Developers! Developers! Developers! Steve Ballmer’s favourite sweat-laden catchcry is a reminder that all those great apps we spend so much time using on our phones and PCs are made by someone, somewhere. Developers Cubed looks to get a behind the scenes look at some of Australia’s up and coming development scene. This week, we speak to Wil Monte from Millipede Creative Development.
Who are you and where do you work?
My name is Wil. I’m the director of Millipede Creative Development.
Why do we know you? What have you created?
We have built loads of apps for clients (web for hire). Our original titles include Flinders Ninjas and Bullistic. Under the company name App-titude Learning we build educational games including 123 Sheep!, Mathstronaut and Plinkerton.
What platforms do you develop for?
>Our original IP is currently only iOS, however our client work includes Android.
What are you working on right now?
Bullistic! It started off as a joke christmas present for clients and friends, in response to the our clients always asking us ‘Can you make something like Angry Birds?’ – so we did. It has been downloaded 100,000 times in the first 8 days, so we have decided to turn it into a proper game instead of it’s current ‘demo’ form. The first major update should be live in Feb. The update will include 15 new levels, major performance upgrades and many other enhancements that have been suggested by the public.
How did you get into development?
We started out as Flash developers, specialising in high-end interactive sites, games and eLearning objects. The progression to mobile was a very seamless and natural process. Now mobile development is easily 80% of the studios output. We love it.
What do you think about the rise and rise of App Stores? How has it influenced your titles?
It’s been an amazing experience to be involved in. The fact that it levelled the playing field for indie studios to compete against the big publishers has been incredible. That said, with every service provider developing their own app store with proprietary and user-submitted apps, it gets pretty overwhelming as to what to get and where.
What’s your favourite app that you didn’t create?
Same as everyone – Angry Birds.
What phone do you use? Why?
I have an iPhone 4. I’ve been an iPhone user since I imported an Iphone 2G and had my neighbour do the GeoHot back removal, jumper-break. It was terrifying to watch. I have tried other phones, but I just find the iOS user experience brilliant and the iTunes App Store is the most efficiently organised store of the lot.
What advice do you have for budding Aussie developers out there?
Persist. Set your goals and stick to them. Eventually you will be rewarded for your hard work – hopefully it will happen for us soon!
Are you an Australian Developer? Want to be a part of Developer Cubed? Send me an email: nick@gizmodo.com.au