by Annie | Nov 25, 2011 | Game Design
Interested in learning more about the work we’re doing? Here’s the Geek Speak interview I did for the Georgia Straight, talking about our games and the work we’re doing at Digido...
by Annie | Nov 24, 2011 | Other
The last time I took an art class was in high school. So when the chance arose for me to take a painting class, I jumped on the opportunity. We’re almost at the end of our 6-week acrylics class, and in that time, we’ve covered the basics of design, caring for supplies, how to fix mistakes, and how to finish a painting. I must admit, after years of digital design, it’s quite different for me to create a piece of art on paper. The first time I started a painting, I began by sketching everything out with a pencil before I realized that acrylics are a very forgiving medium. Make a mistake, and you can just paint right over it. Within five weeks, I’ve created four paintings. I’ve learned a ton, had a blast, and discovered a new hobby I love. Hopefully, these paintings will be the first of many to...
by Annie | Nov 23, 2011 | Game Design, Psychology of Games
A new version of Pop & Dodge is now available on the App Store. This version includes new powerups, new achievements, and a new tap mode. …wait a second. Tap mode? Aren’t our games supposed to be about physical activity? Exactly. In fact, that’s precisely why we put in Rookie Mode, where you can play the same game by tapping instead of jumping. The hook? The Advanced Mode (jump to play) offers more powerups, more points, and more achievements. Rookie Mode allows you to play Pop & Dodge when you’re on the bus, in the car, or anywhere else where you just can’t jump. Through tapping, you familiarize yourself with the mechanics of the game by using more standard iPhone inputs (i.e., tapping instead of jumping). We know this could be a risky move. Sure, there might be people who only play Rookie Mode and never convert to jumping. But that’s okay. We can’t force people to jump; we can only encourage them to do so through solid game mechanics and motivating rewards. Offering a tap mode allows us to reach players within their comfort zone and gently push them to change their habits, instead of starting out with something completely foreign. So now you’ve got no excuse. Whether you’re sitting, standing, or lying down, you can play Pop & Dodge anywhere, anytime. So grab the latest update...
by Annie | Nov 19, 2011 | Education, Game Design, Psychology of Games
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by Annie | Nov 18, 2011 | Game Design
Can’t get enough of Beeker the Penguin? Well we’ve got a treat for you! Beeker is making a guest appearance in the upcoming holiday version of MotionMaze, as the main character of MotionMaze: Holiday Adventure, available in the App Store in early December, so get ready for new features and tons of new mazes!...
