Conclusion

Overall, I'm very happy with how this project has gone. I've really enjoyed the process of taking a game I've designed beyond concept and actually begin on the production process by creating a demo. I've also really enjoyed learning some new skills. Creating this demo allowed me to improve my core drawing skills and in the process focus my aspirations on 2D character design. Its also allowed me to learn completely new skills in basic game creation for example getting my game art ready for an iOS device.


I've also really enjoyed the term as a whole, particularly the contextual project. I really enjoyed researching into procedural rhetoric and its use in the games industry. It really opened my eyes to the possibilities that digital games have to offer.

Lume

Lume is a truly amazing game. As soon as you start playing your met by simple childish graphics that draw you in and create a magical world. As you then find out that the whole game was made from paper and card sets, it becomes spectacular. The amount of thought and detail in the design of the game, creates a lovable character and great little story. Since reading about the game, I've already downloaded it and completed it twice.I really liked the way in which Lume was created and would really love to find out how it was done. I'm going to look in to trying to get some work experience with them.

State Of Play Games

http://www.stateofplaygames.com/

"Established in 2008 by Luke Whittaker and Katherine Bidwell, State of Play’s work has won a number of international awards. We have developed the hand-crafted puzzle adventure game Lume for PC and Mac, and Headspin: Storybook for iOS platforms, one of Apple’s ‘Best iPad Apps of 2010’. We have also created hit games for clients including MTV, Miniclip, BBC, ESPN, Fremantle, Mind Candy and Shockwave, and animations for the likes of Oxfam, BBC, Christian Aid and Macmillan."

Stateofplaygames is responsible for one of the best looking and most unique games available on the App store. Lume, was created using real paper sets and filmed in real life. This gives the game a unique style and image that makes the game so compelling to play, as well as this it really shows the possibilities of the iOS platform.

Ookoohko

http://ookoohko.com/


http://www.getouttamygalaxy.com/


"Ookoohko is an independent game studio. We're in the business of making games that are good, one at a time."


Ookoohko is a very small independent games developer from Finland. Their most recent release 'Get Outta My Galaxy' ones again uses iOS to get incredibly cute and interesting designs. I especially like style of GOMG and could see it doing really well in an Asian market. Also I'm incredibly interested to see what their newest release will be from looking at their artwork on their site.

Rubicon Development

http://www.rubicondev.com/

"Rubicon Development is a UK-based independent game developer. After many successful years trading as a porting studio, we have now focussed all of our efforts on developing our own games and IP and bringing them direct to your hands via mobile platforms. Our first release, "Great Little War Game" went straight to #1 on the iOS strategy game chart, and the recent release on Android is doing similarly well."

Rubicon has had a number of well reviewed games with its biggest hit 'Great Little War' spawning a number of follow up games. Although not as amazing graphically, the games have very strategic gameplay that would b easily found in a home console game.

SiuYiu

http://siuyiugames.com/

"SiuYiu is an independent iOS game developer founded by Kathy Fung, a former graphics programmer who have been developing games for consoles and mobile for close to 10 years. She has previously worked at Double Fine Productions and Obsidian Entertainment as well as other game studios. SiuYiu games are collaborations between a couple of talented people who have a passion for developing simulation games with gorgeous graphics."



Kathy Fung and her team at SiuYiu are really pushing the graphical capabilities of the handheld iOS with their games. Pocket Minions and Tiny Sheep look absolutely amazing graphically, and have some really simple but interesting game mechanics, both haven't been released on the app store yet, but I am looking forward to playing them.

Research

I think that now I have decided that I'm certain about 2D character design, it would be a good time to do some research into some 2D character artists, as well as looking at some indie developers for iOS games. I think this will help me focus my work in the future as well as highlight any skills I might need to gain or work on.