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 Kim Allen, Production Manager at 5th World Media, the team behind the rampaging romp called Hogtide.
Who are you and where do you work?
We are 5th World Media. While we like to say that we work on the 5th World, we are based in Brisbane.
Why do we know you? What have you created?
We are best known for our fun and quirky iPhone games. Our latest release is Hogtide: Smuggle moonshine! Rescue babes! Ride a PIG! Keep ahead of the oncoming HogTide!
Our first iPhone title was Bouncer Boot Out: Boot out the BAD! Let in the RAD! The hottest clubs in Funky Town need someone to manage their queues. We have also worked on PC games (Sunset Studio’s: Behind the Scenes) and educational DVD movies (the Magic Glasses).
What platforms do you develop for?
Our current target platform is mobile devices, but we have a project in the pipeline targeted for Xbox Live.
What are you working on right now?
With the recent release of Hogtide, we are working on updates for Bouncer Boot Out and Hogtide using consumer feedback to make these products better, before we move onto developing our next mobile game.
How did you get into development?
It was our intention from the forming of the 5th World that we wanted to develop our own IP. We started as an outsourcing company and built up our work flow processes and pipeline before the timing was right for us to tackle our own projects.
What do you think about the rise and rise of App Stores? How has it influenced your titles?
The rise of the App Store has opened up the world for anyone to be able to develop and release applications. This means that there is a lot of apps out there, and there are only a small percentage of these apps that really get noticed. We have focused our development on creating apps that have a distinctive look and feel that isn’t like everything else on the App Store. We want people to know when they get one of our apps that by the look and feel of it, it is a 5th World application.
What’s your favourite app that you didn’t create?
I’ve had my head in Zombie Cafe by Capcom Mobile. Its taken over my life! Awesome free game.
What phone do you use? Why?
I have a LG U970. Its a good, solid phone that makes quality phone calls.
What advice do you have for budding Aussie developers out there?
Just because you have your kick ass app on the App Store, doesn’t mean that anyone will buy it. I think the best advice we can offer is make sure you have a marketing plan in place otherwise your kick ass app will be sitting on the App Shelves.