In the midst of all today’s iPad news, we’re also hearing about a number of iOS games. Hit game Flight Control is getting a sequel this month.
There are copycats in all walks of life, but with the increased ability to self-publish we’re seeing more and more video game developers stealing ideas, concepts and even assets from other studios. We spoke to Halfbrick and Firemint about the ever-increasing number of Fruit Ninja and Flight Control clones doing the rounds. We also speak to the perpetrators — what do they have to say for themselves?
The games industry does not treat its creatives well, on that we can agree. A troubling pattern seems to be emerging — allow developers the time they need to create a product, and then casually cast them aside when the job is complete. Today, in response, we ask publishers a simple question: what do you make?
A rumour hit us yesterday that Melbourne mobile developer Firemint was forced to let up to ten of its employees go, with redundancies made on Thursday and Friday of this week. We can now state that this is indeed fact, with several sources confirming the cuts.
I like it when things are free. When those things happen to be good, that’s the best coincidence. Currently Firemint’s latest release SPY Mouse is available for free on iPhone and I think you should go an download it.
OK, interesting is the polite way of me saying “It makes me uncomfortable”. That might have something to do with the fact that I once worked as the studio’s PR and media relations guy until September of this year. If I was still in that position, I might have thought twice about making this video.
Big corporation wants a piece of said brand identity, opens giant wallet in order to purchase successful small company. Company loses integrity, and its soul, in the process.
Sad story. Endlessly retold. Often completely false.
Post the closure of THQ’s local studios, the Australian Games Industry is reeling, but there are those who staunchly believe it can recover. We spoke to GDAA CEO Tony Reed, and the heads of Firemint and SEGA Studios Australia to discuss the impact of the closures, and the ways in which our local games industry can evolve in the future.
Blue Tongue closed its doors on Friday, putting a great number of game developers out of work. Now Firemint has reached out, via Tsumea, to all Blue Tongue and THQ Australia employees let go by THQ.
