Tag: Developer Spotlight »

Given the recent release of Forever Lost: Episode 1, this seemed like the perfect time to delve further into the world of developer, Glitch Games, and see just what the folks there are up to.

Who is Glitch Games?
Glitch Games was founded in late 2011 when one time college friends Simon Pearce and Graham Ranson found themselves reunited post University studies and full of ambition where games development was concerned. As Simon explained to me, "…and the fact we didn't want proper jobs." And who can blame them? The Glitch Games office is based in Oxfordshire, UK.

What is Glitch Games most famous for?
Currently, Forever Lost, the very spooky adventure game. Previously, Glitch Games has produced educational titles such as My First Colouring Book and Kids Love Animals. The devs are also responsible for party type game Blox, word game Wordoodle and sinister The Hauntening.

What's next on the horizon?
Only the first episode of Forever Lost has been released so future episodes are in the works. Simon explained that "Since we now have the story established and the main framework complete, we can focus our time primarily on the puzzles and structure of the games, which hopefully means we can be even more creative for future releases."

What else is there to know about Glitch Games?
How about a few interesting things from the developers themselves?

148apps: Forever Lost is quite a change of pace from your past games, what lured you into pursuing the adventure game genre?

Glitch Games: Both of us love adventure games so the lure has always been there, we just thought that maybe they were a little too ambitious for us.

Then back in February we took part in the Techority 48 hour challenge. We decided to use it to experiment with the idea creating an adventure game to see just what we could come up with. By the end of the competition we had decided that we enjoyed making it so much that no matter what happened we would be releasing our entrant on iOS to see what people thought of it. We ended up winning the competition and people seemed to like our little game so it just seemed that right thing for us to do would be to make a full adventure game and 7 months later here we are.

148apps: What do you enjoy most about making iOS games?
Glitch Games: One of the most enjoyable aspects, for us at least, is in coming up with fun and interesting uses for all the various features like the touch screen and accelerometer. We also like the creative freedom it allows us by being able to be completely independent and self financed.

Where can I find out more about Glitch Games?
The developer has embraced social networking as any self respecting developer should in the 21st century. Besides the website, there is a Facebook page, LinkedIn page, Twitter account and YouTube channel.

We will also be keeping an eye on future episodes of Forever Lost.

Following on from our look at UK-based developer, Mojo Bones, we've taken the time to check out what Swedish developer Simogo are up to and just why they're worthy of your attention.

Who is Simogo?
Simogo is made up of Simon Flesser and Magnus 'Gordon' Gardebäck. Simon works on all things art and sound related, while Gordon is responsible for the code and eating any dutch chocolate that happens to be in their office in Malmö. Before working as Simogo, they both worked on downloadable console titles such as R-Type Dimensions, Lode Runner, Tecmo Bowl Throwback and Ilomilo.

What is Simogo most famous for?
Besides the above titles, Simogo has done a great job of mastering various different genres. Last year marked the release of charming Endless Runner Bumpy Road while earlier this year, we saw puzzle-platformer Beat Sneak Bandit. Both gained great scores from us at the time.

What's next on the horizon?
A very intriguing and potentially creepy game by the name of Year Walk. It's set for release this winter and is a first person 2D adventure set in the dark woods of 19th century Sweden. Simogo promises that it will combine adventure, mystery, horror, the occult, supernatural happenings and interactive art all in one intuitive package. Check out the trailer below to get a feel for it.

Anything else I should know about Simogo?
Of course! We had a word with Simon and Gordon regarding how they felt about iOS development.

148apps: You've worked on many different types of games over the years. Do you have a particular preference for a genre, either to play or create?

Simogo: Actually no! We like being diverse, and trying out new things, as I hope you can tell from the Year Walk trailer.
When it comes to playing we enjoy a lot of different things. Some of our iOS favourites include Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery, Async Corp, Helsing's Fire, Space Invaders: Infinity Gene and Eliss. So you can see it's quite the spectrum.

148apps: What's your favorite thing about iOS development?

Simogo: The best thing is coming up with creative interactions. The iPhone has a lot of neat features, and I think the most interesting thing is coming up with new ways to use them.
The way we can self fund our games and publish them easily ourselves is, of course, another huge plus.

Where can I find out more about Simogo?
Plenty of places. We'll keep you informed on Year Walk's progress but there's also Simogo's website, blog, Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Here at 148Apps, we like to keep you informed on all the latest developments and games or apps set for release shortly, but thought it was about time that we also learned a little more about the people behind such great creations. This week, we take a look at UK-based developer, Mojo Bones.

Who are Mojo Bones?
The company is comprised of art man Mark Norman, programmer Andrew Jones, design guru Stuart Ryall and Clarence, a slightly sinister sounding caretaker of the website.

What is Mojo Bones most famous for?
Currently, it's Tongue Tied, an enjoyable physics platforming game. Players have to help two dogs called Mick & Ralph navigate 50 levels, while the dogs are permanently attached at the tongue. It's not always the easiest of games, but it's pretty fun and certainly quirky. Completing tricks is a particular joy to behold.

What's next on the horizon?
Funny you should ask that, as Mojo Bones's latest title, The Curse, is coming out this Thursday. It's pretty different from Tongue Tied! as it's a puzzle game with Professor Layton-style qualities. Players have to complete 100 puzzles in order to beat the evil Mannequin. Some are quite simple but many involve a lot of lateral thinking. We liked what we saw when we checked it out last month and we suspect you will too.

Anything else I should know about Mojo Bones?
Oh yes, we had a few words with Stuart Ryall to see how he felt about things.

148apps: What's your favorite thing about iOS development?
Stuart Ryall: One of my favourite aspects of developing for iOS is the way that it forces you to approach development in different ways to more traditional platforms. Not only do you have to consider that the people who end up playing your game might not actually be gamers, but you also have new control methods to think about, alongside the fact that gameplay is much more ‘short-burst’. I think it’s great when you’re forced to revaluate what you already know, and the world of mobile always keeps you on your toes. Creatively, it also provides a lot of freedom.

148apps: Is there an iOS app or game that you wish you'd developed first? If so, what apps/games?
Ryall: Tough question. Every week there are interesting new games popping up on the App Store and the competition is extremely high (which, again, is a good thing). It would be tough to pick a single game as there are so many but I think there are key aspects from certain games that really stand-out. I love the artistic style of Sword & Sworcery and Machinarium (great soundtracks too) and you can never overlook the perfect simplicity (and influence) of games like Tiny Wings, Angry Birds and Cut The Rope. It’s also great when you discover games that make perfect use of the touch screen. Solipskier is a great example.

Where can I find out more about Mojo Bones?
Check out their website, Facebook page, YouTube Channel and Twitter account. And, of course, we'll keep you informed on all the latest including a full review of The Curse very soon.