Red Aphid, makers of Feed the Rocker
Red Aphid is a pretty new name in game development. When did you get your start, and what do you find appealing in developing for the Facebook platform?
The studio has been doing contract and small casual games since the late 90s. Previously, I worked for a couple of game studios. Facebook has provided a relatively easy way to develop a social game and its appeal runs hot and cold depending on their latest policies.
Feed the Rocker has an interesting premise as it leads the player through the life of an indie rocker trying to break on to the scene. What brought on this focus for the overall presentation of the game?
The members of Red Aphid spent their formative years engrossed in alternative music. We think the relationship between rock and social change makes for a compelling thematic vehicle.
As you began development on FTR, did you conceptualize the game close to what the beta became?
The original idea was to have puzzles where you could collect and share virtual gift items with your friends. The rock music theme came a little later, and later still the themes around humanistic psychology developed. Generally, the game is fairly close to the initial concept.
When will FTR exit beta testing and become a full Facebook game?
When we feel the game is an engaging and satisfying interactive experience for players. We don’t have exact dates as we’re dealing with a dynamic environment in a somewhat experimental project. Expect to hear from us again later this year :)
What is the size of the team? What programming language did you use? Were the graphics designed in-house, or do you rely on contract work?
The production team consists of three people, with primary game, art, and Flash design by me. The backend is a homegrown php/MySQL architecture. Sound design has been contracted with Clean Cuts Music (www.cleancuts.com) out of Washington, DC.
What are the future plans for Red Aphid? Will you be continuing FB development, or will you branch out to other avenues (eg. iPod, XBLA, PSN)?
We primarily do Flash and web development, so are looking at any platform that supports these technologies. We’re looking at Android fairly closely.
Besides FTR, what other projects does Red Aphid have going on?
Red Aphid has ongoing projects with several clients. Our work with World Wide Workshop (www.worldwideworkshop.org) uses games to build social awareness around issues such as malaria and climate change. We also work with them to develop curricula to help middle and high school students learn how to make socially meaningful casual games using Flash.
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