HoverRace

HoverRace allows players around the world to race against each other in a 3D environment. The player can choose one of four hovercraft before the race begins and competes against others on a track created either by GrokkSoft or by other users. The game supports dial-up connections and does not require a server for races. Up to 10 players can connect directly, but users can go to the in-game chat server called the Internet Meeting Room (IMR) where they can race and chat with others. While racing, players are able to send messages, shoot missiles, drop landmines, and use speed boosters placed in the race track.

In addition, sports tracks have been made. In some of these tracks a stationary player is used as a ball or puck and other players must hit it where they need it to go. Missiles and other items are rarely allowed in these games.

HoverRace was created in 1996 though there are some pieces of information cached on the internet that suggests it may have origins in 1995. It was designed by GrokkSoft with Richard Langlois as its principal programmer and John Ferber who was responsible for the company's marketing and advertising of the game. In the shareware version of the game users could only race with the basic hovercraft and race three of the company's tracks. Users who bought a registration key for $16 could race with all hovercraft, play any track, and/or even create their own.

To boost popularity, GrokkSoft advertised HoverRace on newsgroups and had a HoverRewards program to pay people who referred new players. GrokkSoft also gained affiliations with MBnet and E-On. The affiliation with E-On was short-lived and as a result the company had to release a new version which removed the E-On (fourth) hovercraft.