App Name: Lume
Cost: $1.25 USD
Developer: State of Play Games
Market: Google Play
Lume is a very different and unique puzzle game, so I decided to reach out to the developers and learn a little more about them.
Q. How did you come up with the idea for your game/app?
A. The idea of a puzzle adventure game, a girl, and re-using found objects to create new technology had been mulling around in the back of our heads for a while. The original idea was umi in a Space-esque game but the more we developed that, the more we realised it needed to be something closer to home and this decision of keeping it in a real world freed us up quite abit. The visual style was an important steer in the early days and the hand-crafted environment was a great starting point for the game. We had also always loved playing Puzzle Adventure games as kids and beyond so we kind of naturally drawn to this genre.
Q. There are some great photos of you creating the sets for the game can you tell us a bit on how you made them and how long it took to make the game?
A. The sets were built by hand with paper and glue, and lit with miniature lights. We realized we could get all sorts of atmospheric lighting effects this way, and make something that looked realistic simply because it was real. It was also great fun to do, we are never happier than using our hands to create our games. It took between three and six months to complete the set. (Check out their blog for the photos)
Q. What future games do you have in mind?
A. It’s a hugely exciting time for us at the moment, we are deep in development of the sequel to Lume. The next few months are going to be a really busy time for us, our studio is currently a sea of models, glue, and craft knives, as well as a prototype which we have been testing.
Q. For those unfamiliar with the term Indie game, can you explain it?
A. That’s always a grey area as people define it in lots of different ways. For me it means an independently financed game without a tie to a big Game Publisher. They are also often digitally distributed via Online stores such as Steam.
Q. Did you find creating the game for Android any harder or easier than from iOS?
A. They both had challenges, the parameters we had to think about more with the Android port was the numerous devices you have to consider, and we have had to work hard to achieve a streamline port. We listened to our users and have made updates that have approved the experience for all players on Android devices.
Q. As a game developer, where do you see mobile gaming in the next few years?
A. I think with mobile gaming there will be more of a streamlined device experience. For example, you will begin a game on your PC, save it, then continue the game on your mobile device while on your commute to work. It will be less of the developer making a game for one device and then porting to other platforms and more a one game fits all.
Q. Where do you see the Android market (in general) going in the next few years?
A. I think the quality of products for the Android market will continue to rise. I think consumers expect more now and want a complete immersible experience and high quality product. As the Android devices available continue to improve, people will in turn expect more from their apps
Q. Anything else you would like to add?
A. If in doubt grab a sketchbook.
Thanks again for your time and a cool and different game.
