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Spiral Collaborates to Create Online Skate Community for New Tony Hawk Video Game
ALBANY, N.Y. – Gamers around the world can play Tony Hawk’s American Sk8tland video game against each other via the internet, thanks to a community website designed by Spiral Design Studio.
The website, www.american-sk8land.com, was built in cooperation with Vicarious Visions, a local game developer and subsidiary of Activision, and Agora Games, a community website development company. Vicarious Visions also developed the Tony Hawk American Sk8land video game for the Nintendo DS game system.
Released in mid-November, the website allows game players to connect directly to the community via WiFi technology on Nintendo DS game systems. Players on the site can create their own user profiles, capture scores from the game, and chat with players through an online forum, among other features. Site users also have the ability to recruit members for "SK8 Crews" and compete against other teams from around the world. New game downloads are also available on the site.
“What makes this site unique is that this is the first time gamers can play head-to-head on a wireless system for free,” said Robert Clancy, principal. “From what we have seen on the Sk8land forums, kids are buying the game just to be part of the community. This will definitely influence the future of video games are planned. I think we’ll see more games designed around online communities.”
The comic book styled site was designed to complement cartoon-like interface of the Tony Hawk American Sk8land video game, but with a Spiral “twist.” Gamers have the ability to create original skateboard deck designs and graffiti art on their game system, and then upload them to the site, where community members vote on their favorites.
“The comic book direction was obviously a natural fit, but we wanted to give the members of the online community a chance to contribute to the street art style and exhibit it online,” said Neil Wright, creative director. “There are some amazing designs on the site.”
The collaboration between Spiral Design, Vicarious Visions, and Agora is a welcomed part of Spiral’s creative philosophy. The studio regularly aligns with other creative firms on cutting-edge projects.
“Working with other agencies and individuals, who are experts in their specific field, results in a creative experience that is more rich and fulfilling for all who are involved in the process and results in an end product that exceeds expectations,” said Clancy.
About Spiral Design Studio, LLC
Located in Cohoes, NY, Spiral Design Studio is an innovative creative firm specializing in marketing design for print and new media communications. Spiral offers a full-range of graphic design services, including corporate branding, print marketing design, website design, content management solutions (CMS), and DVD/interactive media development. Founded in 1989, Spiral maintains an impressive client base, including Citibank, Disney, Konami, Activision, Albany Medical Center, Stevens Institute of Technology, Albany Molecular Research (AMRI), The University at Albany, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, The Hyde Collection Art Museum Complex & Historic House, and the New York State Dental Association, among others. Visit Spiral Design Studio on the World Wide Web at www.spiraldesign.com.
For additional information, contact Gina Brittain, Communications Director, at (518) 326-1135 x22.
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