Machine Gun Jetpack becomes Jetpack Joyride, launches next week
We've got good news and some vaguely upsetting news. First, the good news: Machine Gun Jetpack will finally touch down for $0.99 next week, on September 1, as a universal release on iOS (i.e. it works across iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad).
The vaguely upsetting news? Developer Halfbrick has renamed Machine Gun Jetpack, presumably because the title was just too awesome. The game will now officially be known by the much more fanciful title, Jetpack Joyride. Halfbrick released a video explaining that the name was changed to reflect that the game now includes "so much more than just the machine gun jetpack."
Unofficially, of course, it will always be Machine Gun Jetpack in our hearts.
Show full PR text
A FRESH NAME FOR HALFBRICK'S NEW MOBILE TITLE
Barry Steakfries' Next Adventure Set to Take Off on September 1
BRISBANE, Australia - August 22, 2011 - Australian developer Halfbrick -- the talented studio behind the award-winning and best-selling Fruit Ninja franchise -- today unveiled a new name for Barry Steakfries's much-anticipated upcoming arcade action game -- Jetpack Joyride. The game is scheduled for release on September 1, 2011, as a universal release for mobile iOS platforms (iPhone and iPad).
Jetpack Joyride, previously known as Machine Gun Jetpack, features wildly inventive and creatively propelled jetpacks that the player must guide through obstacles while collecting coins, jumping in wacky vehicles and generally running amok! Jetpacks include the legendary Machine Gun Jetpack, but notable new additions include the Steam, Rainbow and Bubble Jetpack, and, for all the sea life fanatics, the Shark Head Jetpack.
"Jetpack Joyride is easily the biggest mobile game we've ever made. It's action-packed but still very accessible to players of all ages." said Phil Larsen, chief marketing officer at Halfbrick. "We took advantage of our strengths as designers to create gameplay and touch-screen input that can be understood within seconds, but the additional layers of content will keep players occupied for hours."
Jetpack Joyride will skyrocket players into the latest adventure featuring the lovable and mischievous hero Barry Steakfries, who captured hearts and blasted monsters in the previous Halfbrick mobile games, Age of Zombies and Monster Dash. To date the Steakfries franchise has reached over 1 million downloads worldwide.
In Jetpack Joyride, Barry has broken into an evil science laboratory and commandeered an experimental machine gun-propelled jetpack, which he immediately straps to his back to make good his escape. With the world's most advanced and ridiculous technologies slung over his shoulders, Barry must avoid booby traps, electrical fields, laser missiles and more as he races out of the lab while riding a downpour of bullets, bubbles, lasers and rainbows.
In the latest game development video, Halfbrick staff discuss the new name while showcasing the gameplay and extra content that has now made Jetpack Joyride a AAA mobile game.
As the launch of Jetpack Joyride approaches, fans can tune in each week to Halfbrick's YouTube channel (youtube.com/halfbrickstudios) for additional developer diaries leading up to Barry Steakfries' triumphant return.
For more information about Halfbrick and Jetpack Joyride, please visit:
http://www.halfbrick.com.
Check out the latest game development video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwEHBSbf1_I
Check out the Jetpack Joyride's Facebook fan page at: http://www.facebook.com/jetpackjoyride
About Halfbrick
Founded in 2001, Halfbrick has been on the forefront of the Australian game development industry for more than a decade. After years of experience developing licensed titles for platforms such as Game Boy® Advance, Nintendo DS™ and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), the studio has begun expanding its portfolio with a range of original self-published games for downloadable platforms. In 2010, Halfbrick became one of the most well known independent developers in the world with the success of Fruit Ninja, Monster Dash and Age of Zombies on mobile devices, and other releases such as Raskulls and Fruit Ninja Kinect on Xbox LIVE® Arcade. The studio continues to create fun and unique games and looks to explore new opportunities and technologies in the world of casual games development.
