Cookstown designer launches new games app

Mark Quinn, 27 came up with the idea for the game ‘Jellyflug’ during his Masters degree in Design and Communications at University of Ulster, Magee.

Mark and some of his fellow graduates decided to put the idea into production and formed the company Troll inc. In 2010 the game concept won the digital media and software category at the Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP) CONNECT £25 Awards.

The 2D platform game sees the main character ‘Grash’, a microbe exploring a world of microorganisms.

With the ability to ally or annihilate the various bacteria, it’s your responsibility to spread yourself across the world, trekking across the kitchen to try and make it back to the bathroom and defending yourself against enemies.

“I looked at bacteria as a completely different universe, it’s a very interesting world. Everything is based on the real thing,” Mark explained.

“It’s got a hidden educational element, but entertainment is the name of the game with it.”

Mark was involved in the high concept development of characters and animation of the game, which includes the creation of over 45 colourful microorganisms.

The game was developed for the iPad, but will be available for the iPhone and iPad also. The team hope to then launch the game for the Android market.

Mark said he has received interest from Disney Interactive and hopes to expand the game onto the global market.

The team at Troll inc have proven that in the current climate, it is still realistic to take the entrepreneurial route into business.

Mark added: “I believe that if people want something they are better off doing it themselves, the way things are at the moment you have to take action. We like to show people that it can be done, it takes team work but anyone can do it.”

‘Jellyflug’ will be available on the Apple app store from June priced at £1.29.