Exclusive Gameloft Interview

Thank you for allowing us this interview to discuss this incredible app, Castle of Magic.

Can you tell our readers how this game was originally thought of, what were Gamelofts thoughts behind the marketplace, specifically?

Yes Joanne, there are a few platformers on the App Store and most have very basic gameplay and 2D graphics. We wanted to create a 3D platformer with a console quality, packed with every feature that made the success of the best games of the genre on other platforms. Also, the idea was to create a highly polished game to be available on the App store and yet that would still stay attractive and accessible to casual gamers with:

1. An endearing hero that could become a real icon and bring out the ‘kid’ inside you;
2. 5 beautiful 3D worlds to explore;
3. Multiple bosses: jelly-like or snow-made monsters;
4. Morphing changes: transform yourself to fight, fly, climb etc;
5. An accessible gameplay mixing platforming and accelerometer.

Can you tell us how you came up with the character idea? Colors, themes, music?

Yes, we wanted to create a magical world in a modern environment. A sort of fantasy world for ‘kids’ of all ages and inspired by our forgotten childhood dreams. Without sounding too cheesy, we wanted to remind everyone how great and precious these dreams are. That’s how we came up with the colors, theme and music.

We chose this character’s design after several art proposals because we thought it was the one that best represented a regular but also extraordinary and eternal character.

Who do you see as the main target market for this game?

Castle of Magic was fully designed to fit the expectations and abilities of both males and females of all ages; platformers, nostalgic and retro gaming fans but also casual gamers on a portable console.

How long did it take from the original planning to the production process of Castle of Magic?

Although we are limited in what we can reveal about our game’s planning or processes, we can say that the idea was to come up with a great 3D platformer to extend the type of games and genres available on the App store so we can target everyone, not just specific demographics. Gaming should be for everyone and choice is the key for us as we consider the iPhone as a mass market gaming platform. Games out today on the iPhone platform are as powerful as PSP and DS so it is a 9 month to 1 year process to create and develop a game.

Thank you Gameloft for this thoroughly enjoyable and informative interview. We can heartedly recommend this game to our readers and wish you much success. Joanne