Little-Worlds Studio's Foray Back Into the Mainstream

[Axx]

Little-Worlds Studio has in the past few years expanded quite significantly since I visited their offices back in June 2006. Back then they had some 6 or so titles published, today they have more than 50. Back then the team consisted of 8 permanent staff, today that number has swelled to 26. Back then they were exclusively developing DVD Interactive games and applications, now they have diversified their development for multiple platforms. LWS has already developed, or is developing, titles for the PC, Nintendo DS, DVD and iPhone.

But so far, of all the games developed, none are of a large, or even medium scale. However, that may all change very soon. LWS has already been developing its own Wii proprietary technology, and is an " official developer for the Wii, Xbox 360 and PSP" as stated on their revised website. Its interesting to note here that Xbox 360 is now on the list, however whether this is an indication of interest in developing larger mainstream games, or smaller downloadable titles, remains to be seen.

A few months ago, a well placed source hinted that LWS was attempting to return to its roots by developing large scale mainstream titles. Something may be in the works, but he was not in the position to clarify the matter, just that it was a matter of waiting to see what will happen. That could possibly tie in with the with their 360 development plans.

There may be more information in the coming months. If any progress is made, apparently we'll be the first to know!

[Darkflame]

Could be downloadables indeed...that would make the most sense...a lot less risk then retail.
Its where to have PSP specified their rather then PS3 though, but you can download to both, as with the DSi too.

Maybe PS3 downloadables they have been put off by the per-gig hosting fee? (but then, its swings and roundabouts and Microsoft gives the lowest %% revenue back, and Nintendo has the less space :P).

To be honest, I'm not sure I want them jumping straight back into big mainstream games. Something small yet potentialy profitable might be a better place to start.
A short platformer like LostWinds, or something of that length.

Given the huge success of Professor Layton, maybe a story-based puzzle game could work too. (Which kinda appeals to new gamers as well as some old ones).

[Kitarii]

I hope LWS do start releasing some proper games soon (not more of that dvd stuff).
Since it's most of the LBA team there's a good chance they'll come up with something good.

[Double-J]

Oh, snap. 360, Nintendo, and PSP? I realize Fred isn't Sony fan, but c'mon. Just toss the PS3 on there for me. :P

[Kitarii]

I don't actually think Fred has anything to do with Little Worlds? Might be wrong.

[Double-J]

Originally Posted by Kitarii

I don't actually think Fred has anything to do with Little Worlds? Might be wrong.

Oh. Poo.

[Axx]

Originally Posted by Double-J

Oh, snap. 360, Nintendo, and PSP? I realize Fred isn't Sony fan, but c'mon. Just toss the PS3 on there for me. :P

I think its more to do with the simplicity of development for the 360, coupled with the fact that there are more 360s out there than there are PS3s.

[Darkflame]

True.
Allthough the question is always a mater of "is the effort to port it from the other platforms worth the userbase/profitmargins" rather then "is it worth making it for ps3". Is the extra time to port worth the extra sales.

[RGaspar]

I hope this new push will let them make their own original games again.

AFAIK they were doing just commissions.

And I like the idea of working for bigger platforms, there are more risks in that market but there is more money as well.

[Aruchi89]

This was great news Axx you made mi day!!! now i am much more positive about the creation of LBA 3, it is so good that Fred is actually back on buisness!!!

[Aruchi89]

why is it they dont make 360 games, they are lacking of capital maybe?

[Darkflame]

yes

[Axx]

Originally Posted by Aruchi89

why is it they dont make 360 games, they are lacking of capital maybe?

I think it comes down to risk. Adeline&Nocliche constantly took on big titles for mainstream consoles/PC. And it usually failed. I think this time round they want to be cautious, as one 360 game has the budget of 20 mini games, and needs an extra 2 years worth of development time, and may or may not be a success.

With smaller titles, one hit, and one fail dosn't matter.

Though, thats my own personal two cents.

[Aruchi89]

well, here its 4 am and the first thing that comes to my mind is that maybe they should be needing as much support as possible from us.. like a little push and letting them know that ther's a lot of people out there who will buy their new 360 games, mostly an lba3, maybe sending letters or preparing something, or sending a chain mail to gather signatures from fans... as i've said its 4 am and i ve been up for 22 hours now, maybe i am just being childish .. but whatever, this is one of the reasons we are here in this forum right? to join ourselves and make everything we can to make this dream possible...? i m going to bed now..!

[Darkflame]

I dont have a 360, so I wouldnt be buying 360 games unless LBA3 litteraly came out on it and only it.

Makes much more sense to first develop for multi-platforms as downloadables, then you dont carry nearly so much publishing risk.
By publishing stuff on PSN/WiiWare/XboxLiveArcade you only gota make back the development costs to be in profit...rather then development costs + physical publishers cut.
Also, of course, the games are shorter so development time is less overall.

I'm sure they could come up with something nice. An eppisodicaly-released platform game, or some sort of overhead adventure maybe.

[Aruchi89]

the only LBA 3 could be made is as a 360 game? what is that exactly, it can be used in pc??

[Double-J]

Originally Posted by Aruchi89

the only LBA 3 could be made is as a 360 game? what is that exactly, it can be used in pc??

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_Box_360

[Lbas]

Late reply, but I didn't logged in since a long time ...
Axx, I can see you're still well informed !
As you noticed, we released a lot of DS/PC/I-Phone casual games in very short time (that's one of the reason I'm not so active on LbaWin from beginning of LWS adventure...). Today, we don't develop on I-DVD anymore (lake of market...), but we built a strong production chain to be as more reactive as possible on any potential platform, this explain how we released all these titles within this short delay and without more staff. That probably also explain why we're still alive in these crisis days...
BTW, we've still a lot in development (for some more ambitious as you noticed), you'll be informed in time. Just to inform you, another old Lba2 member joined us one year ago, Pascal Dubois.

Please let me now make an horrible thing : a small ad ...
Just if you wan't to help/support/encourage us a bit, here's a small hint you can do :
We released Color Cross (a Picross-like but in Colors) in DS/PC/I-Phone. The PC version has been released in Europe/USA/Japan. So how to help ? Many options :

* Look for a portal distributing the PC version (Yahoo, Oberon, Boonty, Orange, etc) and download the one hour try-before-buy version (just by downloading it make hits and buzz!).
Here's one link in france, but all are EFDIS languages, except for the japanese one which has its own build : http://www.orange.fr/bin/frame.cgi?u...%3Dcolor-cross

Another one in english : http://searchfactory.oberon-media.co...code=115808643

or just google it


* After that, you can even try it

* If you're so frustated by the one hour limit, you can even buy it (arg, I pronounced it)

* not exclusive with all above, send it to all your address book (who know, maybe someone will like it across your familly/friends/meet of one night)...

Of course, you can also check for the DS (no demo yet) and/or I-Phone ones

Again, sorry for this ad...
Have a good (holi?)days

[Darkflame]

A colour version of picross sounds quite appealing to me actualy, I'll check it out the game in a mo

And of course, as a forum we will do what we can to support you!
Dont fear or apologise for adverts, as these are the one type of adverts we dont mind!

We are fans of LBA, after all, not for any specific element in the games, but rather the creativity and quality of the games as a whole; Which reflects well on the standards of those that made it, and we want all the developers of LBA1/2 to not just survive, but to thrive in the current market.

[elmuerte]

Actually... I ordered the NDS version from amazon.co.uk a few hours ago. I like this low value of the pound

[Darkflame]

Whoa..yes, for that price Id snap one up no question.
I was a bit iffy with the priceing of the PC version for download, but that seems good value even without the exchange rate factored in.

I notice Professor Layton is there for much cheaper then here too *grabs both*. Soul Bubbles is there too still for 8GBP.....no wait, I got that already

Enjoyed the PC demo, will review it more completely when I have played it more.
Basic coloured mechcanics work well, love the funky animated background too.

[Darkflame]

umm...I made a news artical, but I dont know how to edit it
I updated it in the news thread to add pictures/make the text neater, but the one on MBNs homepage didnt update.
--

Anyway, I wrote a review;
http://www.rateoholic.co.uk/main/Rat...playReview=480

And am finding am excuses to advertising the game in strange places.

[elmuerte]

Originally Posted by Darkflame

umm...I made a news artical, but I dont know how to edit it
I updated it in the news thread to add pictures/make the text neater, but the one on MBNs homepage didnt update.[/URL]

erm.. yes, that's a bit buggy, need to fix that some time.