An Indie Game Developers Girlfriend

A friend of mine linked me an article today which mentioned my boyfriends and friends recently released iOS game Tobor.  Meat Boy dev has mixed feelings about iOS knock-offs

As you can see from the title of the article and upon reading it, you don't get strong warm and fuzzy feelings from the writer.  There is a lot of negativity being generated from this article, some of which can be seen in the comments (although not all comments are negative and/or ignorant, which is nice to see.)  I felt I needed to share my opinion and feelings on the matter, not only discussing the other side of the argument, but basically my perspective on the bigger picture.   

Just to give a bit of background to those who do not know me.  I've been playing and loving video games since the age of 4.  I attended school for Game Art and Design and have been working as a Tech Artist for nearly 5 years. So I guess I know a bit about video games and game development.

Like many other industries, the gaming industry has suffered greatly because of the recession.  This resulted to the cancellation of many game projects, massive layoffs and game studios having to shut down.  I think we can all agree the recession sucks! 

It's a tough life to pursue the dream of being a video game developer.  Definitely not an easy road by any means.  So now with the result of the recession, there's a bunch of talented people sitting around unemployed, unable to find jobs because there's not a major demand and there's heaps of people who are all racing for the next available job posting.  

Game development isn't just for those who want to make the next major console/PC title.  There's a whole other world to explore!  The world of indie developers is large and continually growing.  It's a really cool community and everyone seems to be very supportive of each other - although this type of game development isn't for everyone. 

Making games isn't just a hobby, for most it's a true passion.  It takes a lot of hard work/effort to make an indie game or any game for that matter.  You can go to school to study how to make games, but a lot of the things you do learn, are from your peers, from personal research and experience.  You most definitely have to be passionate to pursue indie game development full-time, as you don't have the luxuries that come with working for a company or even some of the assurances you get from doing freelance work.  It's tough stuff!

Back to the article.  The writers opinion, is one of which I obviously do not share but thanks for the exposure!  Any publicity is good publicity!  As you can tell I'm an optimist haha.  The game has similarities, yes but I don't see how it's a bad thing to be inspired by and develop something that people already enjoy.  Look at Tetris, Bejeweled, Pac-man, Space Invaders...all fun games which have inspired many game developers to make similar games.  Looking back, the two first games I've made were an Asteroids and a Frogger game.  In the article they even mentioned Edmund McMillen, co-creator of Super Meat Boy felt really flattered and wasn't bothered by it.  Some comments posted on the article even point out the fact that SMB is inspired by Jumper 2.  So why should anyone sweat the fact games are similar?  This is not news...most of everything is inspired by something else.

We can also look at this as a learning experience too!  There's so much that you learn from making your own game because you're doing more than one job, and especially if you're trying to make an indie game for the first time (which was my boyfriends case.)  You should really try it out if you're interested in pursuing this as a career.  It totally helps if you're planning to attend a program in college/university related to this field. 

People need to realize, indie developers not only put in a lot of time and effort into these games, but also a lot of their own money!  0.99 cents for a game isn't asking much.  Many people who have bought and played the game have really liked it.  If the game is fun to play, the only reason you should complain is because you reached a level that seems impossible to beat, but your 7 year old niece completed it with ease.  I don't expect to change anyone's mind who thought negatively about the game - I just want to spread some positivity around!   

Also I just want to say to my boyfriend...you're truly incredible!  You never gave up on your dreams and passions and that is an amazing accomplishment on its own.  You embody so many amazing qualities and inspire me everyday.  The strength, courage and compassion you carry in all aspects of your life, helps me push past my own boundaries.  I don't say it often enough but I am so proud of you!  I'm proud to say I'm an indie game developers girlfriend! (Ya it just got mushy up in here lol.)

To everyone else, please support indie developers.  Come to appreciate all the hard work that goes into making these wonderful titles!  Thank you to those of you who already do!  And most importantly stay positive and have fun!  Thanks for reading! (That's a lot of exclamation points haha.)

Also I should mention if you're interested, Tobor can be purchased here:
Tobor App Store Page

Also here are some of my favourite comments posted on the Destructoid article.  Thanks for your support!:

"Tobor is a very fun game, sure it is similar to SMB, which I also played, but super adventure island was similar to super mario brothers. Both were sweet. Why does everyone do this bulls*** argument. If the game is good, its good. Tobor is filling a void on IOS that SMB was not. So get over it friends." - nickervision

"Tobor is a great game that emulates hardcore gaming on the IOS. Although the game has been out for three days i have been addicted to the to the challenges TOBOR brings to the table.. for a game that costs 99 cents i see it as money well spent." - MrMcpwn

"Lets leave emotions out of this. Comment about s*** game play if you have played it, otherwise your opinion is null and void. What's the same and what's different?
Similarities: jumper platform, block shaped character, avoid blades
Differences: Console, motion controls instead of arrow keys/keyboard (which demands a whole different coding element.) game play is intuitive in it's own right with the motion controls. The reward system is different and bronze through diamond according to performance.
Graphics are unique and reminiscent of 50's retro design. For 99c this game is worth it and fulfills a gap in the market. Every platformer appropriates ideas. Choice and variety is what makes life interesting." - PostPaint

Here's to everyone who has to battle evil robots!

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Things used to be so cheery around here.

I've been a long time fan of Harry Potter.  I first started reading the books in grade 8 and immediately fell in love.  J.K. Rowling is one spectacular author and many others would wholeheartedly agree.  It's a great feeling to share this story with people of all ages, (and I really do mean ALL ages,) and have them join in on the wonderful world and characters of Harry Potter and fall in love just as much.


  Some may think it's childish to read a series following a boy wizard, but I would have to disagree and tell those who are reluctant to pick up any of the books, based off that particular assumption, to open their minds up a little.  Yes it's a work of fiction, but I think the underlying messages, the relationships between the characters and the characters themselves are so well written that the reader can dive right in and find it believable.  The books make an easy connection to some real life tragedies, real relationships and real people.  Don't be afraid if there's some fantasy thrown into the mix, that's where the fun is, the mystery and the adventure...and not to get all psychological, but isn't that what life is about sometimes?  So take a risk, even if it's as simple as picking up a book and reading it.  Have some fun and let loose.

Put down the drugs kids and read an effin' book.

This weekend Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 released in theaters.  It was a pretty magical day altogether because it had started snowing that same night.  HP7 Part 1 made a whopping 125.1 million in weekend box office sales.  It totally smashed everything else that was in theaters, although I do agree with other web posts that it could be higher.

It's like the more money we come across, the more problems we see

The screening I went to, the room wasn't fully packed.  That may have been due to several screenings on opening night and I just happened to go to the last one within a smaller town.  I'm not complaining, as it's always a bit more comfy when the room isn't packed, but just surprised that it wasn't as busy as previous years.  Once the previews ended, the whole audience hushed each other into silence and we all felt each others excitement :).

Schoooo excited!

Synopsis: In an unexpected and tragic turn of events in the last film, the lives of young wizards and witch, Harry, Ron and Hermione, are greatly affected as well as the rest of the wizarding world.  This year the trio do not return to attend Hogwarts.  Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic are rapidly turning from bad to worse through Voldemort's control and their safety is merely existent wherever they choose to go.  Their main focus now is to end Voldemort's rise to power by hunting down and destroying the Horcruxes, which are the key to Voldemort's immortality.  With the knowledge, skills and clues left behind they band together in this seemingly dark, lost and lonely world to uncover the mystery of the Deathly Hallows and continue their fight for the greater good.

Run to the hills, run for your lives!

A story can be interpreted to film in many different ways and this is just one vision of that story crammed into a 2-3 hour timeline.  I really appreciate the hard work and effort these talented individuals put into making this story come to life.  If we were all so nit-picky about how that gets translated to film, then it really takes away that certain appreciation for the arts so many people tend to forget.  And with that said, here's my take on the film, without giving away too much. WARNING: To those who do not want an inklet of info about this latest HP film, you probably don't want to read further if that's the case.

I have to say that this film was one of the most beautifully shot.  Some of the scenes were breathtakingly gorgeous and would make for a good 2011 calendar. 

I do like myself a cool rock formation.

The film gets right to business and offers us a bit of humour for starters.  From then on it's fast paced and full of action.  Hold on to your seats for a bumpy ride!

David Yates did a tremendous job directing this film.  The feelings and tone captured throughout the film were perfect.  Yates definitely captured the darkness again.  There were a few times I jumped out my seat, held onto my seat and a couple scenes that made me feel nervous and uneasy.  If it wasn't for the PG-13 rating I'm sure this film would've included some imagery that would make it a whole heck of a lot darker.

I can do everything you can do, but better and in heels!

You might want to look up from this one Hermione!

The look of panic on Ron's face really stirs up some nerves in this chase scene.

One of my favorite scenes is with Harry and Hermione dancing in the tent together.  It was a very tender, sweet and awkward combination, that brought a warmth to the sadness and hopelessness that surrounded the two young friends.  

Insert "awww" here

The villains are bad as ever, but Bellatrix Lestrange takes the cake!

Overall the film met expectations.  The acting was great. I think Rupert Grint who plays Ron Weasley, really outdone himself this time round.  The costumes, make-up, visual effects, props, sets, lighting, music, sound, editing...everything was done beautifully.  I found myself entertained and never bored throughout the entire film and loved every bit of it.  I really can't wait for Part 2 which will be a bittersweet ending to the series.  At least we don't have to wait a full year for the next release!  Hope you enjoyed this little review and blog entry.  Happy Sunday everyone!

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