCade, often referred to as the “Sundance of indie games,” is a globally recognized event that celebrates innovation and artistry in independent game development. The festival attracts developers, industry professionals, and gaming enthusiasts from around the world, offering a platform for groundbreaking games to shine. The Audience Choice Award, in particular, reflects the direct engagement and enthusiasm of attendees, making it a true testament to a game’s ability to connect with its players.
A Testament to Student Excellence
Adding to its charm, Back Off Me Booty features an innovative alternative controller: a custom-built see-saw that adds a physical, interactive element to the gameplay. This unique controller was designed and constructed by the student team, enhancing the game’s immersive and playful experience.
The game was developed as a semester-long project during the Masters of Entertainment Arts and Engineering (MEAE) second semester experience in the GAMES 6110 Game Studio course, where all project teams worked to design and create games with alternate controllers. This rigorous course challenges students to apply their skills collaboratively, resulting in polished and imaginative games like Back Off Me Booty.
Developed by a talented team of students in the Utah Games program, Back Off Me Booty is the result of months of hard work, collaboration, and iteration. The project showcases the University of Utah’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in game design, providing students with the resources and mentorship needed to bring their visions to life.
What’s Next for the Team?
Following their success at IndieCade, the team behind Back Off Me Booty plans to explore opportunities for further development and potential publication. With the momentum of this award and the feedback received from players and industry professionals, the team is eager to refine their game and share it with a wider audience.
Celebrating a Bright Future in Games
The win underscores the University of Utah’s reputation as a leader in game design education. The Utah Games program continues to produce award-winning games and industry-ready graduates, solidifying its place as a top destination for aspiring game developers.
Congratulations to the Back Off Me Booty team for their incredible achievement! Stay tuned for more updates on their journey and future projects emerging from the University of Utah’s Utah Games program.