App Store picks up a `Penguin' from Wallace pupils
by GARY ELLIS
TWO Wallace High School students have developed an animated game which
has been snapped up by Apple for the popular iPad.
Mark Thompson and Ashley Hunter, studying ICT and Moving Image Arts at A-level, produced a game called Penguin Slider, and their adventures with their friends can now be downloaded from the Apple Apps Store.
This could only be the beginning for the talented pair who have formed a company called 'Velox Studios' to market this idea and the many more they have at the planning stage.
Penguin Slider follows the tried and trusted platform game model where you have to use your skill and logic to guide your penguin across the ice to his final destination at the end of each level.
It sounds simple but it isn't and of course it's totally addictive and the pair have promised that there's much more to come.
With more games in development for both the iPad and iPhone, and over 100
sales already of Penguin Slider, the profits will be pumped into the boys'
funds for university.
Ashley, who wants to be an ICT teacher, commented: "We are already about to release an iPhone version of Penguin Slider and we have a few other exciting ideas."
Mark hopes to be an architect but for the moment he is balancing designing more games with his A-Level studies, and the pair have paid tribute to David Cleland, their proud teacher, for his help and guidance.
Principal Deborah O'Hare is delighted that their game has been approved for sale by Apple. "We are very proud of Mark and Ashley's success; a key aim of Wallace is to foster and encourage innovation and creativity," she explained.
"Young people are being bombarded with negative messages about the economy, their employment opportunities and the prohibitive costs of higher education." "It is refreshing and inspirational to see two of our students produce an app in a competitive and lucrative market."
Ulster Star
04/02/2011
