Evander local develops game for smartphones
“It is a casual game and a fun way to kill time while for instance, waiting for a next appointment,” explained Mr Liebgott.
EVANDER – Inventing a smartphone game is the first step in Mr Jason Liebgott’s plan to one day own an international game development company.
At age 22, this young computer whizz has already registered his own company and is launching his first game designed for smartphones on 21 June. He has developed everything himself, including the artwork needed.
Creepy & Cute will be available from PlayStore and other gaming sites for free. Mr Liebgott described the game as a 2D runner game, ads driven, and suitable for all ages.
“It is a casual game and a fun way to kill time while you are for instance waiting for a next appointment,” explained Mr Liebgott.
“Creepy & Cute is score based and the difficulty level increases as the player progresses. The characters jump over and onto obstacles, among other things, and players will also be able to compete on online leader boards.”
The game cost him about R7 000 and four months of working eight hours per day to develop, but he believes it is worth the effort.
“I had saved up money while working for an IT company last year. It also helps a lot to be living with my parents, Morné and Charlene. But I am not freeloading – I earn my keep by also doing house chores and keeping the swimming pool up to par,” he explained.
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Mr Liebgott is the second oldest of five children with a big age gap between him and his older sibling, as well as between him and his younger siblings. His fascination with the world of computers and development began when his father bought him his first computer.
“My dad got me hooked,” he said.
He matriculated at Hoërskool Oosterland in 2015 and then worked at an IT company for a while, but found it not to be his forte.
“I just always wanted to be a game developer. Most of the knowledge I have was self taught. You can learn a lot on YouTube and the internet. There are also many specialised programmes that do not cost an arm and a leg.”
Mr Liebgott is a staunch supporter of computer gaming. “I am not a console peasant,” he jokingly said, referring to PlayStation gamers.
His favourite games are Dota 2 and World of Warcraft.
“I’m already working on a game in my mind of such magnitude that it will be extremely expensive to develop because of all the graphics, artists and specialists that will be needed to work on the project. One day this will happen, but for now I will keep on developing smaller games to foot the bill for the big one to come.”
Except for those weekends when he does invest in a social life, he spends most of his time in front of his computer in his room. Everything in his room is neat and organised. Judging from his books, gaming and DVD collection, he is a huge Star Wars and Lord of the Rings fan. It is evident that this young man enjoys what he does.
“OK, so I am a geek, but I like it. ”
People interested in more information about the game Creepy & Cute, can visit the Facebook page TheImperious.
[VIDEO NOTE – Please note that due to technical issues the launch has been postponed until 21 June]
