http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews General listing of features available on the site en http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-andrew-lum-fugazo <p>Gamezebo recently had a chat with Andrew Lum, CEO of Fugazo, to learn more about the studio that made <em>Fashion Fits</em>, <em>Cooking Academy, Fishco </em>and <em>Kitchen Brigade</em>. </p> <p><strong>Tell us about yourself and what you do at Fugazo. </strong></p> <p>My official title is CEO but if you asked me three weeks ago I would have told you that what mostly did was game design. I was the game designer for our first eight games:<em> Fashion Fits, Cooking Academy, World Mosaics, Fishco, Cooking Academy 2, Flower Paradise, World Mosaics 2</em>, and <em>Kitchen Brigade</em>. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-andrew-lum-fugazo">read more</a></p> Interviews Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:52:44 -0600 erin 67379 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-realore <p>Realore (makers of such casual games as <em>Turtle Odyssey </em>and <em>Jane's Hotel</em>) have just celebrated their seventh anniversary in the business. We sat down with the company's head of business development, Natalia Matveeva, to chat about some of the highlights of those first seven years, and what Realore has in store for the future. </p> <p><strong>First of all, congratulations on your seven year anniversary. What are some of the company's biggest highlights during those seven years?</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-realore">read more</a></p> http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-realore#comments Interviews Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:05:22 -0500 erin 63728 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/new-york-bomb-squad-interview-detective-steve-lanoce <p>We've interviewed some cool people here at Gamezebo, but it was truly an honor to chat with Steve Lanoce, an NYPD Bomb Squad detective who received the Medal of Valor for heroism during 9/11. Steve and his bomb-sniffing canine, Duke, are starring in Merscom's upcoming hidden object game <em>Bomb Squad: NY</em>, where players jump into the role of the newest bomb squad recruit sent on assignment to hunt down the culprits who are planting bombs all over the city.</p> <p>Merscom's Lloyd Melnick and Joe Sewell also sat in on the interview.<strong> <br /></strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/new-york-bomb-squad-interview-detective-steve-lanoce">read more</a></p> Interviews Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:40:11 -0500 erin 59843 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-sean-vanderdasson-wildtangent <p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> Normal 0 false false false EN-CA X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> </p> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-<p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-sean-vanderdasson-wildtangent">read more</a></p> http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-sean-vanderdasson-wildtangent#comments Interviews Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:59:14 -0500 erin 49386 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-igor-bukhman-playrix-entertainment <p>Based in Vologda, Russia, Playrix Entertainment is best known for puzzle games<em> <a href="/games/4-elements/review">4 Elements</a>, <a href="/games/around-world-80-days/review">Around the World in 80 Days</a></em>, the <em><a href="/games/call-atlantis/review">Atlantis</a> </em>series, and <em><a href="/games/fishdom/review">Fishdom</a></em>. Recently the company expanded its catalogue with a hidden object game, <em><a href="/games/fishdom-h2o-hidden-odyssey/review">Fishdom H20: Hidden Odyssey</a></em>. Gamezebo spoke with Playrix Co-Founder and COO Igor Bukhman to learn more about the studio, the making of <em>Fishdom H2O</em>, and the company's upcoming projects. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-igor-bukhman-playrix-entertainment">read more</a></p> Interviews Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:28:55 -0500 erin 48548 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/plants-vs-zombies-creator-george-fan <p> George Fan is the mastermind behind PopCap's <a href="/games/plants-vs-zombies/review" target="_blank"><em>Plants vs. Zombies</em></a>, a game that's often been described as &quot;crazy.&quot; (Crazy good, crazy addictive... or just plain crazy. It's all accurate.) We spoke to George about Plants vs. Zombies, his previous PopCap project <a href="/games/insaniquarium/review" target="_blank"><em>Insaniquarium</em></a>, and what kind of hidden object game he would make if he could. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/plants-vs-zombies-creator-george-fan">read more</a></p> Interviews Fri, 22 May 2009 09:55:46 -0500 erin 45806 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-kirill-plotnikov-alawar-entertainment <p><img src="/files/_embedded/Features/KirillPlotnikov.jpg" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="200" height="300" align="left" />Alawar Entertainment is a company on a roll - especially in its native country, Russia, where it owns more than 80 percent of the casual gaming marketshare. After absorbing five studios over the past two years, the company boasted during Casual Connect in Hamburg that it planned to release 50 titles in 2009. Gamezebo spoke with Kirill Plotnikov, Alawar's VP of Publishing, to get the scoop on what kind of impact the company is having on casual games in Russia, Eastern Europe and beyond.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-kirill-plotnikov-alawar-entertainment">read more</a></p> Interviews Wed, 06 May 2009 08:45:54 -0500 erin 44168 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/behind-grape-winemaker-extraordinaire <p>If you thought busting tables and milking cows were the only ways to satiate your inner foodie in games, get ready for <em>Winemaker Extraordinaire</em>, the latest strategy game from Merscom. After her grandfather’s passing, an over-worked city girl named Maria embarks on a journey to save his Tuscan winery and single-handedly reunite the world’s most important winemakers into their secret guild. Maria earns their respect by making wines that dazzle their palates. </p> <p>We sat down with Merscom Chief Customer Officer Lloyd Melnick, who developed the concept, to discuss the vinous appeal for gamers and a possible future cheese pairing. We learned that Melnick is a bit of a wine enthusiast (his favorites hail from Georgia, in Eastern Europe). </p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/behind-grape-winemaker-extraordinaire">read more</a></p> Interviews Behind the Grape: Winemaker Extraordinaire Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:18:56 -0500 erin 41907 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-mari-baker-playfirst <p> <img src="/files/_embedded/Features/Mari_Photo_2.jpg" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="200" height="300" align="left" />Mari Baker took over as CEO of PlayFirst back in late February after the departure of founder John Welch, and Gamezebo is thrilled to be one of the very first to interview her in her new position. Mari spoke with us about the company's plans to expand beyond PC download casual games, what might be next for the <em>Dash</em> series, and whether <em>Diner Dash: Hometown Hero</em>'s experiment with micro-transactions has paid off (among other things). </p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-mari-baker-playfirst">read more</a></p> Interviews Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:37:25 -0500 erin 41795 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-john-barbour-realgames <p> When John Barbour was announced as president of RealNetworks' Games Division in October 2008, I was intrigued:  One, John is a toys industry veteran and I’m fascinated by the convergence of toys and games; two, John is an outsider joining the casual games industry at a critical juncture. </p> <p>Gamezebo sat down with John to discuss the similarities and differences between casual games and toys, the impact of the dreaded “R” word on casual games (OK, I’ll say the word, recession, and it’s not so dreaded), and his plans for RealGames in the next 12 months and beyond.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-john-barbour-realgames">read more</a></p> Interviews Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:18:55 -0500 erin 36951 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-vladislav-chetrusca-magicindie-softworks <p> We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Vladislav Chetrusca, founder of MagicIndie Softworks and developer of <a href="/games/adventures-robinson-crusoe/review">Adventures of Robinson Crusoe</a>. Read on to learn about this small independent studio from Moldova and how their first hit hidden object game came together. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-vladislav-chetrusca-magicindie-softworks">read more</a></p> Interviews Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:31:49 -0600 erin 36190 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-lennard-feddersen-rusty-axe-games <p> As someone who grew up in a construction family and has flipped a few houses in his time, Rusty Axe Games CEO Lennard Feddersen knows a thing or two about real estate. He's poured that knowledge, combined with more than a decade of game design experience, into creating strategy games that deal with the nuances of buying and selling property. Fedderson spoke to Gamezebo about <a href="/games/real-estate-empire/review" target="_blank"><em>Real E$tate Empire</em></a> and his latest game, <a href="/games/bigshot/review" target="_blank"><em>Big$hot</em></a>, and what he's got planned for the future. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-lennard-feddersen-rusty-axe-games">read more</a></p> Interviews Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:59:14 -0600 erin 34978 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-duke-kostic-and-aleksandar-kostic-paprikari <p> Dusan &quot;Duke&quot; Kostic and Aleksandar Kostic (no relation) both dreamed about making computer games as teenagers, and a chance meeting through a mutual friend more than 20 years ago convinced them that they should found their own studio together, Paprikari. Whoever that friend was, casual gamers have him to thank for one of the most succesful casual game adventures of all time: Paprikari's <em>Mortimer Beckett</em>. Gamezebo caught up with the guys at Paprikari to chat about the studio, <em>Mortimer Beckett and the Time Paradox</em>, and the upcoming third <em>Mortimer Beckett</em> game. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-duke-kostic-and-aleksandar-kostic-paprikari">read more</a></p> Interviews Interview with Duke Kostic and Aleksandar Kostic, Paprikari Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:11:43 -0600 erin 34133 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-jung-suh-red-rocket-games <p> <img src="/files/_embedded/Features/Intvu%20Red%20Rocket%20Games/Jung_Suh.jpg" hspace="3" vspace="3" width="200" height="200" align="left" />Today, Red Rocket Games announced that the studio's first title (not counting <a href="/games/zenerchi/review" target="_blank"><em>Zenerchi</em></a>, which was a joint project with PlayFirst), will be a music platformer called <a href="http://gamezebo.com/games/mevo-grooveriders/preview" target="_blank"><strong>Mevo &amp; the Grooveriders</strong></a>. We had to know more about this funky-sounding game so we caught up with Red Rocket Games Co-Founder and CEO Jung Suh. Why music and not match-three? Why keyboard and not mouse? And what exactly is a Grooverider (or a Mevo, for that metter)? Read on to find out. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-jung-suh-red-rocket-games">read more</a></p> Interviews Interview with Jung Suh, Red Rocket Games Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:18:33 -0600 erin 33368 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/casual-game-audio-year-review-somatone <p> It's always a pleasure to check in with the folks at <a href="http://www.somatone.com" target="_blank">SomaTone Interactive Audio</a>, the studio that has crafted the music, sound effects and voice-overs for some of the most popular casual games of all time, including the <em>Mystery Case Files</em>, <em>Diner Dash</em> and <em>Virtual Villagers</em> franchises. We asked managing partners Kane Minkus and Nick Thomas to highlights some of the best casual game audio moments of 2008.</p> <p><strong>Looking back on 2008, what are some of the biggest milestones in casual gaming audio?</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/casual-game-audio-year-review-somatone">read more</a></p> Interviews Casual Game Audio: A Year in Review with SomaTone Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:24:59 -0600 erin 32620 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-nick-fortugno-rebel-monkey <p> What does it take for a casual MMO to stand out from the crowd? In the case of Rebel Monkey's <a href="http://www.campfu.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"><em>CampFu</em></a>, it's team-based co-operative gameplay that encourages community rather than competition. Rebel Monkey was founded by industry luminaries Margaret Wallace (the former CEO of Skunk Studios) and Nick Fortugno, designer of the original<em> Diner Dash</em>. Nick sat down with Gamezebo to give us an exclusive preview of <em>CampFu</em>. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-nick-fortugno-rebel-monkey">read more</a></p> Interviews Features Forums Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:41:05 -0600 erin 31745 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-nick-pili-playsega <p> SEGA is best known for classic console games like <em>Super Monkey Ball</em>, <em>Phantasy Star</em> and <em>Sonic the Hedgehog</em>, but the company's latest project has been online. Network Business Director Nick Pili spoke to Gamezebo about SEGA's recently-launched web game and social networking portal, <a href="http://www.playsega.com">PlaySEGA</a>, which is shaping up to be an online destination for a variety of free-to-play casual games as well as host to a healthy back catalogue of retro classics from SEGA's video game vaults. </p> <p> <strong>Why was SEGA inspired to create a web game portal and social network?</strong> </p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-nick-pili-playsega">read more</a></p> Interviews Thu, 29 Jan 2009 07:47:31 -0600 erin 31499 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-keith-nemitz-mousechief <p> Mousechief's <a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/games/dangerous-high-school-girls-trouble/review" target="_blank"><em>Dangerous High School Girls in Trouble!</em></a>, a role-playing board game set in the 1920s featuring &quot;naughty&quot; mini-games, literary satire and some pretty cutting social commentary, is truly the little indie game that could. It has received accolades from all over the place, and most recently was nominated for Best Writing in a Videogame by the prestigious Writer's Guild of America.</p> <p>Not bad for the product of a one-person company plus a few part-time contractors.</p> <p>Gamezebo sat down with Mousechief founder Keith Nemitz to learn more about his studio and the inspiration behind <em>DHSGiT!</em> </p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-keith-nemitz-mousechief">read more</a></p> Interviews Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:48:57 -0600 erin 26607 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-rich-weil-fusionfall <p> Massively-multiplayer online games (MMOGs) have been stellar at providing alternate worlds for an alternate &quot;you&quot; for more than a decade, and The Cartoon Network's <a href="http://www.fusionfall.com"><em>FusionFall</em></a> is a game that works to fill this niche for younger players as well, with depth of gameplay, story galore (the entire Cartoon Network!) and fun to boot.</p> <p>Due to launch in little less than a week, it is currently in free preview with all content available to the public. Community Director Richard Weil holstered his Bubble Gum Blaster to talk to Gamezebo about what the Cartoon Network is up against 10 years in the future. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/interview-rich-weil-fusionfall">read more</a></p> Interviews Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:05:12 -0600 erin 28603 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/codeminion-talks-about-saqqarah-and-other-things <p>It takes a very special game to earn a perfect 5 out of 5 score from Gamezebo, and Codeminion achieved that rare honor with their magnificent puzzle game, <em>Ancient Quest of Saqqarah</em>. We wanted to learn more about what makes this Polish game studio tick, so we spoke with its co-founders Konrad Olesiewicz and Maciej Biedrzycki. </p> <p><strong>Please tell us little bit about yourselves and how you came to found Codeminion.</strong></p> <p>Codeminion started out as only two people: Maciej and Konrad, who founded the studio. We have known each other since primary school and we always wanted to make computer games. It is very satisfying for us that we have managed to fulfil what you could call a &quot;childhood dream.&quot;</p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/codeminion-talks-about-saqqarah-and-other-things">read more</a></p> Interviews Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:12:28 -0500 erin 19166 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/majesco-forays-casual-downloads-orchard <p>Majesco Entertainment has published several popular casual games on the Nintendo DS and Wii, including versions of <em>Cake Mania</em>, <em>Babysitting Mania</em> and <em>Fish Tycoon</em>, as well as its own popular <em>Cooking Mama</em> series. Majesco's upcoming game <em>Orchard</em>, however, will be the company's first game published for the PC download market.</p> <p>Combining resource management with simulation-style gameplay, <em>Orchard</em> is a game that will challenge players to salvage the neglected family orchard from its state of disrepair after it's left to you by your only remaining relative.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/majesco-forays-casual-downloads-orchard">read more</a></p> Interviews Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:17:05 -0500 erin 11428 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-mahjongg-artifacts-2 <p><em>Mahjongg Artifacts 2</em> is in the running for Best Card, Board &amp; Mahjong Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Vadim Kumerov, CEO of Shape Games, about what makes <em>Mahjongg Artifacts 2</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Please give us some insight or a few fun facts about the development of <em>Mahjongg Artifacts 2</em>.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-mahjongg-artifacts-2">read more</a></p> Interviews Thu, 10 Jul 2008 06:04:50 -0500 erin 9768 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-mah-jong-quest-ii <p><em>Mah Jong Quest II</em> is in the running for Best Card, Board &amp; Mahjong Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Senior Producer Peter Traugot about what makes <em>Mah Jong Quest II</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game?</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-mah-jong-quest-ii">read more</a></p> Interviews Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:06:08 -0500 erin 9767 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-jewel-quest-solitaire-ii <p><em>Jewel Quest Solitaire II</em> is in the running for Best Card, Board &amp; Mahjong Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with the game's lead developer, Dwain Theobald, about what makes <em>Jewel Quest Solitaire II</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.<br /> <strong><br /> Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p>The design of <em>Jewel Quest Solitaire II </em>definitely went through an evolutionary process. It isn’t the game that was initially designed. Our designer play tested as the product developed and he brainstormed new rule sets. The game mechanics were then implemented and further changed by the input of the whole development team.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-jewel-quest-solitaire-ii">read more</a></p> Interviews Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:04:57 -0500 erin 9766 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-lumines <p>The PC version of <em>Lumines</em> is in the running for Best Puzzle Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with the team at Q Entertainment about what makes <em>Lumines</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p><em>Lumines</em> is a very simple game, but what makes it exciting is the synchronization of the music and gameplay. </p> <p>We spent countless hours on perfecting that element and believe it is what makes the game so addictive. We also had a lot of fun coming up with the designs/theme of each of the &quot;skins&quot; (background visual).<br /> <strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-lumines">read more</a></p> Interviews Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:46:13 -0500 erin 9399 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-portal-flash-version <p><em>Portal: The Flash Version</em> is in the running for Best Web Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Ido Tal and Hen Mazolski of We Create Stuff about what makes <em>Portal: The Flash Version</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game?</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-portal-flash-version">read more</a></p> Interviews Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:41:00 -0500 erin 9689 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-treasures-montezuma <p><em>Treasures of Montezuma</em> is in the running for Best Puzzle Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Kirill Plotnikov, producer at Alawar, about what makes <em>Treasures of Montezuma</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Please give us some insight or a few fun facts about the development of Treasures of Montezuma. </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-treasures-montezuma">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Treasures of Montezuma Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:49:52 -0500 erin 9483 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-trivial-pursuit-genus-edition <p><em>Trivial Pursuit Genus Edition</em> is in the running for Best Word &amp; Trivia Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Mark van Kuijk, the game's producer, about what makes <em>Trivial Pursuit Genus Edition</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game?</strong> </p> <p>This was the second Hasbro licensed game that we developed. We learned a lot of working with licensors while developing Yahtzee. We put everything we learned to the test which made a smooth development process in cooperation with Hasbro possible. We had a fun time play testing the game and showing off to each other about who knew more.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-trivial-pursuit-genus-edition">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Trivial Pursuit Genus Edition Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:17:52 -0500 erin 9383 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-defender-crown <p><em>Defender of the Crown</em> is in the running for Best Strategy Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Greg Zesinger, Product Manager at eGames, about what makes <em>Defender of the Crown</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-defender-crown">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Defender of the Crown Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:15:45 -0500 erin 9381 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-farm-frenzy <p><em>Farm Frenzy</em> is in the running for Best Action &amp; Arcade Game and Best Casual Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Kirill Plotnikov, producer at Alawar, about what makes <em>Farm Frenzy</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Please give us some insight or a few fun facts about the development of <em>Farm Frenzy</em>. </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-farm-frenzy">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Farm Frenzy Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:07:58 -0500 erin 9484 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-jewel-quest-ii <p><em>Jewel Quest II</em> is in the running for Best Puzzle Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Warren Schwader, game designer and lead engineer for J<em>ewel Quest II</em> about what makes the game special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game?</strong></p> <p>We were contacted by Microsoft to provide a launch game that adheres to the Microsoft Games Explorer standards for the Vista Launch in Jan 2007. Microsoft was only expecting a reskinned <em>Jewel Quest 1</em> because it was already late Summer of 2006 and the game needed to be completed for Vista Launch.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-jewel-quest-ii">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Jewel Quest II Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:05:03 -0500 erin 9313 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-delicious-2 <p><em>Delicious 2</em> is in the running for Best Time Management Game and Best Casual Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Jakko van Hunen, game designer at GameHouse Studios Eindhoven, about what makes <em>Delicious 2</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game?</strong></p> <p>The first <em>Delicious</em> title did very well and our main objective for <em>Delicious 2</em> was to not break any of the fun. This proved to be a bit harder than we had anticipated, the old code didn’t make it easy on us and we decided to throw it all away. <em>Delicious 1</em> and <em>2</em> play alike but the system that handles it is totally different.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-delicious-2">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Delicious 2 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:51:13 -0500 erin 9289 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-risk <p><em>Risk</em> is in the running for Best Card, Board &amp; Mahjong Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Jim Stern, VP of Product Development at iWin, about what makes <em>Risk</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.<br /> <strong><br /> Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game?</strong> </p> <p>Because of Risk’s longstanding popularity in the board game community, we felt it was important to give it extra testing and decided to run an internal, single elimination Risk Tournament – the winner got to go home with a brand new Wii console. Needless to say, we had over 50 people enter the tournament. Schedules were set up and the smack talk started infiltrating the water cooler area almost instantaneously.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-risk">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Risk Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:57:29 -0500 erin 9253 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-fairway-solitaire <p><em>Fairway Solitaire</em> is in the running for Best Card, Board &amp; Mahjong Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with John Cutter, the game's designer and producer, about what makes <em>Fairway Solitaire</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game?</strong> </p> <p>I was a junior golf champion and played for two years on the Pepperdine University golf team, so Fairway Solitaire was a real labor of love for me. The game actually started as a free community title on <a href="http://www.bigfishgames.com">Big Fish Games</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-fairway-solitaire">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Fairway Solitaire Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:19:57 -0500 erin 9169 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-virtual-villagers-lost-children <p><em>Virtual Villagers: The Lost Children</em> is in the running for Best Strategy Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Last Day of Work's Arthur Humphrey about what makes <em>Virtual Villagers: The Lost Children</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-virtual-villagers-lost-children">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Virtual Villagers - The Lost Children Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:17:56 -0500 erin 9191 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-boggle-deluxe <p><em>Boggle Deluxe</em> is in the running for Best Word &amp; Trivia Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Jim Stern, VP of Product Development at iWin, about what makes <em>Boggle Deluxe</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-boggle-deluxe">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Boggle Deluxe Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:16:48 -0500 erin 9257 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-dream-chronicles <p><em>Dream Chronicles</em> is in the running for Best Hidden Object &amp; Adventure Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Miguel Tartaj of KatGames, creator of <em>Dream Chronicles</em>, about what makes the game special and why it deserves to get your vote.<br /> <strong><br /> Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game?</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-dream-chronicles">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Dream Chronicles Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:08:52 -0500 erin 9181 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-mystery-case-files-madame-fate <p><em>Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate</em> is in the running for Best Hidden Object &amp; Adventure and Best Casual Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with game developer Adrian Woods about what makes <em>Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.<br /> <strong><br /> Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game?</strong> </p> <p>We always try to innovate with gameplay mechanics, sometimes with mixed results. Keeping our fans guessing is a lot of the fun with the <em>Mystery Case Files</em> series. </p> <p><strong>What makes <em>Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate</em> special, and why should people vote for it? </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-mystery-case-files-madame-fate">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Mystery Case Files Madame Fate Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:08:32 -0500 erin 9172 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-alice-greenfingers <p><em>Alice Greenfingers</em> is in the running for Best Strategy Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Daniel Zandelin at Arcade Lab about what makes <em>Alice Greenfingers</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p>The story behind the development of <em>Alice Greenfingers</em> is quite remarkable.<br /> The development started off in January 2006, with a concept that Ola Zandelin, the founder of Arcade Lab, had been thinking about for a while.</p> <p>Initially, the gameplay was level-based and pointing more in the time management direction, while still playing very different from any other game on the market.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-alice-greenfingers">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Alice Greenfingers Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:10:51 -0500 erin 8549 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-jojo-039-s-fashion-show <p><em>Jojo's Fashion Show</em> is in the running for Best Arcade &amp; Action Game and Best Casual Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Game Design Lead Gregory Trefry and Producer Catherine Herdlick of Gamelab about what makes <em>Jojo's Fashion Show</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-jojo-039-s-fashion-show">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Jojo&#039;s Fashion Show Sun, 29 Jun 2008 09:08:47 -0500 erin 8602 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-flip-words-2 <p><em>Flip Words 2</em> is in the running for Best Word &amp; Trivia Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Brian Goble of HipSoft, about what makes <em>Flip Words 2</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong><br /> Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p>Developing the multiplayer &quot;Party&quot; mode was a lot of fun. Once we had it working, productivity slowed greatly because we kept playing over and over... mainly because we were always trying to get the longest word for the round!</p> <p><strong><br /> What makes Flip Words 2 special, and why should people vote for it?</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-flip-words-2">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Flip Words 2 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 09:02:46 -0500 erin 8255 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-cake-mania-2 <p><em>Cake Mania 2</em> is in the running for Best Time Management Game and Best Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Daniel Bernstein, Founder &amp; CEO of Sandlot Games, about what makes <em>Cake Mania 2</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote. </p> <p><strong><br /> Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-cake-mania-2">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Cake Mania 2 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:06:10 -0500 erin 8698 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-brainiversity <p><em>Brainiversity</em> is in the running for Best Trivia &amp; Word Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with John Passfield of Red Sprite Studios who, with a little help from his wife Leigh, told us about what makes <em>Brainiversity</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-brainiversity">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Brainiversity Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:17:22 -0500 erin 8524 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-scruffs <p><em>The Scruffs</em> is in the running for Best Hidden Object &amp; Adventure Game and Best Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with the game's writer and producer, Fazila Khan, about what makes <em>The Scruffs</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.<br /> <strong><br /> Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p><em>The Scruffs</em> was totally a labor of love for us. At the time, most hidden object games out there were spooky, mysterious and had very little in terms of story and characters. So, we just thought: let’s make a game that’s funny and feel-good, with a compelling story, characters one can relate to and actually give them a reason to be messy!</p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-scruffs">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: The Scruffs Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:16:06 -0500 erin 8548 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-diner-dash-hometown-hero <p><em>Diner Dash: Hometown Hero</em> is in the running for Best Time Management Game and Best Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Producer Solveig Pederson of PlayFirst about what makes <em>Diner Dash: Hometown Hero</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.<br /> <strong><br /> Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p>One of the really fun (and long!) development stages was building the multiplayer functionality — everyone at PlayFirst finally got to see how we all stacked up against each other! And the community on the Playfirst forums was so excited about the multi-player feature, it made the long hours worthwhile.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-diner-dash-hometown-hero">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Diner Dash Hometown Hero Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:00:13 -0500 erin 8700 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-yin-yang <p><a href="http://www.mtv.com/games/arcade/game/play.jhtml?arcadeGameId=10110509"><em>Yin Yang</em></a> is in the running for Best Web Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Mat Annal, Managing Director of Nitrome, about what makes <em>Yin Yang</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.<br /> <strong><br /> Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-yin-yang">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Yin Yang Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:06:21 -0500 erin 8648 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-bloons <p><a href="http://www.ninjakiwi.com/bloons.html"><em>Bloons</em></a> is in the running for Best Web Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Chris and Stephen of Ninja Kiwi about what makes <em>Bloons</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.<br /> <strong><br /> Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game?</strong></p> <p>Chris: The monkey was drawn in 5 minutes.</p> <p>Stephen: When asked the question: &quot;what would make a fun game?&quot; my wife replied &quot;Popping balloons with a dart&quot;. Within 2 hours I had a working prototype.</p> <p><strong>What makes <em>Bloons</em> special, and why should people vote for it?</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-bloons">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Bloons Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:05:53 -0500 erin 8720 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-agatha-christie-death-nile <p><em>Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile</em> is in the running for Best Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Tony Leamer of Oberon Media about what makes <em>Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p>Jane Jensen, who designed the game, was a huge Agatha Christie fan growing up. Last year, as a result of her involvement in the game, she was able to meet and have a very civilized lunch with Agatha Christie’s grandson, Matthew Prichard. Learning more about this remarkable woman directly from her grandson was a fan’s dream come true!</p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-agatha-christie-death-nile">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Agatha Christie Death on the Nile Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:23:13 -0500 erin 8456 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-80s-game-martha-quinn <p><em>The 80s Game with Martha Quinn</em> is in the running for Best Trivia &amp; Word Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with Dave Walls of Funkitron who talked about what makes <em>The 80s Game with Martha Quinn</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game? </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-80s-game-martha-quinn">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: The 80s Game with Martha Quinn Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:58:24 -0500 erin 8527 at http://www.gamezebo.com http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-sally-039-s-salon <p><em>Sally's Salon</em> is in the running for Best Time Management Game and Best Game of 2007 at the upcoming Zeeby Awards. We chatted with developer GamesCafe about what makes <em>Sally's Salon</em> special and why it deserves to get your vote.</p> <p><strong>Can you give us insights or fun facts about the development of this game?</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.gamezebo.com/features/interviews/countdown-zeebys-sally-039-s-salon">read more</a></p> Interviews Countdown to the Zeebys: Sally&#039;s Salon Sun, 22 Jun 2008 06:10:49 -0500 erin 8259 at http://www.gamezebo.com