Game developed in two months gains massive popularity

A small game called +1 Speed Keyboard Escape has drawn 150 million active players each month on Roblox, earning its developers between $20 million and $30 million. The game was developed by SecretVerse, a French studio founded by Aurélien Reynard (Chichine) and Loki.

Origins of the game

The game began as a prototype meant to entertain Loki's sister. It was initially built using artificial intelligence and launched in January, with an official release in March. The developers avoided traditional advertising and virtual currency, instead using platforms like Twitch and TikTok, where in-game effects could be triggered by donations during live streams.

Rapid growth and influence

The game’s popularity has led to over six billion views in six months and inspired many similar games on Roblox. SecretVerse, which focuses on creating Roblox games, uses a model where games are developed quickly and tested with the community to gauge interest and feedback.

Roblox's platform advantage

James Kay, director of international communications at Roblox, noted that the platform’s appeal comes from its low risk and accessibility. Creators can publish games without needing large upfront investments, which encourages innovation and experimentation.

Business model and community

SecretVerse’s revenue comes from optional in-game purchases, such as cosmetic items and progression boosts, rather than requiring players to pay to play. The studio claims to have 130 million fans, with over 2 million new followers added daily after its launch. Regular updates and events are used to keep players engaged.

Future plans and expansion

SecretVerse plans to release two to three new games by the end of the year and has acquired Toons Univers, an open-world survival and horror game, with the goal of growing its player base from hundreds to 100,000. The studio is also exploring partnerships with brands that target young Roblox users.

Ambitions and challenges

Chichine, director of operations at SecretVerse, aims to make the studio the largest in France, challenging companies like Ubisoft. However, the use of AI in game development has led to an increase in low-quality games on the platform. SecretVerse uses AI for some tasks but stresses the need for strong game design expertise to create high-quality experiences.

Exploring new themes

The studio is considering incorporating anti-AI themes into its games, such as a storyline where AI characters rebel. This approach could reflect broader concerns about the role of artificial intelligence in entertainment and society.