A leading video game development company has officially launched a new game title that was developed at its Prince Edward Island studio.
Other Ocean Interactive has announced Puffins Island Adventure for the popular Nintendo DS game system. It is currently being manufactured and will be released in May, 2009.
Hon. Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, says government is investing in emerging industries to diversify the economy and create exciting job opportunities for Islanders.
“Information technology is prominently featured in our government’s innovation and economic development strategy, Island Prosperity: A Focus For Change,” said Minister Campbell. “Video game development is a growing industry in our province and our goal is to become recognized as a national centre for new media development.”
Other Ocean has hired 12 new employees in the last year and continues to grow. This expansion comes on the heels of creating a dedicated iPhone division. Other Ocean also developed SEGA’s highly successful Super Monkey Ball – one of Apple’s most successful games sold through the App store. It has also released two other iPhone games and currently has 6 new games in development on various platforms.
“Creating your own IP and having it released successfully is the Holy Grail of our Industry,” said Andrew Ayre, CEO of Other Ocean. “It truly is a home run for Other Ocean and all our employees. Most of the team who worked on the game are from PEI and the Atlantic Region. The game was fully developed in Charlottetown. Children from the Island were also involved in the focus group testing.”
Prince Edward Island’s video game development industry has experienced steady growth in recent years, thanks in large part to a development strategy called GamePlan.
“It is encouraging to see this work taking place in Prince Edward Island,” added Minister Campbell. “Island companies are now competing in a global marketplace as a result of financial support and strong commitment from the Government of Prince Edward Island.”
The province is providing funding support through the Innovation and Development Labour Rebate program which will provide the company with a labour rebate for the jobs it creates.
For additional information, please visit www.gameplan.ca and www.otherocean.com.