Meet the Makers: Exclusive Interview with Crossy Road Developers
In a world where mobile gaming has become an integral part of our daily lives, it’s not uncommon to come across games that have achieved cult-like followings and transcended their initial purpose as mere entertainment. One such game is Crossy Road, a seemingly simple yet incredibly addictive title that has taken the world by storm since its release in 2014. Behind this global phenomenon are a team of talented developers at Hipster Whale, a relatively small studio based in Melbourne, Australia. In an crossyroad-casino.com exclusive interview with our publication, the founding members of Hipster Whale – Owen Hill and Matthew Piercy – shared their journey, experiences, and insights on creating Crossy Road.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Success
Owen Hill, one of the co-founders of Hipster Whale, started his career as a game developer in 2007. Before Crossy Road, he had worked on various titles, including Puzzle Quest and Magic: The Gathering – Duels of the Planeswalkers. Matthew Piercy, the other half of the duo, joined Owen at Hipster Whale after several years of working on various projects as a freelance game developer. Their shared passion for creating fun, accessible games led to the creation of Crossy Road.
"We were looking to create something simple yet engaging," Owen explained during our interview. "We wanted to make a game that would appeal to a broad audience and could be enjoyed by people of all ages." The idea for Crossy Road was born out of a desire to create a title that would be easy to pick up but challenging to master. By incorporating classic arcade gameplay with modern elements, the team aimed to craft an experience that would be both nostalgic and fresh.
The Making of Crossy Road
In 2013, Owen and Matthew started working on Crossy Road in their spare time, experimenting with various prototypes until they landed on the iconic game we know today. With a small team of developers at Hipster Whale, they poured their hearts and souls into creating a product that would resonate with gamers worldwide.
"We experimented with different art styles, music, and sound effects," Matthew said. "We wanted to create an immersive experience that would transport players into the world of Crossy Road." After several months of development, the game was finally released in 2014 for iOS devices. The response was overwhelming, with millions of downloads within the first few weeks of its release.
The Secret to Crossy Road’s Enduring Popularity
Crossy Road has been praised for its simplicity, charm, and addictive gameplay. But what sets it apart from other mobile games is its ability to appeal to a broad audience, transcending age groups and demographics. According to Owen and Matthew, the secret lies in the game’s design philosophy.
"We focused on creating an experience that would be intuitive yet challenging," Owen said. "By incorporating simple controls and rewarding gameplay, we made sure players could enjoy Crossy Road without feeling overwhelmed." The team also acknowledged the importance of iteration and player feedback in shaping the game’s development.
The Business Side of Things
Crossy Road has been a massive commercial success, generating millions of dollars in revenue since its release. However, Owen and Matthew emphasized that their primary focus was on creating an exceptional gaming experience rather than solely pursuing financial gain.
"We didn’t set out to make a money-grab game," Matthew stated. "We wanted to create something special that would resonate with players worldwide." Hipster Whale’s business model has been built around the success of Crossy Road, which has allowed them to grow and expand their team while continuing to develop innovative titles.
What’s Next for Hipster Whale?
Crossy Road may be a global phenomenon, but Owen and Matthew are already working on new projects that will further solidify Hipster Whale’s reputation as one of the leading mobile game development studios. While they couldn’t reveal too much about their upcoming titles, we can expect more innovative and engaging experiences from this talented team.
"We’re always experimenting with new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile gaming," Owen said. "Our goal is to create games that will be remembered for years to come." With Crossy Road as a testament to their creative vision and dedication, Hipster Whale is undoubtedly one to watch in the world of mobile gaming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our exclusive interview with Owen Hill and Matthew Piercy from Hipster Whale provided an intimate look into the making of Crossy Road. From humble beginnings to global success, this remarkable game has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. With a focus on simplicity, charm, and addictive gameplay, Crossy Road has become an iconic title that will be remembered for years to come.
As we look forward to what’s next from Hipster Whale, one thing is clear – Owen and Matthew are making waves in the world of mobile gaming with their innovative approach, creativity, and passion. Their story serves as a testament to the power of game development when driven by a shared vision and dedication to crafting exceptional experiences.
About the Authors
Owen Hill and Matthew Piercy are co-founders of Hipster Whale, a Melbourne-based mobile game development studio behind Crossy Road. With over a decade of experience in the gaming industry, they have worked on various titles before creating one of the most iconic games in recent history.