Not too many weeks ago, the iPod community was pleasantly surprised by the first iPod game to go beyond the classic small-screen Apple freebies. Xoplay was presenting the first of its series of text-based, "choose-your-own-adventure" games.
We got in touch with them to know more about their background and aims, and this brief interview is the result.
Macuarium. Who are the people behind Xoplay? What's the story?
XO Play. We are a young start up. Three in the team. We all have Ipod's and are sick of playing brick so we wanted a way to entertain us and others.
Macuarium. How did you think of writing a game for the iPod?
XO Play. Same as above.
Macuarium. Why a text-based adventure?
XO Play. We liked them years ago and knew many people who liked them to.
Macuarium. As a text-based product, the game is actually multiplatform. Did you plan it that way or is it just a consequence of the technology?
XO Play. Yes, we plan now, due to the popularity of the game, to supply other platforms.
Macuarium. Do you expect this kind of book-games to become popular among iPod
users?
XO Play. Yes, it is popular already as people are bored with the limited
choice of games that the iPod comes with.
Macuarium. Do you come from a Mac or a Win background?
XO Play. I am from win and the other two members are from Mac.
Macuarium. What do you think of the iPod's role in the evolution of Apple in the next years? (multiplatform products? entertainment vs computing?)
XO Play. I think ipoid has taken apple to the everyday consumers. Apple seems to be pushing towards the entertainment industry.
Macuarium. What do you think of the iPod Mini? How do you see the evolution of
the iPod range in the future? (features, prices, services...)
XO Play. The competition will push down the price of the Ipod's. But at the end of the day they have a unique looking product which has become an icon. The new Mini is a great idea, it hits the market [of people] who don't have a huge collection of music and a big wallet!
Macuarium. What's next from Xoplay?
XO Play. Hey, you got it here first. Herberts Big Adventure is being launched later today. Check it out at: http://www.xoplay.com/herbert.
Below follows the press release for the second XO Play game:
"A little intro: Herbert Catches Ipod Fever - XO Play
The little known character called Herbert has taken to the hearts of iPod users.
XO Play the manufacturers of Herbert’s Big Adventure launched today their second Ipod game following the success of ‘The Rise Of The Lost’ last week.
The adventure story game puts you in the role of Herbert, a heart breaker, lady lover - funny guy who has all the right moves. You venture out into the city to seek that one true love to give your heart to. Whether it’ll be at the local bar sipping on a Martini, hanging out at the nightclub, or shopping at the mall.
As Herbert, you have to keep a watchful eye for the girl of your dreams.
As you read through the adventure you will be asked to choose your destiny by selecting from a number of options found at the bottom of the page. Similar to the ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ series.
The game cost $14.99 and is played via the notes section of your Ipod. Exclusively available from http://www.xoplay.com/herbert"
