Tom Crago, CEO of Tantalus Interactive and President of the Australian Game Developers Association GDAA, gave us some insight into the game development industry from Down Under and the new released game “Pony Friends” (Nintendo DS).
Pony Friends
Pony Friends allows players to choose from 6 breeds and create and customize their very own pony. Three ponies can be kept in the stable at any one time. Players have to make sure their pony is well groomed, clean and happy, as well as take it for trail rides to keep it fit. While riding, the player must watch out for birds, animals and hidden rare items to collect. The game uses the stylus to feed, pet, brush, shampoo and condition the pony. Other features include: New trail entrances and hidden gifts by touching the screen on a trail ride. Spotting animals on trail rides with the stylus. Using the stylus to write the name of the pony; Placing rosettes and updating a diary; Using the stylus to remove stones from the pony’s shoes.
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Click here for the MP3 Audio Only Version of our Interview with Tom Crago, Tantalus Interactive
About Tantalus Interactive: Tantalus has developed over twenty titles on all platforms since its debut on the SNES in 1994. With a renewed focus on quality, the last three years have seen Tantalus begin to realize the great potential of it’s talent base and technology. The Melbourne based studio makes games for the current generation of consoles and for the major handheld devices presently on the market. Over forty developers are currently employed, led by some of the video game world’s most experienced Programming and Artistic talent.
About the GDAA: The Game Developers’ Association of Australia (GDAA) was formed in December 1999 and launched at the inaugural Australian Game Developers’ Conference (AGDC) in Sydney. The GDAA was created by leading developers to increase the profile of the Australian interactive game industry both domestically and internationally.