Indie driving games can surprise, delight and innovate. So too can blockbuster ‘triple-A’ releases, but so often, a kernel of genius comes from a small, passionate team. Recently, there has been a spate of limited-time demos, Kickstarter campaigns and social media teasers for the next generation of small-production, but big ambition, driving games. Here are six we think are worth keeping an eye on as they near the end of development. Over The Hill Sometimes, virtual driving can be so serious. Competitive. Sweaty. And that’s great. When you’re in the mood for an iRacing Special Event or Sport Mode race in Gran Turismo 7, the sense of accomplishment can be unrivalled. Yet, gaming can also be relaxing. It’s a way of switching off, de-stressing. That’s where the sedentary Over The Hill comes in. By Strelka Games and Funselektor, the mind behind Art of Rally and Absolute Drift, comes a slow-paced overland experience, with bucolic free-roam surroundings and rewards for taking pictures of wildlife. That’s not the only thing you’ll be taking photos of, as you traverse the countryside surroundings, the sheer beauty will have you reaching for your DSLR more often than the high or low range drive selector. We just couldn’t stop taking images. But, speaking of ratios, there are parts of the map that are tricky, clambering over rocks and navigating over fallen trees acting as bridges, for instance. The main aim is to simply explore, and you can do this with up to three other players co-operatively online, but then find fallen meteorites, working together for extraction. Then there’s the aforementioned wildlife images, plus other hidden bonuses or towing stuck vehicles, all the while unlocking new chunky vehicles and customisation parts along the way. The changeable weather system and day-to-night time cycle are robust, including deep snow,