New Finnish game studio will exclusively develop for smart watches
Making games for smart watches seems like an obvious step in expanding the wearable user base, but even with the rapidly growing market for such devices, their selection of games remains rather sparse. Smart watches offer a unique interface and use-style that could lead to the creation of interesting mobile game designs, but so far there are few, if any, titles exclusively developed for the platform. Of the few existing smart watch games, most are simply scaled down ports of existing game franchises.
Believing that there is a demand for games made specifically for smart watches rather than simplified ports, several veteran game makers have come together to form Everywear Games, the first studio that will develop games exclusively for smart watches.
The founders of the new company come from several well-known game studios, including Rovio Entertainment, Ltd., the developer behind the juggernaut Angry Birds series, as well as Remedy Entertainment, Ltd., the developer behind critically acclaimed games like Max Payne and Alan Wake.
“We see wearable tech as the most exciting new platform of 2015,” Everywear CEO Aki Järvilehto told GamesBeat. “As developers, this year presents an unrivaled opportunity to craft completely original gaming experiences for a global audience.”
“The games have to deliver something new”
There are several unique challenges posed to game makers by smart watches, not the least of which is their miniscule screens. Screen real estate is at a higher premium than ever on smart watches, and traditional touch controls are cumbersome since the player’s fingers would block a significant portion of the display.
“The form factor is an exciting design challenge,” said Järvilehto. “But more important is how people will be using these devices. Because you wear them almost all the time it’s going to feel a lot more emotional and intimate. And that’s why the games have to deliver something new, something different from what you’ve ever experienced before.”
Though he provides no details on the studio’s upcoming titles, Järvilehto says that Everywear will be shipping several games this year, and he is excited to hear player feedback. “You learn so much with each game you ship,” he said.
Image credit: Eyewear Games
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