Another Reason Apple sucks and yay Owlchemy

I wrote a few weeks ago about how awesome I thought Boston Indie Developer Owlchemy Labs was for having balls. The same kind of cahones that make Trey Parker and Matt Stone the brilliant, boundary pushing artists they are.

They made a game called Smuggle Truck about illegal immigration. It is a light hearted, cartooney game that brings perspective and absurdity to what is a hot and controversial topic. Despite it's childish nature, I would say this is a monumental step forward for "mature" games because they aren't afraid of "mature" topics.

So why did Apple reject it from the iStore? Because they are afraid and weak.

Yes I think Apple sucks. This is another nail in the coffin. To get approved Owlchemy had to change the name of the game to "Snuggle Truck" ( 3P1C LAWLZ) and make it revolve getting wild animals to a nurturing zoo. You can still get the original Smuggle Truck for PC on their website (going to purchase when I get home today. Out of principle).

I don't blame Owlchemy for giving in at all. They are in a tough business and this is a first release of an Indie studio. Their future probably depends on this game being profitable so yes... they are at the mercy of the Apple store. This that sucks is it will probably take a Playstation style hack to force Apple to not hold the same monopoly on their hardware that Sony does.

Long story short give Owlchemy your money because they represent the next step in bringing video games to the next level of artistic expression. Snuggle Truck may not be the King's Speech, but it is a step in that direction!

Hooray for Owlchemy and the Boston Indie Scene!

One of the many marvelous things about PAX East is the Boston Indie Showcase. It was really nice to see my perennial favorite Cambridge's own Fire Hose Games with a release build of Slam Bolt Scrappers out today on PSN), but the highlight for me (besides getting a picture with Tim Schafer SQUEE!) was getting to watch the game Smuggle Truck by small indie developer Owlchemy Labs.



I have talked a lot recently about wanting to see games tackle mature, adult subject matter and I would definitively say that this is a major first step. I would call this game way more "mature" than Duke Nukem any day of the week because it's not afraid to tackle a tough subject matter, and not just boobs and guns (not that theres anything wrong with that).

The game reminds me of a Southpark episode. It is cartoony and melodramatic, yet it tackles the difficult issue of immigration policy in the US to aplomb. The game is definitely an inexperienced effort and very simple, yet it is a great way for a budding developer to get some income and make a statement and a name for themselves.

The game play revolves around tilting your iPod or iPad to guide a truck filled with illegal immigrants as fast as you can through hilly terrain without losing any out the back. Sounds simple right? Sure is, but also is a ton of simple, portable, nonviolent fun. It is whimsical yet poignant and everything that I would want in a videogame.

I really hope this game does amazingly well (and we all know that simple iOs games can) and that we see and hear a lot from Owlchemy in the future. Cheers guys and nice to see your booth at PAX East!