New Zealand developer, Sidhe Interactive, have created a new development studio called PikPok which will be going to concentrate on the iPhone/iTouch. It seems like a sensible approach, as it looks like the new studio is going after a different market than the console market they're known to be in, with games that are of the casual pick-up-and-play type as well as applications. It's an interesting move, and I wonder if Australian developers who traditionally work on bigger console games are likely to follow.
(Press Release)
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – September 23, 2009 – Sidhe, New Zealand’s largest game production studio, today announced PikPok™, a new publishing and development group focused on the growing iPhone and iPod Touch apps market.
The initiative follows Sidhe’s successful move into console self-publishing with its recent hit title Shatter™ on PlayStation® Network in July. The first title from PikPok is Fame, a rhythmic music game based on the upcoming MGM feature film which begins its global theatrical release on September 25th.
“This initiative leverages Sidhe’s established publishing capability into an exciting new area,” said Jos Ruffell, manager of the PikPok label. “With Fame for iPhone, we’re delivering the first licensed product in a portfolio that we are creating of both original and branded entertainment properties that are targeted at mainstream consumers.”
PikPok brings together Sidhe’s award-winning development skills and cross-platform technology infrastructure with its publishing capabilities including in-house marketing, quality assurance, user experience testing, and community management. The result is a vertically integrated studio that can take a game from concept to consumer, and capitalize on current and future market opportunities.
Fame for iPhone and iPod Touch lets players dance their way to the top and see if they have what it takes to be famous. Based on the upcoming MGM feature film, Fame, there’s only one music game for iPhone that will get you tapping and dancing no matter where you are! Feel what it’s like to be one of the best dancers in the world as you challenge yourself to reach for the stars. Fame for iPhone and iPod Touch is available now for US$2.99. For more information, visit: www.pikpokgames.com/fame
Features
* Multiple licensed songs to choose from
* Easy, Medium, and Hard difficulty levels for each song to challenge anyone
* Full dance routines that get you tapping and sliding on the screen as you show your moves
* Upload your score to Facebook and Twitter to let the whole world know how good you are
About PikPok
PikPok is the iPhone and iPod Touch publishing label and development studio created by Sidhe. With a portfolio of original and licensed entertainment properties in development for the platform, PikPok is positioned to deliver games that appeal to mainstream consumers with pick-up-and-play gameplay, high-quality art, and audio design which provide rich game experiences. PikPok’s first title is Fame, based on the upcoming MGM feature film which premieres September 25th, 2009. For more information on PikPok, please visit: www.pikpokgames.com
About Sidhe
Founded in 1997, Sidhe is an award-winning developer of console, handheld and PC games. The largest game production studio in New Zealand, Sidhe has a proven track record of creating high-quality, licensed and original titles for a worldwide audience. The studio has produced more than 20 high-profile titles including Shatter™ (PS3), GripShift® (Xbox 360, PS3, PSP), Jackass the Game (PS2, PSP), Speed Racer The Videogame (Wii, PS2), as well as multiple games based on the NRL Rugby League franchise. For more information on Sidhe, please visit www.sidhe.co.nz