Nitrome News

Friday Update!

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:12:46 BST

Hey Nitromians,

It’s been a REALLY busy but exciting week over at Nitrome HQ. As some of you may have noticed our new Icebreaker Rovio Stars trailer is going down with a big splash.

We are really thrilled with such a positive response. We even managed to get onto NBC news =D

http://www.nbcnews.com/video/in-game/51883811#51883811

We have loads more Icebreaker updates coming next week. So make sure you check out the latest frequent updates on our new and improved Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage website.

http://icebreaker-game.com/updates.html#!update8

The latest update fills you in on the latest batch of characters that you find on your journey through the world of Icebreaker (more to come soon!)

If you want to help us out, please spread the word of Icebreaker by clicking the ‘share’ and ‘like’ buttons on the latest trailer and updates.

Have a great weekend.

p.s We know we missed it this week but we have a great Pixelove game planned for its usual Monday slot :)

Icebreaker Update: Rovio Stars?

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:27:31 BST

So you read our huge news about having Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage published by Rovio Stars?

Update#7: Rovio Stars?

When we started Icebreaker we had no intention of using a publisher. We were not looking for a publisher and even though we had interest from several of the biggest publishers during its development it wasn't really what we wanted.

So what changed? Well nothing really... but there are exceptions to every rule. In the paid app market Rovio is king, they have taken their Angry Birds game and made it a phenomenon and every game they have released has gone on to be very successful. We have a huge respect for what they have built up and they are possibly the only party on the App store that we would and did jump at working with.

The App Store is all about exposure, games are cheap so you need lots and lots... and LOTS of people to know about your game in order to get up the charts. It's only once you chart that anyone outside your fan base will ever hear about you!

As of last December Rovio has a user base of 200 million monthly active users... that's seriously huge! To give you an idea of how huge, that's more than Twitter has! By comparison Nitrome has around 5 million monthly active users, something we’re proud of but not all of those will even own a phone and well… you see the difference!

So what about compromising the game? Well that’s the other great thing… we don't! The game was fairly feature complete before Rovio got involved and they were impressed with what we had done. Everything that we changed after that point enhanced the game and we fully appreciated and agreed with their feedback.

Because of Rovio the game has been tested to death. Not only is it about as bug free as we could possibly make a game it also had a lot of user testing. We got lots of great feedback from this and we were able to adjust areas that people were getting confused or to make some elements more enjoyable.

Also thanks Rovio were thrilled to announce that Icebreaker is not only in English but also at launch supports French, German, Spanish and Italian!

Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage features an in depth dialogue throughout the game conveying a deep and often humorous tale. It is a feature we spent a lot of time on in the game and one of the features that we believe elevates the game above what you would typically find in a puzzle game on the App Store.

Rovio have helped us with the branding and we worked closely to create a new video and art to be used to promote the game. If you haven’t seen the video yet what are you waiting for? Go view it now!

The other major benefit of working with Rovio is that they know better than anyone else on the App Store how to take a hit brand to the next level. There is everything now from the familiar Angry Birds plush toys, to a cartoon series and feature film on the way.

Now don't get too excited, you may not ever see such things from the Icebreaker universe. But if we do have a hit on our hands, then Rovio will help us make the most of it in a way we never could have done on our own!

Icebreaker: New Video!

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:31:08 BST

Alongside the very exciting announcement that were working with the Angry Birds power house that is Rovio comes a brand new video. We closely worked with Rovio on this and as the previous video was very gameplay focused we felt a different direction was needed this time out.

New Icebreaker Trailer: Click Here!

We never could have achieved such cinema quality 3d on our own or done such cool voice acting! We're more than pleased with the results and think it echoes the offbeat humour of the game rather well!

Our Big Icebreaker News - Rovio Stars!

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:17:16 BST

May 14th, 2013 -- Espoo, Finland -- Rovio Entertainment announced the launch of its new mobile game publishing initiative, Rovio Stars, which will feature the best new games from talented and innovative developers. This is the entertainment company’s first foray into including third party titles in its game line-up.

“Rovio Entertainment has positioned itself as one of the powerhouses of mobile entertainment, so moving into publishing is a logical step for us at this point”, said Rovio’s EVP of Games Jami Laes. “We want to help our fans find quality entertainment among the more than 100,000 games available in app stores. That’s where Rovio Stars comes in.”

“In the course of our work, we run into so many fantastic upcoming titles -- games with memorable characters and entertaining gameplay that are also just really fun to play!” said Kalle Kaivola, Director of Development. “These are the sorts of titles we’re interested in. We want to help the developers to give these games that last coat of polish, publish the games and find their audience. We’re focusing on a small, select number of games, and each Rovio Stars launch will be an event of its own.”

The first game to be published under the Rovio Stars program will be Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage by Nitrome Ltd., followed by Tiny Thief by 5 Ants. Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage follows the adventure of a lone Viking, combining a unique ice slicing mechanic with an offbeat humour. Tiny Thief is a beautiful medieval adventure featuring stealth-based puzzles.

“Being involved with Rovio Stars means that we have one of the best marketing teams behind us, as well as visibility to their vast audience. To a small indie studio like Nitrome this is all the backing we could hope for!” said Mat Annal, Managing Director of Nitrome Ltd.

Check out the brand new Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage trailer here: http://rov.io/icebreakertrailer

Developers who are interested in Rovio Stars can find more information at: www.rovio.com/developers

For more information and general media inquiries please contact media@rovio.com

For more information on Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage, and Tiny Thief:

www.rovio.com

www.icebreaker-game.com

www.tinythief.com

About Rovio Entertainment

Rovio is an industry-changing entertainment media company headquartered in Finland, and the creator of the globally successful Angry Birds franchise. Angry Birds, a casual puzzle game, became an international phenomenon within a few months of its release, and is now the number one paid app of all time. Angry Birds has expanded rapidly in entertainment, publishing, and licensing to become a beloved international brand. www.rovio.com

About Nitrome Ltd

Nitrome is an award winning games studio based in London UK, who develop mobile, PC and browser games. With over 100 games to date, the Nitrome website reaches tens of millions of loyal fans each month and individually titles have reached over 100 million plays across the internet. www.nitrome.com

About 5 Ants

Barcelona-based 5 Ants Studio aims to create imaginative and unique games for all ages. Tiny Thief is the culmination of our most enthusiastic work, a delicious adventure you will never forget. Intrigued? Visit 5ants.com

99% Done and BIG News Tomorrow!

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:31:05 BST

We are still busy working away on Icebreaker! Despite the silence there have been 6 of the Nitrome crew busy on the game for quite some time and were making great progress! The game is just about complete now and to show just how close to complete we are we have upped the percentage bar to 99%!

Why is it not finished already? Well mainly it is just a lot of work to make such a huge game...it has just shy of 100 levels and they are packed with story secrets and variety!

There is also another reason however...something that has been going on behind the scenes since the beginning of this year...a secret! Woooo! We're going to be revealing just what that secret is TOMORROW and we hope it will surprise and excite a lot of you when we explain just what it means to Icebreaker! Keep checking this page for the news which will be coming alongside a big Icebreaker site overhaul and a new video! We also have tons of other bits and bobs written up now to be posted between now and the games release so get ready for an Icebreaker news overload!

Icebreaker Dev Diary 4: Click Here!

Test Subject Complete: Updated

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:00:57 BST

Hello all,

We have uploaded a new version of Test Subject Complete. We done a few bug fixes, they are as follows:

More robust reset functionality. – The “R” key for resetting the level had a few bugs depending on when it was pressed. These issues have now been resolved.

Invisible steps! – They are no more!!! If you don’t know about them, then don’t worry! ;0)

Laser sound loop issues. – Again this was related to the reset functionality, this should be no more.

Thank you all for giving us your feedback, especially the guys and gals that do nitrome.wikia.com

We hope you have all enjoyed playing Test Subject Complete, and if you’ve not tried it yet… why not?! Get your gaming head on and head over to the Test Subject Complete game page!

Test Subject Complete: Click Here!

Take care all!

Play Test Subject Complete!

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:16:26 BST

Hello all you lovely peoples!

We are happy to announce that Test Subject Complete is now out for your delectation. This is the 3rd and final part to the Test Subject Story. (Test Subject Blue, Test Subject Green)

As we indicated in the trailer that went online a couple of weeks ago, Blue must escape the cage and discover what happened to the professor and quite possibly save the world!

So why are you reading this? Get you gaming heads on and start playing!

We hope you enjoy it!

Test Subject Complete: Click To Play!

Loads of love – The Nitrome Team!

Play Aqua Boy!

Mon, 06 May 2013 19:00:50 BST

Todays Pixel Love goes out to Aqua Boy! A wonderful game by Duncan Fenn

This game boasts some really well composed music as well as some great pixel artwork. The gameplay in this game is very smooth and intuitive creating a rich and enjoyable experience.

Can you navigate the intricate cave systems and get to the Helm of Pathandor before Albert?

Aqua Boy: Click To Play!

Have Fun!

Friday Update!

Fri, 03 May 2013 17:48:31 BST

Remember when we said we wanted to bring you updates when we have something to say? Well, we have something to say! :)

Next week we will be bringing you the long awaited Test Subject Complete! So familiarise yourself now with the story of our favourite blue enzyme before the big finale!

Test Subject Blue: Click Here!
Test Subject Green: Click Here!
Test Subject Complete Trailer: Click Here!

p.s. we will also plan on giving you a little update on our iOS title Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage.

So until then, have a great weekend!

Play The Love Letter!

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:36:26 BST

Today's Pixel Love game is... The Love Letter made by Pat Kemp, axcho and Teo Acosta!

This is such a sweet little game about, well... a love letter from a secret admirer. Can you read it all secretly without any of your friends catching you?

The graphics are very slick, the controls are very simple and the music is wonderful. This was a real joy to experience, so we thought we would feature it this week.

The Love Letter: Click Here!

Have Fun!

Friday Update!

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:05:04 BST

Hi Nitromians,

We are still not sure about Friday Updates, check this link if you’re not sure what we are talking about.

So this isn't us committing to Friday Updates again, but we might go back to doing them, so this is a sporadic one while we make up our mind!

I know we haven’t mentioned anything still with regards to Icebreaker that we promised you recently. Rest assured it is still going full steam ahead at the moment, it’s getting very close to being finished and we are working to give you some more info soon, including some huge, huge, HUGE news that we have been holding off on that we hope is going to make you all very excited!

Have a great weekend and stay tuned for more soon!

We are looking for C++ developers!

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:44:03 BST

We are looking for new C++ developers to join our team at Nitrome making games for Mobile and PC/Mac. As a lot of the games are mobile a knowledge of Objective-C is also beneficial and candidates used to using Cocos2d & Box2d would be ideal though this is not essential. Knowledge of source control (especially git) would also be a plus.

For a good idea of the sort of games you would be working on please check out the following two titles that are in production:

Icebreaker - A Viking Voyage (iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad/Android)

Flightless (Steam/PC/Mac)

All candidates must be able to show examples of their work to be considered. Salary is negotiable. The position requires you work at the Nitrome office in London so candidates must live within commuting distance or be willing to relocate for the role. Please send CV's and Example links to jobs@nitrome.com with the subject line 'programmer application'.

Play Dino Run!

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:07:46 BST

Today's Pixel Love game is a real classic. Do you remember Dino Run by Pixel Jam? Of course you do!

Well, they have also released the "Marathon of Doom" edition of the game in which you tirelessly try to avoid becoming extinct!

The sounds are awesome, the artwork animation is fluid and you really get a sense of urgency and excitement in this as you try to skillfully surf the edge of doom!

Play Dino Run MD: Click Here!

Have Fun!

Colour Blind Preview!

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:37:28 BST

Hey Nitromians!

Last week we said that we would bring you an update so we decided that we would show you a teaser of one of our upcoming projects Colour Blind!

In the game you play as a colour blind eyeball who must rescue his girlfriend from the evil pirate dust clouds (yeah, wierd right?). The game features a unique colour changing mechanic that we won't spoil for you just yet, So until then enjoy the screen shot. Take a close look, can you figure out what the game might be about?

Screenshot: Click Here!

Let us know your thoughts on Facebook!

Get Super Stock Take for your website!

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:35:14 BST

We are now distributing our platform puzzle game Super Stock Take for use around the web!

This means you can add this and many more Nitrome games to your site by copying the code from our Distribution Page and placing it on your web pages.

Distribution Page: Click Here!
Play Super Stock Take: Click Here!

Thanks for Playing!

Awesome Minecraft Fanart

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:22:17 BST

Wow... Now this piece of fanart is absolutely awesome!

We are honoured to have this outstanding tribute to the Nitrome Towers in Minecraft and the attention to detail is brilliant.

The Knuckle Heads and Steamlands bosses were my personal favourites!

For those of you that have not played it yet, Nitrome Must Die takes place inside the lofty Nitrome Towers building in which you play as disgruntled fans that must destroy the hordes of Nitrome enemies and epic bosses as you make your way up the building floor by floor.

Nitrome Towers in Minecraft: Click Here!
Play Nitrome Must Die: Click Here!

A big thank you goes out to Frosty Fly Trap! We really appreciate the hard work and effort that has gone into this!

Friday Update Question

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:35:08 BST

Hi Nitromians,

You may have noticed that we did not do a Friday Update last week. We were talking about it on Friday between the staff at Nitrome and decided against posting it because we didn’t want people to miss the Test Subject Complete trailer. This also led to a deeper discussion about the Friday updates in general. I wanted to share the highlights of what we discussed:

Friday updates block less frequent visitors from seeing the main news of the week.

Friday updates do not always have anything worth mentioning.

Friday updates are supposed to be a weekly round up and also let people know what is coming the following week. The problem is we often run out of time and don’t agree what to show the next week so it is rushed.

It was suggested we could better cope with Friday Updates if we moved it to Monday mornings when we would have more time to put out something worth mentioning.

It was suggested that we don’t post anything unless we have something worth mentioning.

It was highlighted that if we do not post a feature weekly that we may end up telling the fans less….having a fixed day of the week keeps us aware that we should post something.

So the purpose of this post is to ask you guys and gals what you think. Do you like the Friday updates?….do you think any of the internal comments are valid? Do you have any ideas of your own on how we could do this better…or should we just scrap it?

Just so you don’t all miss out on the news. Coming up soon we want to start showing off a new i.p. we have been working on alongside Test Subject Complete. We also want to give you all a much requested update on Icebreaker which we have been a little quiet on.

You can post your views on our Facebook Wall.

Play Minibot!

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:00:51 BST

Time for a Pixel Love Game!

Do you remember when we featured the puzzle game Abduction? Well, the creators of that have made yet another awesome game called Minibot!

You play through as the mini robot tasked to cure the virus inside a young girl.

You create the extra platform blocks, which are needed to complete the levels, by absorbing and normalizing different materials. This means each material gives your blocks different properties (such as turning the platform block into a spring).

The graphics are very well drawn, animated and the puzzles are well thought out. We had a lot of fun playing this one.

Play Minibot: Click Here!
Fliptic: Click Here!

Test Subject Complete Trailer!

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:08:15 BST

As we draw close to it's release, we have got a teaser trailer ready for our upcoming game Test Subject Complete, Enjoy!

In the meantime, why not re-familiarize yourselves with Test Subject Blue and Test Subject Green before launch?

Test Subject Complete Trailer: Click Here!

You can also tell us what you think of the trailer on our Facebook Page!

Website Update

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:58:07 BST

Well, as you may know from our April update article, we are getting very close now to the accounts launch as we’re almost ready to enter into the main testing phase of the project. This means that we will be using accounts internally at Nitrome Towers and taking down notes on any problems that we come across.

So what’s next?

Until recently, due to the amount of man power it would have took to simulate the usage of accounts beyond a single user, I’ve pretty much been holding private messaging conversations and comments between two, three and sometimes four user accounts by myself. This meant I was opening multiple browsers and logging in to different accounts simultaneously. Needless to say, this type of testing is best carried out when a single person is locked down to using a single user account, as this better mirrors real world usage.

Main tests

The main tests will consist of the all of us trying to mess around with the user accounts to see if any of our calculated mischief gets past our moderation system. We’ll also try registering (with both Facebook Connect and Nitrome sign up processes) and using our accounts like the average community user to test for usability issues. The main reason we take such attention to detail on these types of tests is because we want the accounts to feel as natural and intuitive to use as possible (and we also want to have some fun with them too!).

Abusing the report button

Some of you have already expressed concern (on our Facebook feedback from last month’s accounts article) in regards to the way that the reporting badges may be obtained via abusive means (i.e. users may create dual accounts or users might spam the report button on every comment/user they see).

Well, you will be happy to know that we share the same concerns as our fans on this subject and feel that although there are no real foolproof ways to completely eliminate cheaters, we will do the best we can without hindering good community users that are interacting with the system as intended. We’ll be making use of a variety of measures to avoid account abuse as much as possible. This phase actually became a task in itself!

There are many mechanisms that are already in use by existing web communities to stem the flow of bad user activity. Things like CAPTCHA, IP based bans, duplicated email address checks, user assisted moderation, up/down voting of user generated material etc. For each of these effective methods, there is usually some way of defeating them. The more tests we use to insure that genuine user activity is carried out, the more we might negatively affect the user experience flow for genuine users.

So, with usability in mind, our “anti-bad guy” measures that we intend to deploy are going to be mainly frictionless for the end user. By frictionless we mean they should not interfere with user experience whilst browsing the Nitrome site in any way.

We know cheating can take place in pretty much every online community in which there is something of worth to gain (such as badges and avatars in our case). We will diligently enforce the community rules as best we can. As we said in the previous post, the accounts are going to be considered to be in beta as we monitor the use and miss-use of the website. The more we understand about the community trouble makers, the better we can implement preventative systems.

Collecting new avatars

As well as having a lot of awesome avatars to choose from when you first create an account, there are also going to be some even more awesome locked avatars that won’t be accessible straight from the start.

Your Avatar acts as the graphical identifier for your user account. Along with your username, it will be one of the first things somebody sees. Some avatars are going to be more difficult to collect than others.

You will be able to unlock avatars primarily by finding them as objects in certain Nitrome games. You’ll need to check out the descriptions for avatars on the selection page for ways to unlock them. Some of the avatar descriptions may be written in a slightly more cryptic fashion than others which may, in-turn, involve you thinking about the unlock message and making educated guesses as to where you want to start the hunt for them!

We really feel confident that the harder to collect avatars will make for fun challenges for our community!

We hope you are all as excited as we are!

Also, as a quick teaser, we thought that we’d include the profile page with updates since the last post

Screenshot Before: Click Here!
Screenshot After: Click Here!