Reporting on the games made in Canada and the creators behind them
In the last full moon before Shadow gets close to the land, Ilathen the Goddess of Ila, sent one of her messengers down to find the one and only savior, because she knew as Shadow steps into Ila and opens the Dark Gate, hope, life and joy would turn into a dream.
Read MoreJam City has purchased Bingo Pop, and the team responsible for the game from Uken Games. The team will continue to run Bingo Pop from a new Toronto office, which will now be fully under Jam City’s control.
“We are so proud to be continuing Jam City’s rapid global expansion with the acquisition of one of the most popular bingo titles, and its highly talented team,” said Chris DeWolfe, co-founder and CEO of Jam City. “This acquisition provides Jam City with access to leading creative talent in one of the fastest growing and most exciting tech markets in the world. We look forward to working with the talented Jam City team in Toronto as we supercharge the live operations of Bingo Pop and develop innovative new titles and mobile entertainment experiences.”
You can download Bingo Pop for free on iOS, and Google Play.
About Jam City
Jam City is a leader in mobile entertainment, providing unique and deeply engaging games that appeal to broad global audiences. Jam City was founded in 2009 by MySpace cofounder and CEO Chris DeWolfe and former 20th Century Fox executive Josh Yguado. Jam City is the creative powerhouse behind some of the highest grossing and most enduring social gaming franchises for mobile, including Cookie Jam (Facebook “Game of the Year” winner) and Panda Pop. Jam City is the go-to studio for Hollywood, having developed immersive, narrative rich mobile games around iconic entertainment brands including Harry Potter, Family Guy and Marvel Avengers. Jam City has studios in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Bogotá and Buenos Aires. The Jam City team is known for its creative excellence and technological innovation in key areas including storytelling, data science and audience insights.
About Bingo Pop
Launched in 2012, Bingo Pop has consistently been one of the top bingo mobile games worldwide. The game is a free, classic bingo game mixed with large jackpots, fast-paced action, power-ups and other features including memorable characters and unique social features. Bingo Pop is available worldwide on the App Store and Google Play.
About Uken Games
Uken builds games that people everywhere love. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? And Jeopardy! World Tour are the top two trivia games, engaging millions of global players every month. We consider ourselves data-driven designers, technologists and artists. Through collaboration, we pair the craft of design with feedback and data to deliver a pace and rhythm in each game session that immerses our audience and leaves them wanting more. We take your entertainment seriously. Learn more about Uken by visiting our website, https://www.uken.com.
Local studio Boat Rocker Games have released a free-to-play puzzle game on Android and on iOS. You can check out some screenshots and description on Fusioneer down below:
"Welcome to the lab Amateur Fusioneers!!
Grab a lab coat and start firing atoms from the fusion cannon to get your fusion core as high as you can in this bubble shooting puzzle game! More fusions produce higher value atoms to experiment with and will allow you to output higher amounts of energy!
This fusion of puzzle and arcade gameplay is easy to pick up and play but rewards careful planning and precise shots. Get hooked in from your first fusion as you start your quest to create the largest fusion core possible!"
We just launched a new game about fusion and cats and science! Check out #Fusioneer on the #iOS and #Android app stores!
— Boat Rocker Games (@BoatRockerGames) April 28, 2018
iOS: https://t.co/oJ3d0wrFUb
Android: https://t.co/onEJgOPtSE pic.twitter.com/4xPv72k2f0
Remember a few weeks back on the podcast we talked with the gang making Tram-Panic? Well the fruits of their labour is finished as Tram-Panic, the transit mobile game, is out now on Android devices.
Along with games like Actual Sunlight, Tram-Panic actually takes place in Toronto, where you'll be driving a TTC street-car:
"Toronto, City of Dreams... and of people with places to be! You're a streetcar operator and it's rush time. Everyone needs to get home and it's your job to help them! Pick up passengers and drop them off at Stations for points before time runs out. Some folks will give you special abilities while others will make the job harder. With randomized maps, every level will look like a different part of Toronto!"
ALL ABOOOOOOARD!!! Welcome to Tram-Panic! Play as a streetcar operator in the city of Toronto, picking up people throughout the day and bringing them to their stations. Use buffs from your fellow operators to protect the passengers and try to get the highest score or reach your objective before time runs out!
Rima: The Story Begins is an adventure game where you play as Rima, a small mutant blue-green algae. You are tasked with restoring the major elements to take back the land that has been seized by Shadow.
Created by UP Entertainment, it has been released on Google Play and on the Amazon App Store, with a planned release on iOS later this year. The reviews on their Google Play store have been positive so far with many people loving the graphics and the story.
As Shadow Steps into the land of Ila and opens the Dark Gate, hope, life and joy turns into a dream. Now Rima Who has been chosen long before, needs to face dangerous creatures, fight his way out and explore the land for new paths, objects and abilities that help him to find and revive the four vital elements the land's life depends on.
You can follow UP Entertainment on Twitter @UPENT_, on Facebook, and on Instagram @upentertainment_.
Shiny Talisman released their new game Caveman Cliff CRAZY on the App Store today, and the rest of their games will be on sale until June 14! Caveman Cliff CRAZY is a spinoff of the regular Caveman Cliff, where your objective is to push as many boulders off the cliff as possible in a 90 second time period. It's fast paced, uses multipliers, and free.
Here are some of their other games that are now on sale, with their App Store links. Enjoy!
The new studio founded by ex-BioWare devs Humanoid Origin is looking to fill multiple roles.
Shiny Talisman, who created Caveman Cliff, are creating a spinoff called Caveman Cliff CRAZY, which will be released on the App Store on June 1, 2017. If you're unfamiliar with the original from last year, it follows the story of Cliff--a caveman who wants to build his home, but pterodactyls drop boulders on the cliff to try to thwart him.
In Caveman Cliff CRAZY, it is now Cliff's mission to drive the pterodactyls crazy. It's fast-paced and timed for 90 seconds, and Cliff wants to push as many boulders off the cliff as possible. Group boulders for multipliers and to fill the Anger Meter and to get more stars. Can you get 10,000 stars in 90 seconds?
Features:
- Release Date: June 1, 2017
- Price: Free
- Country: Worldwide
- Device: iPhone, iPad, iPod
- No in-app purchases
- No ads
Protect Your Cliff!!! Caveman Cliff Crazy is a fast paced, timed version of Shiny Talisman's iOS game, Caveman Cliff. In CRAZY it's no longer about clearing off the cliff, but now, simply driving the pterodactyls crazy. Push the boulders off the cliff in groups of 5 to anger the pterodactyls.
Solo indie dev expert and longtime friend-of-the-site Devon Wiersma joins us to talk their latest release Centauri Dark, working across AAA, mid-sized and solo indie dev and how to fix this goshdarn industry.
David B joins us from the west coast best coast to talk about the upcoming Quiver Games Incubator!
Bizdev extraordinaire Eric Beer joins us to give his Hades II impressions and chat v-bucks subsidized game preservation.
We break down Baldur Gate 3's unprecedented success & the knock-on effects it'll have on the industry and how we make games moving forward. We also speak to Ontario-based indie game devs Twinolli about their upcoming action-puzzler Highlighters which just got a (Dad Deck-verified) Steam demo!
We speak to Québécois game dev Dragon Slumber, creator of Tech Support, Aethernaut and many more!
We reveal the winners of our ‘23 Community Awards poll and discuss Drinkbox’s latest teaser for their next project- and more!
This week thousands more game developers join Stephan in the "terminated by evil, stupid people" camp as layoffs hit tons of studios all over Canada and the world. We discuss Sonic as well. Sonic supports Unionizing your Workplace!
Stephan got terminated but that’s okay he just has more time to cover Canadian games now.
Sago Mini announced Sago Mini World, to be released on May 25, 2017. It is the complete collection of their games all on one app. Sago Mini has created many successful games for children including Sago Mini Road Trip, Sago Mini Superheroes, and more on iOS and Android. This is going to be huge, because if you've ever seen children play the Sago Mini games, you know how fun they are. We can't wait.
COMING MAY 25th: Sago Mini World! Our complete collection of games. One magical app. pic.twitter.com/JCRwP4TYt6
— Sago Mini (@sagomini) May 8, 2017
Ace Academy: Skies of Fury, a WWI aerial combat game, is now available on the App Store and on Google Play. It has 50 missions both from the perspectives of German and British pilots, unlockables, and two different game modes. Illumination Games has teamed up with The Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation for their Ace Academy series. Here is the description of the game from Illumination Games and a trailer:
“In the action-packed skies over the battlefields of Arras, experience “Bloody April” from the perspective of both British and German pilots fighting for their lives. Inspired by vintage comics, Skies of Fury features stunning WWI planes, epic aerial combat, and beautifully handcrafted environments. Dogfight through 50 missions using 10 distinctive aircraft with unique skins, gunsights and flight characteristics. Play Ace Academy: Skies of Fury and battle your way through to become the top ace over the Western Front.
Features:
- 50 missions
- 2 game modes: Elimination and Escort
- Unique handling and dogfighting capabilities
- 6 stunning environments
- Hundreds of unlockable skins, player icons and crosshairs
- 10 unlockable aircraft with different stats
- Pilot skills tailored to your playstyle
- Vintage comic-book style”
In Ace Academy: Skies of Fury you will fight to take control of the skies over the battlefields of Arras. From the perspective of both British and German pilots, experience "Bloody April"-one of the deadliest periods during World War One.
Our friends at Galactic Thumb have released Cuzzle, now available free on iOS. From Galactic Thumb:
“Cuzzle is a Sokoban style puzzle game. Get all the white blocks in position to unlock the portal. 4 unique stages each introducing a new mechanic.
Features: • Undo move button • 90 complex levels • Calming music • Minimalistic aesthetics • Leaderboards • Haptic Feedback for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus”
Check out the trailer below, and download free today.
https://itunes.apple.com/app/cuzzle/id1185407542 Cuzzle is a Sokoban style puzzle game. Get all the white blocks in position to unlock the portal. 4 unique stages each introducing a new mechanic.
To celebrate the launch of the Level Editor, @KasSanity has made Dashy Square free on iOS and Android. You can check out the trailer, and links to download below.
The full version of Dashy Square is currently absolutely FREE for mobile (iOS and Android) for 1 Week! I know there are people that cannot afford the game ... so here it is! =) PLEASE leave a rating/review! It actually helps a lot!
Solo indie dev expert and longtime friend-of-the-site Devon Wiersma joins us to talk their latest release Centauri Dark, working across AAA, mid-sized and solo indie dev and how to fix this goshdarn industry.
David B joins us from the west coast best coast to talk about the upcoming Quiver Games Incubator!
Bizdev extraordinaire Eric Beer joins us to give his Hades II impressions and chat v-bucks subsidized game preservation.
We break down Baldur Gate 3's unprecedented success & the knock-on effects it'll have on the industry and how we make games moving forward. We also speak to Ontario-based indie game devs Twinolli about their upcoming action-puzzler Highlighters which just got a (Dad Deck-verified) Steam demo!
We speak to Québécois game dev Dragon Slumber, creator of Tech Support, Aethernaut and many more!
We reveal the winners of our ‘23 Community Awards poll and discuss Drinkbox’s latest teaser for their next project- and more!
This week thousands more game developers join Stephan in the "terminated by evil, stupid people" camp as layoffs hit tons of studios all over Canada and the world. We discuss Sonic as well. Sonic supports Unionizing your Workplace!
Stephan got terminated but that’s okay he just has more time to cover Canadian games now.
I recently met with Alessandro Profenna, a Ryerson Unversity student pursuing a BSc in Computer Science. He will be participating in LevelUP TO this year, and we talked a bit about his work and his game, COLHEX, that he will showcase.
TGD: Thank you for meeting with me here. Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Alessandro Profenna: I’m a third year student at Ryerson University pursuing a BSc in Computer Science. I’ve enjoyed math and art since I was a young child, with an initial interest in studying Architecture. After a year in the program, I discovered LevelUP online, which is what made me want to switch to Computer Science. I love art and design, and some of my favourite game series are Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy. The gameplay in these titles is flashy and beautiful. For example, the visuals of shooting a spell make it more satisfying to play.
TGD: Wow, so LevelUP inspired you to switch programs?
A.P: Yes, it definitely helped with my decision. I knew that a degree in Computer Science would give me the skills necessary to pursue game programming and design. Architecture and game development actually have a lot in common. They are very similar in the design process, keeping a strong emphasis not only on engineering and functionality, but also on aesthetics.
TGD: You have a few games that you’ve made. You already have a game available on iOS, Infinity Wheel, and you participated in LevelUP TO last year with SHATTERFALL.
A.P: Yes, I started making iOS games and learned SpriteKit. Through this I created Infinity Wheel, and released it in November 2015. In the game, your press and hold the screen to move the wheel faster and guide the ball through the obstacles.
TGD: How was your experience at LevelUP last year? Where did you get the idea for SHATTERFALL?
A.P: I came up with it in the shower (laughs). It was inspired by one of the mini games in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. SHATTERFALL is a multiplayer game where you shoot shockwaves through the floor and try to make your opponents fall. I worked on it with a friend, Dennis Plotnik. I learned Unity while making this game. It was very well received at LevelUP. The event is great because you get hundreds, if not thousands of people testing your game and giving great feedback.
TGD: What are you most excited to show about COLHEX?
A.P: There are real time aspects to this game. You’re not confined to the software of the game; your physical environment is part of it too. When you’re playing, another player’s hand can get in the way and how your hand is placed will affect your outcome. Also, I find that that seeing a quick pulse expand on screen from the tip of your finger is extremely satisfying.
TGD: You’re in third year now at Ryerson University in Computer Science. Where do you see yourself in the future?
A.P: It’s a journey finding where you want to put your energy and focus. Computer Science is a large industry, I thought about app development, about artificial intelligence. I like making games and making them look good. I would love to work in the gaming industry. For now, I plan on focusing on learning more about graphics, Unity, and C++.
TGD: Thanks again for meeting. Best of luck!
You can check out the trailer for COLHEX below.
COLHEX is an iOS arcade game that can be played on an iPhone or iPad with up to 6 players locally! Each player chooses one of 6 colours to play as. The game field is a matrix of hexagons, where the goal is claim as many hexagons with your colour in 30 seconds!
"Rima: The Story Begins" is a modern 2D platform game developed by UP Entertainment Ltd. It consists of many supernatural characters including: Rima, a small mutant blue-green algae; Razgon, a giant dragon and the main antagonist; and Ilathen, the Goddess of Ila. Rima is tasked with restoring major elements to bring life back to the land as the land has been seized by Shadow. Check out some screenshots below.
“In this humor-filled adventure game, the player controls Rima, a small mutant blue-green algae in cyan who is on a mission to save his homeland seized by Shadow. Rima has the ability to run and jump but needs to learn a lot more as he interacts with his environment. The player helps Rima to collect new abilities, Life Plants and upgrades as he jumps from different platforms and solves various puzzles.”
“Rima: The Story Begins" will be available on the App Store and Google Play this summer, with a planned Steam, PlayStation, and Windows Store release in the Winter. If you want to keep up to date, you can follow them on Instagram @u.p.entertainment
Hey everyone, I downloaded Float on iOS and wanted to share some quick thoughts. Don't forget to subscribe to TorontoGameDevs on YouTube.
Heather from TorontoGameDevs.com downloaded Float from Galactic Thumb and wanted to give her thoughts on the indie game. Remember to subscribe and leave a comment! Website: http://www.torontogamedevs.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/torontogamedevs Patreon: patreon.com/torontogamedevs Store: designbyhumans.com/shop/TorontoGameDevs
Our friends at GalacticThumb have released Float on iOS. In Float, you tap around the flower to move it through various obstacles, and it can be quite challenging. Each level has different aesthetics and music and I am really enjoying it.
Float is a beautifully crafted game that offers calming and meditative yet challenging gameplay, with unique aesthetics and music for each stage. In Float you have to tap around the flower to maneuver it through obstacles. The closer you tap the further the flower moves.
