Norway's trio of gamers turned coders have finally achieved their lifelong childhood dream - creating a video game that has gone live on Steam. Kim Skogvold, Håvar Ringheim, and Kristian Wangen, all dads with six children between them, spent the last 20 years perfecting their creation, C.A.R.S., a physics-based sandbox game.
The journey began innocently enough - weekly gaming sessions and movie marathons that evolved into teaching themselves code development during late-night hours. Dubbed "the Night Shift," these sessions were initially a way to stay connected as friends despite busy lives and day jobs. As the years went by, their hobby transformed into a full-fledged project.
"We decided to stop talking about it and actually do something," Kim told Newsweek, recalling a New Year's celebration when the trio made a pact to turn their dream into reality. The first two years were spent learning coding languages, software, and business aspects of game development, all while juggling normal jobs and family responsibilities.
As progress accelerated, so did the challenges. The group had to adapt to new tools and overcome obstacles, including "sickness marathons" - weeks of sleepless nights with sick kids followed by full workdays. Their friendship and mutual respect proved instrumental in keeping the project alive during these trying times.
The game's development was shaped by their newfound appreciation for "snackable" gaming - short, intense sessions that can be quickly picked up and put down again. This philosophy is reflected in C.A.R.S., a game designed to cater to parents with limited time. Players take on the role of an elderly man who snaps after his quiet cabin is destroyed, using absurd physics to disrupt traffic and reclaim peace.
The game's release on Steam has exceeded their expectations, with 60 copies sold within the first half hour. The trio hopes their story will inspire others to chase their long-abandoned dreams, regardless of age or life circumstances.
"For unfinished dreams, you don't have to be a 'gamer' or have any special skills," Kim explained. "If three tired dads from Norway can get a game on Steam, your dream is definitely doable too."
The journey began innocently enough - weekly gaming sessions and movie marathons that evolved into teaching themselves code development during late-night hours. Dubbed "the Night Shift," these sessions were initially a way to stay connected as friends despite busy lives and day jobs. As the years went by, their hobby transformed into a full-fledged project.
"We decided to stop talking about it and actually do something," Kim told Newsweek, recalling a New Year's celebration when the trio made a pact to turn their dream into reality. The first two years were spent learning coding languages, software, and business aspects of game development, all while juggling normal jobs and family responsibilities.
As progress accelerated, so did the challenges. The group had to adapt to new tools and overcome obstacles, including "sickness marathons" - weeks of sleepless nights with sick kids followed by full workdays. Their friendship and mutual respect proved instrumental in keeping the project alive during these trying times.
The game's development was shaped by their newfound appreciation for "snackable" gaming - short, intense sessions that can be quickly picked up and put down again. This philosophy is reflected in C.A.R.S., a game designed to cater to parents with limited time. Players take on the role of an elderly man who snaps after his quiet cabin is destroyed, using absurd physics to disrupt traffic and reclaim peace.
The game's release on Steam has exceeded their expectations, with 60 copies sold within the first half hour. The trio hopes their story will inspire others to chase their long-abandoned dreams, regardless of age or life circumstances.
"For unfinished dreams, you don't have to be a 'gamer' or have any special skills," Kim explained. "If three tired dads from Norway can get a game on Steam, your dream is definitely doable too."
these norwegian dudes who were just dads with 6 kids to wrangle made a game that's live on steam!! i mean 20 years of hard work & dedication and its finally paid off 
they had the craziest journey too - like weekly gaming sessions turned into coding marathons at 3am with sick kids & all while juggling family life lol what a story!!! these guys r literally proof that u dont need to be some kinda pro gamer or genius coder to make ur dreams happen just keep grindin & never give up 
they literally went from gaming sessions with their mates to coding sessions at night and creating an actual game that's now live on Steam 
it's such an inspiring story, you know? I mean, who wouldn't want to turn their childhood dream into a reality, especially after putting it on hold for so long? The fact that they created a game that's all about snacking (because let's be real, that's the best kind of gaming 
) just adds to its charm. And 60 copies sold in half an hour? That's crazy! I love how these three dads are using their story to show everyone that you're never too old or too busy to chase your dreams 
? And the fact that these three dads managed to pull it off after 20 years of passion and perseverance is just incredible. It's like they say: age is just a number, right? 
20 years of dedication and it finally paid off for these guys! I mean, who wouldn't want to be a part-time coder and full-time dad? 
They're living proof that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing your passions. I love how they turned their "Night Shift" gaming sessions into a full-fledged project. It's so inspiring! 
C.A.R.S sounds like such a unique and addictive game, I need to check it out ASAP! 
omg u guys this r the most inspiration dude i was feelin so stuck in life but these 3 dads showed me that if they did it we can to 
its amazing how passion & friendship can take ur hobby 2 full blown career 
! I mean, these three dads just poured their hearts and souls into creating this amazing game that's all about embracing the chaos of life and finding peace in the most absurd ways 
. And if three tired dads from Norway can do it, why can't you? 
OMG, I'm literally low-key speechless right now! These dudes went from gaming nights to coding marathons and created an actual GAME 
. Their journey is like a reminder that life can get crazy but with the right mindset, you can achieve your dreams 
Late-night coding|
That's crazy!
. But they persevered and made it happen!
. But hey, if three dudes from Norway can make a game on Steam after 20 years, I guess that's just "normal" now. And who wouldn't want to play as an old dude with a bad temper and some wacky physics? Sounds like my perfect evening, tbh... 
. All hail the productivity of dads and gamers! 
. It's also interesting how their experience with "snackable" gaming influenced the design of C.A.R.S., which caters to parents like themselves who have limited time to devote to gaming 
. I hope their story encourages others to pursue their long-abandoned passions, regardless of age or life circumstances 
but they stuck it out cuz their friendship & respect4 each other kept em goin 
now they wanna inspire others 2 chase ther lost dreams 
)
As parents themselves with six kids, I'm loving that C.A.R.S. caters to people like me who don't have hours to play games all day 
. It's so inspiring to see these guys prove that you're never too old (or tired) to chase your dreams! 
. These three dads are proof that it's never too late to chase your dreams, so kudos to them for staying committed! 
.
. 60 copies in half an hour is decent, but it's just a game at the end of the day... I mean, how many times can you play a physics-based sandbox game before it gets old?