What would a multiplayer crash game look like?

Traditionally, the crash game is played in real time. A multiplier (often symbolised by a plane or rocket) increases progressively, and the participant must decide to stop its ascent before it comes to an abrupt halt. For the time being, despite the simultaneous presence of many players in the same game, direct interaction remains limited (each player takes or suffers the crash individually). This raises the question of how this concept could evolve into a truly immersive multiplayer mode, incorporating more advanced social and technological dimensions.

The technologies of a multiplayer crash game

A multiplayer crash game would push back the boundaries by enriching the social and immersive experience. For example, we could imagine personalised avatars. Each player takes on the role of a character or vehicle in a common setting (e.g. an aerial arena, spaceship). A jetpack, rocket or hot-air balloon could symbolise the multiplier, as in the metaverse concept where the crash is illustrated by the explosion of a jetpack. Then there are competitive and cooperative modes: beyond the simple race for the multiplier, players could compete against each other (eliminating rivals, being the last in the air), or collaborate (forming teams to unlock shared bonuses). There could be mini-games between two rounds, synchronised challenges or cross bets on collective successes.

But there's also live communication: the integration of a voice or text chat (like on Discord/Twitch) to create a community. Spectators and influencers could comment on games in real time, creating an event effect that is the charm of game streaming platforms. Artificial intelligence and personalisation are also a possibility. AI could adjust the level of difficulty in real time, analyse game behaviour to propose appropriate challenges, or feed spectator bots that interact credibly with the community.

The characteristics of a multiplayer crash game

The appeal of a crash game lies in the tension created by the rapid rise in potential winnings on the one hand, and the risk of losing everything on the other. Users discover the crash game as a fast-paced, frenetic gaming experience, akin to a timing challenge. Among the best-known versions, the Aviator game (developed by Spribe) has set the standard. You'll find the Aviator Bet version on a number of gaming platforms, illustrating the enduring appeal of this concept.

That's why a crash game that aims to be multiplayer should be based on the following elements:

• Dynamic multiplier: A graphic or avatar rises continuously until the game is stopped. All the players see the same progress simultaneously, reinforcing the group spirit.
• Strategic decision: Each participant chooses when to stop the race (validate their winnings). The longer you wait, the higher the multiplier, but the greater the risk of an explosion. This temporal tension is at the heart of the gameplay.
• Synchronous participation: Dozens, hundreds or even thousands of players can follow the same game live. The results (graph, maximum multiplier) are shared, but each player plays for himself and does not directly affect the winnings of the others.

The situation and outlook

In terms of statistics and trends, a number of indicators confirm that interest in collective video game experiences remains immense. According to recent studies, the global video game market will exceed 187.7 billion dollars in 2024, and will reach almost 300 billion in 2025. This growth is being driven in particular by social gaming: the social and casual segment alone will account for $223.8 billion in 2025, or almost three-quarters of the total market. The number of gamers worldwide continues to explode, with around 3.4 billion active players in 2025, and this base is growing. These figures reflect the massive adoption of online gaming and the appetite for shared experiences.

In such a context, a multiplayer crash game could benefit from this general craze, by aligning itself with the same growth dynamics. For a more immersive vision, advanced technologies would play a key role:

• Virtual reality and augmented reality: A VR crash game would involve each player standing in a virtual cockpit or on a launch pad with the other participants. The player would see the environment around them transform as the multiplier climbs, boosting the adrenaline.
• Metavers and interconnected ecosystems: A multiplayer crash game of the future could be part of a wider metaverse (like those of Epic Games or Decentraland). Players would then benefit from a global ecosystem: avatars, international rankings, cross-platform quests, etc.