Online version: Click
  Hi *|FNAME|*

A very warm welcome to the summer edition of the Strawdog Studios newsletter; a friendly and informative insight into the games development industry and the latest happenings from one of the UK's leading independent games developers.

Please read on...

Bookmark and Share    
 
 
 

Strawdog News
It really is all go for us this month. Our team is growing and to accommodate this we have literally just moved to larger premises located in the penthouse (pictured) of a place called Friar Gate Studios, a hub for local creative businesses in Derby.

To continue on from previous successes, “Peppa’s Party” iPad has launched and rapidly achieved the #1 paid apps slot! Also, Peppa Pig “Theme Park Fun” was launched in March on the DS to really positive reviews and in good time for the grand opening of “Peppa Pig World” at Paultons Park (which we got free VIP tickets for - wahey). The game features 18 brand new games and activities.

We also have a number of other really exciting projects in progress that we just can't talk about yet, but please, stay tuned and we'll let you know as and when we can!

 
 
 


 
 

Industry News: FirstApp
 Our first wave of app development focused on games and gadgets, but now Smartphones and mobile devices are rapidly becoming a primary method of accessing information on the web.

You've heard the expression 'There's an App' for that' - well it's so true and that's why we've applied our decades of software development experience and launched our new division, FirstApp, which is focused purely on building the next generation of smartphone business applications that will bring the full benefits of mobile communications to forward thinking businesses and their customers.

Here At FirstApp we believe that having an ‘app’ will not be the sole preserve of large corporate businesses, and so our vision is to empower all types of business to choose, configure and deploy their own custom app using our web-based ‘app’ delivery platform. FirstApp is already gathering momentum with three corporate apps in development, so the question is – what will your app be?

For more information on developing 'your app', please get in touch!

  
 
 
 
  Team Focus: Nelson
Role at Strawdog?
Game Designer.

Special Skills?
Being able to clearly communicate the vision of your ideas is key.. Many projects often start with a blank sheet. With Video Games, quite literally your imagination is the only limit, but you still need a format and a process to deliver those ideas as a reality. Having a great team is essential to this, otherwise those ideas will only ever be an idea. Oh, and you need to play video games - lots and lots of video games!

What do you think the year ahead holds in store for the industry? It's a fascinating time for the video game industry as 'new' markets grow in leaps and bounds. The 'big budget' video game industry surpassed movie Industry revenues a few years ago, but the recent surge in casual games (such as on mobile devices), makes it an exciting time to be involved in creating new ways for people to play. Keep an eye on the latest offering from Nintendo, the 'Wii U', something that will undoubtedly open new paths, and question and challenge others.

Your favourite game of all time?
Too many to choose from! Having had every computer/console since the Spectrum 48k, it's just too tough to pick one!

Your top tip for success?
Honesty, courage, humility - Be honest in everything you do (Karma is watching after all). Have the courage to push yourself, yet speak up when you need help. Learn from your mistakes.		  
 
 
 
  Featured Game: Virtual Walk To The Pole
Brrrr... It's getting a little cold in here! That's because this January we produced and helped launch an interactive game for Katapult Studios for Skillforce's 'Virtual Walk To The Pole' website that helps kids to follow the footsteps of the Walking With The Wounded expedition to the north pole.

Over 120 schools participated over 12 weeks and the game comprised a series of weekly challenges. Armed with stepometers, the kids aimed to walk 10,000 steps each per day, tracked against the real expedition, with scores awarded to see which school would get to the top of the leader board.

The kids also got to play our mini game, Polar Bear Rescue (pictured) which you can play by clicking here!

We really enjoyed working on this project and for such a good cause too! For more information, take a look at the website here! 		 
 
 
 
  From The Archives...
This month’s archive looks at a game we designed back in 2003 as a Playstation2 game and something that we used to showcase our design and development skills.  Called 'Bugs of War', we’ve always been enthusiastic about the concept and are currently starting another round of pre-production with the aim of bringing the game to market next year.

So what’s it all about? Well, in a nutshell, insects! - “The Bugs Are Coming”.  Starting off as insects, our subjects' DNA has been re-engineered to create the world’s first biological control and eradication team.  Their size means they can reach the heart of an outbreak and destroy it with amazing efficiency.  The challenge is to wipe out the enemy hordes.

Why not take a look at the visual demo via the Strawdog YouTube channel, here!		  
 
 
  If you'd like further information on any of the items featured, or about how we could help develop an app for your business or brand, please don't hesitate to get in touch!

Until next time, Happy Gaming!

All the very best
The Strawdog Studios Team

Web: www.strawdogstudios.com
Email: info@strawdogstudios.com
Tel: +44 (0)1332 258395 (please note this is our new number!)

Bookmark and Share    
 
To forward to a friend click here.

To unsubscribe, click here.

This email was sent from newsletter@strawdogstudios.com on behalf Strawdog Studios Ltd | Penthouse, Friar Gate Studios, Ford Street, Derby. DE1 1EE. UK | Registered in England and Wales Company No: 04816117

 You received this email because you subscribed to our newsletter through our website or in person. We aim to contact you no more than twice per month with information relating to Strawdog Studios only. Your information is held securely and if you wish to unsubscribe, please use the link above or in the footer of this message.