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Jetpack Joyride was almost 'Machine Fun Jetpack'
During his GDC talk Depth in Simplicity: The Making of Jetpack Joyride, Halfbrick Studios' chief creative officer Luke Muscat shared the story of the 11th hour name change for Jetpack Joyride, which was originally supposed to be called Machine Gun Jetpack. "I'll tell you, we almost changed the app to this name because we thought by making it too drastically different we were going to undermine all of our marketing effort, but we actually had this name for a while: Machine Fun Jetpack," Muscat said. "At the time, we were like 'that sounds alright, maybe I could live with that.' Then I got in the next morning, and I walked up to Phil's desk, and we both said the same thing at the same time: 'What the fuck were we thinking?' I'm so glad we didn't go out with that name."
Jetpack Joyride straps on Air Barrys
Alongside finalizing a major content update coming this April, Halfbrick has released a teaser and some screens for the upcoming Jetpack Joyride 1.3. The game, which has seen 16 million downloads since launch, will gain "gadgets" in the upcoming patch.
Halfbrick working on new iOS game, 1.3 update for Jetpack Joyride
Halfbrick Studios' Phil Larsen is a happy guy. Not only has his company scored a huge hit with Fruit Ninja (with over a million copies sold on Xbox Kinect alone), but the studio's Jetpack Joyride is a hit as well, garnering over 19 million across various free and paid incarnations. Halfbrick, says Larsen, is working on a new IP for iOS that we'll see by the end of the year. Until then, the group is working Jetpack Joyride version 1.3, which introduces an entirely new feature: Gadgets. Gadgets are perks that can be added to Barry's jetpack. They're purchased with coins picked up during play (which ties in to the game's in-app purchase system) and tweak the gameplay in several ways. For example, the "Freeze-o-matic" allows Barry to slide farther when he dies. The "Flying Pig" turns slot machine coins into pigs that explode into fireworks of rewards, and a gadget called "Gemology" converts coins into gems, which give five times the reward when collected. You can have three gadgets running at a time, and when they're all combined, they can either help a lot (by making some very challenging missions relatively easy), or make the game crazier than ever. Gadgets aren't just add-ons to the jetpack. They affect the game in several ways, which Larsen says will allow Halfbrick to expand the game a lot going forward. Fifteen gadgets will be introduced when the update goes live, with more coming after that. "We can definitely support this game lots more." I asked Larsen about the Jetpack Joyride knockoffs on the App Store. Larsen shrugged them off. "They're not as good as Jetpack Joyride, so why bother?" he asked with a smirk. Halfbrick is an independent company, though obviously it's been growing, even as the Australian game economy is in a downturn. Larsen says the developer has about 57 employees right now, and given the games' popularity, they could stand to grow a bit more. But Larsen also says Halfbrick isn't interested in being purchased by a larger developer, either. Of course there have been offers, but in the end, he says, "We like what we do." Taking a deal with a larger developer might upset that, so it definitely seems like Halfbrick is more interested in making its own games than pitching in, no matter how big the potential payoff may be. As for that impending new iOS title, Larsen won't say much more than that he "...would love to release another iOS game this year." Certainly Halfbrick is working on something (and maybe even more than one thing), but the current focus is Jetpack's update. As for whether a new game would be paid (like Fruit Ninja has been) or freemium (like Jetpack Joyride has been for most of its success), Larsen said both strategies are still valid, depending on the game. "We've made more money on Fruit Ninja paid than we've ever done" selling Jetpack Joyride's in-app purchases, says Larsen. "We can sell games and we can do freemium. Does that mean Fruit Ninja's more universal? Probably yeah." Larsen admits that Jetpack Joyride could probably have skewed more towards a casual audience. It originally started paid and then was sent free to find its audience. But it's hard to second guess Larsen and Halfbrick given all of their company's success, and Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride still set quite a few bars for app quality on Apple's App Store. The company has done really great things so far -- we're intrigued to see just what's coming next.
Fruit Ninja Kinect sells a million units; Jetpack Joyride update in April
Halfbrick announced today that Fruit Ninja Kinect has reached a million sales, solidifying it as a very successful "console experiment" for the company. The company announced a month ago at DICE 2012 that sales had surpassed a half million.Phil Larsen, chief marketing officer at Halfbrick, also told us that the Jetpack Joyride 1.3 update is coming this April. It will add 15 gadgets that are "kinda like perks," which players can choose at the beginning of the round to assist.Gadgets include Air Barry shoes, allowing Barry to jump instead of glide up. Along with the "Freeze o Matic," which turns Barry into a sliding ice block when he crashes for extra distance. There are also magnets which allow Barry to collect coins. Still no item that allows you to actually stop playing Jetpack Joyride.
Fruit Ninja Kinect sells a half-million copies; Jetpack Joyride reaches 14 million downloads
Australian developer Halfbrick is flying high on the success of its Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride franchises. Chief Marketing Officer Phil Larsen told us at the DICE conference in Las Vegas today that Fruit Ninja Kinect has reached a half-million sales and has been a very successful console experiment for the company. The company also plans to continue supporting Fruit Ninja on iOS with more updates rather than cannibalize its momentum with a sequel.As for Jetpack Joyride, which went free to play in mid-December, Larsen notes the game has seen significant growth since the change."There's an update coming in the next month," Larsen said about Jetpack Joyride. "It's the biggest one we've done so far."He told us the previously $1 app reached about 1 million paid sales before going free and has since seen 13 million downloads as a free product. He estimates about 5-10 percent of customers will spend at least a dollar on the app through its in-game store, so revenue has been higher since the game went "free."
Take a free Jetpack Joyride on iOS today
Did you miss the offer of a free copy of Jetpack Joyride back in October? You have another chance to avoid the exorbitant 99-cent price, and you don't even have to go through Facebook. Free App a Day is featuring Halfbrick's coin-grabbing test flight, so you can just go into the App Store right now and download it at no cost. To be absolutely clear about it, you should go get this free game. We were quite fond of it even when we thought of it as a 99-cent game.
Fruit Ninja's price slashed to ten cents on Android Market today
Normally we'd be skeptical of heavily discounted fruit, but we think this offer is safe for consumption. In honor of the Android Market's ten millionth download, that platform's version of Fruit Ninja is on sale for ten cents today! Halfbrick also informs us that Age of Zombies will be on sale for a dime this Saturday. Good thing, too -- we can't be expected to pay almost a whole dollar for every game.
Fruit Ninja plushies coming soon to a wrapped gift near you
Angry Birds can't have all the fun, right? Halfbrick Studios is set to embrace the iOS marketing frenzy by releasing a pair Fruit Ninja plush toys. The sensei and a smiling (or is that sliced?) watermelon in a branded headband will introduce the series. The sensei is available right now on the company's web store for US$15.99, while the watermelon will be available "soon" for just a buck less. I have to admit, these are pretty darn cute. Halfbrick Studios is not only a talented set of game designers, but a really nice group of folks as well. Does this mean we'll soon be getting a Jetpack Backpack from Jetpack Joyride? I don't know how cuddly a sliced watermelon is, but Fruit Ninja is a great game, and I wouldn't mind having one of these guys under my tree come this holiday season.
Fruit Ninja plushies prove it's possible to milk fruit
Other than coconuts, we mean. Halfbrick Studios is making a claim on more of your money, after some admittedly reasonable financial demands from the Fruit Ninja series. The developer has opened a store offering two themed plush toys, which include the cutest watermelon you've ever forcibly bisected, and a happy Sensei whom you can pretend is performing said cut. In the US, the Sensei sells for $16 (or 16 times the price of a copy of Fruit Ninja), the Watermelon for $15 (1.5 Fruit Ninja Kinects), and a "Training Pack" of both for $30. The Sensei is available now, but that adorable melon is shipping in mid-January. We may sound as if we're giving Halfbrick a hard time for cashing in on Fruit Ninja, but we're happy for the developer. The games have been universally worthwhile, and the toys are undeniably huggable. Besides, Halfbrick has to raise money to save the Australian game industry, pretty much single-handed.
Fruit Ninja dev Halfbrick chopping away at sequel in new Sydney studio
Halfbrick Studios is working on a sequel to Fruit Ninja at its new government-supported studio in Sydney, Australia. In mid-October it was revealed that the Brisbane-based company was opening up a second studio in Sydney; a new piece in the Illawarra Mercury tosses up some more details. According to New South Wales Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner, the studio is the result of a new $3 million "Interactive Media Fund," but there is no clear indication regarding how much of that fund went to Halfbrick. "The new Sydney team will develop the next evolution of the Fruit Ninja games franchise. The new game will involve players launching a series of fruit to knock ninjas off their towers in a 3D world, with each fruit having special powers," Stoner said. The game is expected in 2012, with an initial launch on iOS. Stoner explained the $3 million fund is designed to support local developers over the next two years. Given the current state of the Australian development scene for big publishers, it may be time to get a bigger fund for the local indies.
Paper, Scissors, Stone registered by LucasArts and BioWare in Australia
Ryan Langley is a level designer at Halfbrick Studios, so he's used to putting secret rewards in hard-to-find places, but in this case he found one. He discovered that both LucasArts and BioWare have filed for a classification in the Australian government for a computer game called Paper, Scissors, Stone. Unfortunately, we have no idea what that is at all. The classification does mention that it's related to "science fiction themes" and that the game will have "online content." When you combine that with the fact that both LucasArts and BioWare are listed on the mark (along with publisher EA), it's possible that, even despite the M rating for mature audiences, this could have something to do with the upcoming The Old Republic MMO. A standalone minigame of some kind? That's just a guess, but yes please on that. At any rate, we'll probably hear about this one soon. In the meantime, you might want to start practicing your hand signals.
Daily iPhone App: Sea Stars
Sea Stars is Hothead's latest game on the App Store, and it's really good. You play as a little fish who can swim and jump through water with a touch of the screen. Your goal is to swim as far as possible while avoiding obstacles. It's quite fun and well done. There's just one big issue: The game is basically Jetpack Joyride. Now, it's not exactly Jetpack Joyride, since you're not riding a backpack, and in practice, the controls are more or less upside down from JJ's float-up-when-touched controls. But the other similarities are undeniable. First, you collect coins which can be spent on upgrades (coins can also be bought via in-app purchase). You'll also find "friends" which work like JJ's vehicles, making you survive an extra hit and switching up the control scheme. Finally, the obstacles move and turn like the electric spheres in Jetpack Joyride. It's possible Hothead was working on this before Halfbrick's big title, but not likely. This game is essentially Jetpack Joyride re-skinned. That's not necessarily bad. Jetpack Joyride is a great game, and if you've already prestiged in that one a few times, Sea Stars will definitely float your fish (though I do have to say that I don't understand the "hurt your tail" reference when the game ends, whatever that means). But this is a blatant ripoff. I would rather have seen Sea Stars try to improve on Halfbrick's great formula rather than borrow it. Perhaps I'm complaining too much, especially considering the app's current price. Sea Stars is a great title that just happens to be free thanks to a promotion in the App Store right now.
Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots heading to Android on Monday
Android users, no longer must you watch the iOS crowd with green eyes of jealousy. In a few days, you'll be able to wield his cat claw sword for yourself in Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots. It's coming to the Amazon Marketplace on Monday, where you'll be able to download the game for free. You'll need to pounce on this one relatively quickly, because it'll only be free for a day; afterwards, it'll only be $.99, so it won't be that big a deal if you forget. Unless it is a big deal, obviously, but if a buck is going to break the bank for you we're sure you've got more important things on your mind.
Age of Zombies Anniversary brings HD Steakfries to iOS
What's the best way to celebrate a year (plus) since Age of Zombies' release on iOS? By buying another version of Age of Zombies on iOS! Halfbrick has just released Age of Zombies Anniversary, a remastered edition of Barry Steakfries' inaugural adventure. The new version features redone HD graphics (for iPads and iPhone 4 or 4S, of course), iCloud support, and new "Wild West content" -- a new western-themed level, in which even the dinosaurs don cowboy hats. If you want to experience this new, youthful Age of Zombies, it's on the App Store right now for a limited-time price of 99 cents.%Gallery-139758%
Daily iPhone App: Steambirds: Survival
You may remember the game Steambirds from a previous Daily App post. It's a turn-based flight simulator that plays like a board game. Instead of actually flying your planes, you move them turn by turn. It's a game about strategic positioning and planning. Now, developers Spry Fox have teamed up with Halfbrick Studios (makers of Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride) to release a sequel called Steambirds Survival. Sort of. I say "sort of" because it's pretty much the same game, though it's been polished up quite a bit, and plays a lot more smoothly than before. There are also new powerups to play with (if I'm not mistaken -- it's been a little while since I played the old version), and the levels are divided into cities, which you can either unlock with an in-app purchase, or open up by just playing the game. This version also adds Game Center integration. And even if it doesn't sound like your thing, it's worth checking out: Both the standard version and the HD version (for iPad) are free. At that price, the game's definitely worth a look.
Kinect holiday bundle includes Gunstringer, Fruit Ninja
Microsoft is currently shipping a Kinect sensor bundle for the holidays, which includes three games for $150. The included games for North America – though they "may vary by region" – are Kinect Adventures, Fruit Ninja Kinect and The Gunstringer, from Microsoft's newly acquired studio Twisted Pixel. Considering the $40 Gunstringer retail box contains a free Fruit Ninja Kinect, it might be easier to think about this bundle providing a $40 savings. Microsoft has been playing it close to the chest regarding Kinect sales this year, recently reiterating that the device had sold 10 million units, a statistic it already promoted in March. We'll get another update after this year's bundle-boosted holiday sales have been tallied.
Get Jetpack Joyride free via App Store Facebook page
Jetpack Joyride is one of the more delightful jetpack-based games to come out this year -- and for a "limited time," you can grab it for free. The official Facebook page for the iOS App Store is offering the game at no cost for reasons unknown; probably as an altruistic gesture, since human lives are inherently enriched by the presence of propulsion-based backpacks. There's no telling when the deal expires, so we'd suggest getting it ... like, right this instant. Seriously. Go.
Jetpack Joyride update injects new jetpacks, reaffirms our loathing of Game Center friends
Our love for Jetpack Joyride is well documented, but we're not above admitting that accessing the game's leaderboard system is a bit on the cumbersome side. That's why today's surprise update with in-level leaderboard implementation is so, so exciting. Now, while flying along in your jetpack of choice, sign posts will point out friends' scores as you soar past them, maniacally laughing in the bathroom, all alone. The update also adds a pair of new jetpacks and a trio of wearable items for Señor Steakfries, giving players even more stuff with which to dress up the chronically murdered main character. Another bonus: The update is totally free, and the full game still costs $0.99.
Portabliss: Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots (iOS)
Did you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots. You might be tempted to hold a grudge against Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots. It seems like a vaguely disturbing trend to match popular mobile games to upcoming movies, just because they have compatible premises, for purely promotional purposes. Two games is a trend, right? But we all knew this was going to be good. It turns out that the license is actually a good thing, as the result is a version of Fruit Ninja with the addition of vocal encouragement from Antonio Banderas. Ah yes! The other, less Boots-specific additions are delightful as well.%Gallery-136062%
Fruit Ninja dev opening new studio in Sydney
Australian developer Halfbrick is opening up a studio in Sydney, which likely comes as welcome news for the nation's troubled development scene. Gamasutra took note of the job listings for the new Sydney office for the Brisbane-based studio. Halfbrick is best known for Fruit Ninja, which has made the studio so much money, it sponsored an orchard as reparations for all the virtual fruit waste. It is also going to make more coin going the Angry Birds movie tie-in route, with the upcoming Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots. We're particularly fond of Halfbrick's Jetpack Joyride. Asked if Halfbrick would change its name to "Fullbrick" after opening a second studio, Marketing Director Phil Larsen told us, "No. A logical question nonetheless."
