Liquid Swords Plays: Mario Kart

The summer of 2023 might not have been the sunniest Sickla has ever seen, but we could still take some time off for R&R. When the autumn season rolled around, the Liquid Swords HQ was back in full force. To help everyone get back into high gear, we organized a Mario Kart tournament because sometimes the best approach is a literal one.

Liquid Swords is made up of a lot of veterans, in regards to both making and playing games. We have our own favorite games and genres, so our skill levels also vary from game to game. But when we suggested that the studio don their plumber’s overalls and hit the road, the consensus was unanimous and the preparations began immediately. Diligent racing practice after work, intense character negotiations, and smack talk replaced all other forms of communication.

The studio’s lounge area transformed into a dual racetrack, with two 4-player races running simultaneously on our projector screen and TV. In the middle of the room, the rest of the swords gathered to cheer, heckle, and fuel up on pizza before it was their turn to compete. Hands shook begrudgingly,friendships were broken, and new insults flung every other minute. Our founder Christofer surprised us with new pro controllers and a promise to annihilate us all.

We randomized all the racers into four sets, allowing each sword to pick one track per game and ended up with a pretty even split between classic and new courses. There is something special about being able to play a track you’ve been racing over the course of several decades. And remembering the shortcut you discovered in your youth? Unparalleled. But as a group of people developing a new game, our curious nature drew us to unchartered territory as well.

Finally the clock struck 4 pm. It was time to start and nobody calls racers into action better than the gaming people’s princess; Peach.

Let’s go!

As we whittled down the top two from each group, we got to know each other’s racing styles and histories with the game. Mario Kart has been around for a long time, and almost everyone has their own cherished memory of playing it throughout the years. In their childhood bedroom, at a best friend's house, even with a very tech-savvy grandmother! Though the competition was fierce and the insults were loud, the vibe in the room was undeniably joyful.

But when the final four were announced, a hush fell over the crowd. Corinne, Samuel, Leon, and Mickis took their places at the starting line. This time, the competitors couldn’t pick courses but faced four different versions of Rainbow Road. After a very close competition, Dry Bowser, a.k.a Corinne from the Art Team, was crowned the winner!