Derek C. Tillotson

Derek Tillotson spends his free time wandering around San Francisco, forever searching for the best burrito in town. He hasn't found it yet, but the hunt may very well be the greatest treasure of all. When not eating burritos, Derek writes stuff and posts updates to his blog at derektillotson.com.

News
March 6, 2012
Big Fish Games acquires Card Ace: Casino maker Self Aware Games
By Derek C. Tillotson
Casino games have been exploding in popularity recently, and now it looks like Big Fish Games might be getting into the game after acquiring Self Aware Games and its parent, Social Concepts. Self Aware's most notable release was Card Ace: Casino for iOS and Android platforms. Self-Aware's other projects include Fleck and Taxiball, and they're also working on a location-based mobile MMO title.
News
March 5, 2012
Dungeon Overlord gets expansion, mobile companion app coming soon
By Derek C. Tillotson
Night Owl Games has announced their Facebook strategy hit, Dungeon Overlord, is making its way to the App Store and Android Marketplace in the form of a companion app. Dungeon Overlord puts the player in the less than surprising role of an overlord of a dungeon. In order to build the best dungeon possible, the player will need to build an army, gather resources, and build structures - and later this year they'll be able to check their progress on the go.
Upcoming
March 1, 2012
Super Lemonade Factory Preview
By Derek C. Tillotson
Owning a lemonade factory has long been a dream for many of America's youth, if stereotypical lemonade stands mean anything. Developer Initials is planning to release an iOS game where the goal is just that. However, the name of the game seems to be somewhat misleading. There certainly is a lemonade factory, and it may very well be super, but this game looks to be about much more than a sweet and fruity drink.
News
February 24, 2012
Chinese iOS developer Hoolai lost half its revenue due to online scams
By Derek C. Tillotson
Chinese videogame developer Hoolai has dominated the Chinese App Store with its social game Three Kingdoms. China is Apple's number two market (after the United States) and Three Kingdoms quickly jumped to the top of grossing charts in that market. Their revenue total from October 2011 totaled about $600,000. However, when Hoolai received that revenue from Apple, they only got about half of that amount, while the rest were discovered to be fraudulent purchases from Taobao, the Chinese equivalent of eBay.
News
February 24, 2012
Terraria’s fantastic ongoing support is coming to an end
By Derek C. Tillotson
With its Minecraft-esque concept and its two-dimensional gameplay, Terraria became something of a hit when it was released last spring (netting an almost perfect score right here on Gamezebo). After the better part of a year in impressive sales, awards, fan support, and critical acclaim, developer Andrew "Redigit" Spinks has decided to end the developer's near-constant support for the game.
Reviews
February 19, 2012
Forest Fair Review
By Derek C. Tillotson
One of the downsides to having an Android device and not an iOS device is that many of the more notable mobile titles don't make their way to Android. Zynga's 2011 release of ForestVille is one of those titles. If you're Android-exclusive and you love the forest, developer StormJoy has you covered. But be forewarned, don't get anywhere near Forest Fair if you want to have fun, socialize, or keep your dignity intact.
Reviews
February 17, 2012
Mega World Smash Review
By Derek C. Tillotson
Mega World Smash is a brick-breaking game that takes place in the light-hearted, somewhat tropical setting of an amusement park. With a bright and cheery atmosphere, it's an attempt to add some cheer to what has otherwise been a traditionally bland genre, visually speaking. The graphics, combined with a loose story and three-dimensional levels, help Mega World Smash stand out a little. If only it were a bit more challenging.
Upcoming
February 15, 2012
Battleloot Adventure Preview
By Derek C. Tillotson
Everyone remembers Camelot, home to King Arthur and his court. Valiant knights, beautiful women, and all the chivalry any one person can stomach. Camelot is such a tired setting for a videogame, though. That's where Battleloot Adventure comes in. The setting is Kameloot, a wealthy kingdom that faces threats from monsters, mercenaries and taxes. As the player enters the kingdom he or she must fight, loot, and laugh his or her way through the story.