With the recently improved internet services it is now an option to produce new and exciting tech from places once considered backwaters. Examples of this in action are the nascent mobile game development scenes outside the cities. There 2.4 billion Android and iOS devices worldwide and local developers now have the chance to reach them.
‘Crashy Asia’ is a newly released mobile game made in Bohol by a team of two; a fine arts student and a programmer going by the name of Two Reelers.
The 3D game lets you, a cute Panda character, tour around South East Asian countries. You can see the national monuments and get a taste of each country.
However there is danger in the form of dangerous drivers. As many overseas workers will comment, the traffic in places like Ho Chi Minh City would scare even the most hardened Manila jeepney driver.
The game attempts to be humorous through satirical fake news stories and local flavour, for instance President Duterte and a Popemobile can be spotted when you visit the Philippines.
It began its life when the author noticed that his 8 year old found it hilarious to watch cartoon cars colliding, flipping and doing donuts. That, in combination with the regional pastime of complaining about traffic was enough to get started.
To download the Game for free go to play.google.com and search ‘Crashy Asia’.
The local story of indie game creation does not end there for Bohol. Here are two other companies actively releasing new titles:
Samotech recently released ‘Stephen Curry vs Lebron James’. It offers the chance to avenge Curry by shooting hoops against Lebron James.
Amivarius Games is offering ‘Veggy Smash 3’, billed as the healthiest match 3 casual game.
The opportunity exists to break into the competitive game industry, even when based in a small town. It may be a long wait for success due to the need for a big hit in order to make reasonable income. Nevertheless the next famous indie title like Monument Valley or Crossy Road may come from the Central Visayas.
