Seite 2: Interview mit Tag Games zu Car Jack Streets und digitaler Distribution

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PlanetDS.de: First of all can you tell us a little bit about Tag Games?

Tag Games: Sure. Tag Games was established in 2006. Having made console games for a long time we were excited by the opportunities in mobile and handheld gaming and decided to set up our own studio. We are still here building the company and progressing the quality of our games and their popularity four years later, so while it can sometimes be hard work its worth it!

PlanetDS.de: Your recent game “Car Jack Streets” released on iPhone and soon on PSP minis but did not come out on DSiWare in Germany. Can you tell us why?

Tag Games: “Car Jack Streets” started life on mobile when we had the idea to try and make a game like “GTA” on a mobile phone! From there we increased the scope and scale of the game and added a full 3D world for iPhone. The game has just been released on DSiWare in Europe and North America but as you mention it has not been released on DSiWare in Germany due to age restriction issues.



PlanetDS.de: What is the game all about, what content is it that makes it to “extreme“ and what makes it so different from Gamelofts “Gangstar 2”?

Tag Games: The game is very similar in its context to “Gangstar 2” in that it takes place in a city and you work as a criminal trying to make money by doing various jobs. “Car Jack Streets” is certainly more gritty than other similar titles but ultimately despite its cartoon style graphics it is the players ability to run over pedestrians and commit violence against innocents that causes problems with the age certification process, especially in Germany where the ratings board USK is very strict.

PlanetDS.de: What are the differences between the DS, PSP and iPhone versions?

Tag Games: They are almost identical in terms of content. The DSiWare version has the city map displayed on the bottom screen at all times but that is really the only main difference. DSi and PSP also run much faster and smoother due to the better hardware performance.

PlanetDS.de: Do you think Nintendo is actually censoring adult games for the DSiWare service?

Tag Games: No! Nintendo don’t get involved in censoring content, all content must go through the relevant regulatory ratings boards in the various territories. That is ERSB in North America, PEGI in Europe and USK in Germany.

PlanetDS.de: Who in your oppinion provides the best support for producing games via digital distribution? Nintendo, Sony or Apple?

Tag Games: At this point we have only released on Apple and Nintendo so it would be unfair to judge Sony at this stage. All have their positive and negative aspects and I have to say that support has been excellent from all the hardware manufacturers as we’ve released our first (but hopefully not last) games on their platforms!

PlanetDS.de: What does the block of “Car Jack Streets” in Germany mean for you? Will you focus on other games or platforms?

Tag Games: In the big scheme of things not being able to release in Germany shouldn’t affect sales too much. It is however a lesson we will learn when considering future games.

PlanetDS.de: What do you think about Nintendo's current marketing and hardware future? Will the Nintendo 3DS be something you would like to support? What do you think about the project?

Tag Games: I think the 3DS is a really exciting development and we look forward to creating games for it in the near future. I’m sure both 3D and traditional 2D games will sit side by side on the platform giving developers plenty of opportunity to realize whatever creative vision they have. Right now I’m more interested to see if Nintendo follow Apple and Sony and opt for a digital distribution method for the 3DS…

PlanetDS.de: Can you tell us more about your futures projects? What games on which mobile platforms can we expect in the future?

Tag Games: Well we have just released “Astro Ranch” on iPhone and a HD version on iPad. It’s a 3D space farming game that will appeal to fans of “Animal Crossing”, “Farmville” and “Harvest Moon”. We hope to take this to a number of other platforms this year and we are also working on a sequel to “Car Jack Streets” – but I cant say much about that at the moment!

The interview was held by Kevin Jensen for PlanetDS.de

Thanks to Tag Games for the kind support.