Victorian game developers level-up with some well-deserved funding
A positive sign for Victoria’s game companies
Some wonderful news emerged for Victoria’s independent games developers this week, as Film Victoria announced that it would be funding “nine early stage projects”, along with another three projects “to get to market” via its Games Release program.
The state government agency has stated that it expects the funding “to support more than 40 employment opportunities in the games sector,” along with generating “almost $1.2 million for the state”. Film Victoria CEO Jenni Tosi personally congratulated the funding recipients, stating that “[t]he bar continues to be raised when it comes to the standard of games generated by Victorian developers”.
This support not only demonstrates a rising level of confidence among the state’s local games creators, but also suggests that Victoria’s state government is seeing greater potential in these creators, along with the video games industry as a whole.
Each of the nine projects that have been funded are all looking exceptionally unique, and it’ll be interesting to see just how the far the money goes in further enhancing them. Here’s a glance at how each of the funded projects are currently looking:
Dead Static Drive
Developed by Team FanClub
Seemingly perfect for horror fans looking to take their thrills to the open road, Dead Static Drive aims to set players loose in a 1980’s-style open world venture, set against the background of cosmic horror. If the game’s witty “Grand Theft Cthulhu” tagline is anything to go by, there shouldn’t be any shortage of weapons to use and monsters to encounter.
Dead Static Drive has not been given a release window as of this writing.
Hyper Jam
Developed by Bit Dragon
Featuring more bright colours than a Melbourne nightclub, Hyper Jam is a “neon-soaked arena brawler” that caters for up to four players. The game features some furious, weapon-induced combat, powerful perks, and a “killer synthwave soundtrack” that should help keep players feeling upbeat while beating up their opponents.
Hyper Jam is slated to fully release “early 2018”, but is currently available to test via Steam Early Access.
Joko’s World: Pocket Planet
Developed by Cultural Infusion
An award-winning educational mobile game, Joko’s World: Pocket Planet turns planet Earth into a fun, geographical puzzle. Players can learn more about the world we live in by locating countries, capital cities, flags and famous landmarks, and compare online scores with other players, making it a perfect classroom tool.
Joko’s World: Pocket Planet is currently available for download on Android and iOS devices.
Paperbark:
Developed by Paper House
Presenting a “sincere representation of Australian bushland”, Paperbark tells the “playful short story” of a sleepy wombat who explores the bush region in the midst of a very hot Australian summer, solving puzzles and foraging along the way. Anyone who’s looking to get in deeper touch with Australian culture should keep a close eye on this cultured project.
Paperbark has not been given a release window as of this writing.
Putty Pals:
Developed by Harmonious Games
A quirky, colour-based puzzle game, Putty Pals is likely one of the most adorable cooperative platforming games ever made. The game demands effective communication between players across all 18 full-sized levels, with more mini-levels and challenges available to be unlocked.
Putty Pals is available now on Mac and Windows.
Spies and Soldiers
Developed by Ghostbat Games
A game that values knowledge as equally as brute force, Spies and Soldiers is a turn-based strategy game that features “beautiful watercolor maps” in a “procedurally generated kingdom”. It features “simple mechanics” that enable players to develop more complex strategies.
Spies and Soldiers has not been given a release window as of this writing.
Tear Through
Developed by Walk With Kings
Taking heavy inspiration from SWAT 4, Tear Through is a cooperative tactical shooter that embraces the top-down perspective. The game features responsive enemies and destructive environments, making it a fun experience that players can entirely personalise.
Tear Through has not been given a release window as of this writing, but it is expected to release on Mac and Windows.
VR Regatta
Developed by MarineVerse
Perfect for those who are keen to learn how to sail without the risk of falling into open waters, VR Regatta takes advantage of virtual reality technology to allow players the chance to board a vessel of their own and race against A.I. opponents.
VR Regatta is currently available via Steam Early Access, and requires the use of either a HTC Vive or Oculus Rift headset.
Odd Gods
Developed by Inn Between Worlds
A party-based tactical role-playing game about time travel and the demons of pop culture, Odd Gods features an original phase-based combat system and a twist or two. The game takes inspiration from titles such as Fallout and Fallout 2, Fire Emblem, Gold Box games, Jagged Alliance, Planescape Torment, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, and the Ultima series.
Anyone looking to keep track of Odd Gods’ progress can do so by signing up to Inn Between Worlds’ newsletter email, which can be found on the developer’s official site.
Odd Gods is still in early development, and has not been given a release window as of this writing.
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