Smashmouth Games: News

Archives:

12/10/12: SMASHMOUTH GAMES IS PROUD OF A VERY BUSY START TO OCTOBER 2012, WITH ITS FIRST ANDROID GAME MAKING THE GUARDIAN TOP 20 GAMES, A GUARDIAN CAREERS ARTICLE WHICH HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AIMED AT STUDENTS AND ALSO NEW RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE MANAGING DIRECTOR.

The iOS hit Drag Tag Smash is now available for Android devices; smartphones and tablets, published through Thumbstar Games. The Android version carries the same intense gameplay, insane scores, and crisp graphical content. Drag Tag Smash can be picked up on the Google play store at a launch price of £0.69 (http://tinyurl.com/8pjyz4a). Immediately upon release, the game made the Guardian’s top 20 games of the week (http://tinyurl.com/9r2lofj)

In addition to this SmashMouth Games is also proud to announce that its Managing Director Zuby Ahmed has not only had the first of a series of articles published with the Guardian Careers (the first is aimed at students entering the Games Industry:http://careers.guardian.co.uk/get-ahead-video-games-industry), but also he has acquired a new additional role at Birmingham City University at their famous Gamer Camp School, which he will perform at the same time as acting as Managing & Creative Director for SMG. As Course Director of Gamer Camp Biz, a 1 year MSc in Video Game Enterprise and Production (http://www.bcu.ac.uk/pme/nti/gamercamp/courses/gamer-camp-biz) this new role marks the next stage in SMG’s affinity in working with Institutes of Higher Education; this time focusing upon post graduate level candidates. SmashMouth Games is proud to enter this new relationship and is looking forwards to making the Gamer Camp Biz students fit for purpose so that they acquire industry jobs immediately upon completion of the course. Please keep updated for further developments.

About SmashMouth Games:
SmashMouth Games, established in 2006, is an award-winning independent development company focusing on creating casual and innovative videogames for the download market. The company also has 4 other initiatives in regards to delivering its business objectives; academic services, intensive game development training, outsourced development services and consultancy. Since its establishment, the company has; successfully released 6 products has been granted a commercial licence from Nintendo to bring Intellectual Property the Wii and 3DS, granted a developer licence by Apple to bring its IP to Apple hardware and also are qualified partner within the Microsoft Empower Program. The company also has strong commercial links with Mr Weebl, w00tmedia and Thumbstar Games and strong educational links with the University of Salford, University of Bolton and Birmingham City University.

Visit us at: www.smashmouthgames.com

Facebook: facebook.com/smashmouthgames
Twitter: twitter.com/smashmouthgames
YouTube: youtube.com/smashmouthgames

Grab Ongaku at: www.ongakugame.com
Grab Russian Dancing Men at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/russian-dancing-men/id456697773?mt=8
Grab Picture Beat Musique at:itunes.apple.com/gb/app/picture-beat-musique/id447663749?mt=8
Grab Drag Tag Smash HD at: itunes.apple.com/gb/app/drag-tag-smash-hd/id432363164?mt=8
Grab Drag Tag Smash at: itunes.apple.com/gb/app/drag-tag-smash/id408743207?mt=8

Interested in discussing business opportunities with SmashMouth Games? Please contact: contact@smashmouthgames.com
For all PR enquiries, contact Zuby Ahmed, Managing Director at zuby@smashmouthgames.com

SMASHMOUTH GAMES IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE TWO NEW MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN DEVELOPMENT FOR ANDROID AND FOR IPHONE & IPAD. 04-05-12

The first of these apps is an Android mobile app based off one of SmashMouth Games' popular iOS mobile apps. The second new app is a follow-up to the highly popular Russian Dancing Men from Weebl’s Stuff. The Weebl Musicator will feature many classic tunes from the best Weebl's Stuff cartoons, which you can mix up to your delight.

Keep posted for more news and release dates.

About SmashMouth Games:
SmashMouth Games, established in 2006, is an award-winning independent development company focusing on creating casual and innovative videogames for the download market. The company also has 4 other initiatives in regards to delivering its business objectives; academic services, intensive game development training, outsourced development services and consultancy. Since its establishment, the company has; successfully released 5 products has been granted a commercial licence from Nintendo to bring Intellectual Property the Wii and 3DS, granted a developer licence by Apple to bring its IP to Apple hardware and also are qualified partner within the Microsoft Empower Program. The company also has strong commercial links with Blitz Games Studios and their Blitz 1UP Initiative and strong educational links with the University of Salford and Futureworks.

Visit us at: www.smashmouthgames.com

Facebook: facebook.com/smashmouthgames
Twitter: twitter.com/smashmouthgames
YouTube: youtube.com/smashmouthgames

RUSSIAN DANCING MEN GOES STRAIGHT TO #1 OF MUSIC GAMES ON ITUNES! 01-11-11

The recently released Russian Dancing Men for iPhone and iPad goes straight to #1 of the top paid games in the music genre on iTunes.

On its first day of its promotional launch, Russian Dancing Men has already hit the number #1 spot for top paid app on iTunes within the music game genre. As well as this, Russian Dancing Men has also reached the top 25 New and Noteworthy applications for iPad.

Developed in conjunction with the famous Weebl’s-Stuff.com, (over 125 million YouTube views) the game is a humorous tribute, marrying old-school rhythm action gameplay to his famous internet cartoons, from Badger Badger to Narwhals and Amazing Horse. The game is available for the Halloween weekend, until 31st October, for only at £0.69 ($0.99) which is over 50% off the normal price of the game.

To visit iTunes to pick up a copy of Russian Dancing Men follow this link...itunes.apple.com/us/app/russian-dancing-men/id456697773?ls=1&mt=8

Visit the Russian Dancing Men: www.russiandancingmen.com
Follow the Russian Dancing Men on Twitter: twitter.com/DancingComrades

To celebrate the release of Russian Dancing Men all other SmashMouth Games titles are on offer for a limited time only. Ongaku for the PC will be £1.75 ($2.80), and the iOS titles Picture Beat Musique (iPhone/iPad), Drag Tag Smash (iPhone) and Drag Tag Smash HD (iPad) will all be available for £0.69 ($0.99)!

Grab Ongaku at: www.ongakugame.com
Grab Picture Beat Musique at: itunes.apple.com/gb/app/picture-beat-musique/id447663749?mt=8
Grab Drag Tag Smash HD at: itunes.apple.com/gb/app/drag-tag-smash-hd/id432363164?mt=8
Grab Drag Tag Smash at: itunes.apple.com/gb/app/drag-tag-smash/id408743207?mt=8

About SmashMouth Games:
SmashMouth Games, established in 2006, is an award-winning independent development company focusing on creating casual and innovative videogames for the download market. The company also has 4 other initiatives in regards to delivering its business objectives; academic services, intensive game development training, outsourced development services and consultancy. Since its establishment, the company has; successfully released 5 products has been granted a commercial licence from Nintendo to bring Intellectual Property the Wii and 3DS, granted a developer licence by Apple to bring its IP to Apple hardware and also are qualified partner within the Microsoft Empower Program. The company also has strong commercial links with Blitz Games Studios and their Blitz 1UP Initiative and strong educational links with the University of Salford and Futureworks.

Visit us at: www.smashmouthgames.com

Facebook: facebook.com/smashmouthgames
Twitter: twitter.com/smashmouthgames
YouTube: youtube.com/smashmouthgames

WEEBL AND SMASHMOUTH GAMES LAUNCHES RUSSIAN DANCING MEN TODAY! 27-10-11

Renowned internet animators Weebl-Stuff.com release their first mobile game on iTunes - Russian Dancing Men - starring a whole cast of their much loved characters, including Weebl & Bob, Badgers, Magical Trevor and many more.

SmashMouth Games is proud to announce the release of the eagerly anticipated Russian Dancing Men game for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Developed in conjunction with the famous Weebl’s-Stuff.com, (over 125 million YouTube views) the game is a humorous tribute, marrying old-school rhythm action gameplay to his famous internet cartoons, from Badger Badger to Narwhals and Amazing Horse. From 27th October, for the Halloween weekend only, the game will be available for 4 days at £0.69 ($0.99), which is over 50% off the normal price of the game.

Russian Dancing Men the game features:

AWARD-WINNING ANIMATION!
Hand-crafted by Weebl and his pack of cartoon elves!

SIDE-SPLITTING SONGS!
And you won’t stop humming them!

3 DIFFICULTY LEVELS!
It's easy to start playing - but dare you take on the insane Hard mode?

MASSIVE POINTS!
Dance over, under and through multiple obstacles - the better you dance, the more you score!

CHALLENGE YOUR FRIENDS!
Will you conquer the leaderboards and unlock all the hidden achievements?

UPGRADES A PLENTY
Need more rhythm? Unlock the Red Army in the game for unlimited Russian Dancing Men!

To visit iTunes to pick up a copy of Russian Dancing Men follow this link...itunes.apple.com/us/app/russian-dancing-men/id456697773?ls=1&mt=8

Visit the Russian Dancing Men: www.russiandancingmen.com
Follow the Russian Dancing Men on Twitter: twitter.com/DancingComrades

About SmashMouth Games:
SmashMouth Games, established in 2006, is an award-winning independent development company focusing on creating casual and innovative videogames for the download market. The company also has 4 other initiatives in regards to delivering its business objectives; academic services, intensive game development training, outsourced development services and consultancy. Since its establishment, the company has; successfully released 5 products has been granted a commercial licence from Nintendo to bring Intellectual Property the Wii and 3DS, granted a developer licence by Apple to bring its IP to Apple hardware and also are qualified partner within the Microsoft Empower Program. The company also has strong commercial links with Blitz Games Studios and their Blitz 1UP Initiative and strong educational links with the University of Salford and Futureworks.

Visit us at: www.smashmouthgames.com

Facebook: facebook.com/smashmouthgames
Twitter: twitter.com/smashmouthgames
YouTube: youtube.com/smashmouthgames

RUSSIAN DANCING MEN THE GAME SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW ON THE ITUNES APP STORE. 13/10/11.

In the third of our PR announcements we have Russian Dancing Men the game, developed in conjunction with SmashMouth Games and Weebl’s-Stuff.com. The YouTube trailer has already received positive feedback receiving more than 100,000 views from its initial week online. In addition the game itself has been finally submitted for review on the Apple iTunes App Store and should be available soon this year. You can find the official trailer by clicking here.

Russian Dancing Men the game features:

AWARD-WINNING ANIMATION!
Hand-crafted by Weebl and his pack of cartoon elves!

SIDE-SPLITTING SONGS!
And you won’t stop humming them!

3 DIFFICULTY LEVELS!
It's easy to start playing - but dare you take on the insane Hard mode?

MASSIVE POINTS!
Dance over, under and through multiple obstacles - the better you dance, the more
you score!

CHALLENGE YOUR FRIENDS!
Will you conquer the leaderboards and unlock all the hidden achievements?

UPGRADES A PLENTY
Need more rhythm? Unlock the Red Army in the game for unlimited Russian Dancing Men!

Follow the Russian Dancing Men: twitter.com/DancingComrades

Follow us on:
Facebook: facebook.com/smashmouthgames
Twitter: twitter.com/smashmouthgames
YouTube: youtube.com/smashmouthgames

Visit us at: www.smashmouthgames.com
Visit Ongaku at: www.ongakugame.com
More about Drag Tag Smash visit: www.smashmouthgames.com/Webpages/Games/dragtagsmash.html

Interested in discussing business opportunities with SmashMouth Games? Please contact: contact@smashmouthgames.com

For all PR enquiries, contact Zuby Ahmed, Managing Director at zuby@smashmouthgames.com or Tim Ceesay, Studio Manager at tim@smashmouthgames.com
About SmashMouth Games:
SmashMouth Games is an award-winning independent development company focusing on creating casual and innovative videogames for the download market. Since SmashMouth Games was established in 2006, the company has released a Flash Version of its first game, Ongaku, which achieved over 100 000 downloads in its initial two week launch (now nearly 500 000 downloads). Ongaku went on to become a leader in its field, winning the prestigious, "Armor Games Rhythm Action Competition" hosted by the international website Newgrounds - the most visited Flash-Portal on the Internet today. In May 2008, Ongaku was nominated for Game of the Year by Newgrounds. Currently the company is working on three projects, the first of which is Ongaku, for multi-platform release. SmashMouth Games is also a registered Wii Ware developer, Apple iPhone developer, and is part of the Microsoft Empower Program. The company also has successful educational ties with The University of Salford and is also based at Futureworks Manchester School of Media (www.futureworks.co.uk/), both of which are situated in the heart of Manchester. For further information visit: www.smashmouthgames.com
Visit Openfeint at: http://openfeint.com/
Visit the IGDA at: www.igda.org

SMASHMOUTH GAMES TO PRODUCE IOS GAME BASED ON THE FAMOUS INTERNET CARTOONS OF WEEBL’S-STUFF 03/08/2011

SmashMouth Games have teamed up with the famous internet animation studio, Weebl’s-Stuff (The UK’s #1 YouTube comedy channel), to create the first iOS game based on their cartoons & songs.

The new game, currently named ‘Russian Dancing Men’, features famous Weebl-Stuff characters such as 'Weebl & Bob', 'Narwhals' and 'Badger, Badger'. Presented and played as a 2D rhythm action game, players control one of the Russian Dancing Men as he travels through the different Weebl-Stuff worlds, collecting characters to join a dancing conga-line whilst avoiding oncoming obstacles.

Russian Dancing Men will feature 18 levels across 2 difficulties, all based on the famous songs from a variety of Weebl’s-Stuff cartoons. The game is currently due for release in Q3 2011

Follow SmashMouth Games on:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/smashmouthgames
Twitter: www.twitter.com/smashmouthgames
YouTube: www.youtube.com/smashmouthgames
Visit us at: www.smashmouthgames.com
Visit Ongaku at: www.ongakugame.com
Visit Drag Tag Smash: www.dragtagsmash.com

Interested in discussing business opportunities with SmashMouth Games? Please contact: contact@smashmouthgames.com

For all PR enquiries, contact Zuby Ahmed, Managing Director at zuby@smashmouthgames.com or Tim Ceesay, Studio Manager at tim@smashmouthgames.com
About SmashMouth Games:
SmashMouth Games, established in 2006, is an award-winning independent development company focusing on creating casual and innovative videogames for the download market. The company also has 4 other initiatives in regards to delivering its business objectives; academic services, intensive game development training, outsourced development services and consultancy. Since its establishment, the company has; successfully released 5 products has been granted a commercial licence from Nintendo to bring Intellectual Property the Wii and 3DS, granted a developer licence by Apple to bring its IP to Apple hardware and also are qualified partner within the Microsoft Empower Program. The company also has strong commercial links with Blitz Games Studios and their Blitz 1UP Initiative and strong educational links with the University of Salford and Futureworks. (www.smashmouthgames.com)
For further information visit: www.smashmouthgames.com
Visit Weebl’s-Stuff on:
Visit Weebl’s-Stuff: http://www.weebls-stuff.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/theweebl

About Weebl’s-Stuff:
The crazy world of Weebls Stuff. Home to the badgers, Kenya, magical Trevor and two eggs obsessed with pie. The epitome of a 'cult' site, Weebl's animations & games are famous across the internet and engage a young, web savvy audience. Their YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/mrweebl) has generated over 113m views to date, making it the number 1 comedy channel in the UK.

Visit Openfeint at: http://openfeint.com/
Visit the IGDA at: www.igda.org

NEW SMASHMOUTH GAMES TITLE “PICTURE BEAT MUSIQUE” TO BE RELEASED AUGUST 4 TH 2011 FOR IPHONE & IPAD 01/08/2011

SmashMouth Games is proud to present the first in a series of announcements, which are reflective of the company’s recent exciting developments.
In this first announcement, SmashMouth Games is pleased to announce the upcoming release of its newest iOS title ‘Picture Beat Musique’. The game will be available for iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad platforms.
Picture Beat Musique is a 2D rhythm action game infusing original music and stylized artwork. Tap, Swipe and Scribble pictures to music. Pop and swipe various ink bubbles, using your finger like a paint brush, in time with the music, to release ink onto the page. The more coloured ink released onto the page, the more of the artistic masterpiece is painted. Infinite amounts of gameplay can be generated by using a combination of your own music and pictures, using the game’s unique Mix-n-Match mode. Picture Beat Musique gameplay includes:

Enjoy 11 vibrant artistic levels, each with their own music theme.

Let the game make levels for you, using your favourite music tracks and pictures using the Mix-n-Match mode.

Gain experience and unlock more and more game features; the more you play, the more you earn.

Picture Beat Musiqe will be available on the iTunes App Story on Thursday August 4 th, available for a short time for the special launch price of £0.69 ($0.99).
To celebrate the upcoming release of Picture Beat Musique, SmashMouth Games’ other products are also available for a short time for special promotional prices. Ongaku (PC) has 75% off and Drag Tag Smash (iPhone) and Drag Tag Smash HD (iPad) will be free on Thursday 4 th August.
Follow us on:
Facebook: facebook.com/smashmouthgames
Twitter: twitter.com/smashmouthgames
YouTube: youtube.com/smashmouthgames
Visit us at: www.smashmouthgames.com
Visit Ongaku at: www.ongakugame.com
More about Drag Tag Smash visit: www.smashmouthgames.com/Webpages/Games/dragtagsmash.html
Interested in discussing business opportunities with SmashMouth Games? Please contact:contact@smashmouthgames.com
For all PR enquiries, contact Zuby Ahmed, Managing Director at zuby@smashmouthgames.com or Tim Ceesay, Studio Manager at tim@smashmouthgames.com
About SmashMouth Games:
SmashMouth Games is an award-winning independent development company focusing on creating casual and innovative videogames for the download market. Since SmashMouth Games was established in 2006, the company has released a Flash Version of its first game, Ongaku, which achieved over 100 000 downloads in its initial two week launch (now nearly 500 000 downloads). Ongaku went on to become a leader in its field, winning the prestigious, "Armor Games Rhythm Action Competition" hosted by the international website Newgrounds - the most visited Flash-Portal on the Internet today. In May 2008, Ongaku was nominated for Game of the Year by Newgrounds. Currently the company is working on three projects, the first of which is Ongaku, for multi-platform release. SmashMouth Games is also a registered Wii Ware developer, Apple iPhone developer, and is part of the Microsoft Empower Program. The company also has successful educational ties with The University of Salford and is also based at Futureworks Manchester School of Media ( www.futureworks.co.uk/), both of which are situated in the heart of Manchester. For further information visit: www.smashmouthgames.com
Visit Openfeint at: http://openfeint.com/
Visit the IGDA at: www.igda.org

SMASHMOUTH GAMES ANNOUNCES PIXEL BEAT COMPLETE, DRAG TAG SMASH HD, AND TWO SPECIAL LIMITED OFFERS ON ITS CURRENT GAMES. 06/04/2011

SmashMouth Games is proud to announce the development of two new games; ‘Pixel Beat Complete’ for the iPhone and iPad and ‘Drag Tag Smash HD’ for the iPad.

Pixel Beat Complete is a fusion of rhythm action and RPG gameplay for iPhone and iPad. Players create and evolve a custom character using music from their iTunes library. Starting off the game as a Pixel, earn EXP Shards from playing levels created from the music, then spend them to either evolve the character’s resolution or buy more music from the iTunes library. When the character evolves, the rest of the game world evolves too, both in terms of graphics and gameplay features. These include the ability to create characters of your friends and keep them in Pixel Place or Pixel Prison. Pixel Beat Complete features:

- Create, Play and Earn

Create avatars and play the game with your choice of music from your iTunes library to earn EXP.

- Unlock Everything!

Spend the EXP to evolve the game-world, from graphics to gameplay.

- Good or Evil; your friends will find out!

Use your camera to collect your friends for Pixel Place or capture them for Pixel Prison.

Early gameplay footage of Pixel Beat Complete can be seen on the SmashMouth Games YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIscvD03c08 and the developer blog for the game can be seen here: http://smashmouthgames.blogspot.com/

The second title in development is Drag Tag Smash HD, which aims to bring the fun, fast paced paddle action game to the iPad with high resolution graphics and more special effects.

To mark this special occasion, SmashMouth Games is putting its current titles on offer for a limited time only. The full version of Ongaku for PC will be on offer for 75% discount only on its official website www.ongakugame.com and the offer will run from 7th April for a limited time only.

On top of this offer, the iPhone version of Drag Tag Smash will be made free to download from iTunes and will be Openfeint’s Free Game of the Day from 8th April to the 9th April! Download Game Channel for Free Games every day! http://www.freegameoftheday.com/

Follow us on:
Facebook: facebook.com/smashmouthgames
Twitter: twitter.com/smashmouthgames
YouTube: youtube.com/smashmouthgames

Visit us at: www.smashmouthgames.com
Visit Ongaku at: www.ongakugame.com
More about Drag Tag Smash visit: www.smashmouthgames.com/Webpages/Games/dragtagsmash.html

Interested in discussing business opportunities with SmashMouth Games? Please contact: contact@smashmouthgames.com

For all PR enquiries, contact Zuby Ahmed, Managing Director at zuby@smashmouthgames.com or Tim Ceesay, Studio Manager at tim@smashmouthgames.com

About SmashMouth Games:
SmashMouth Games is an award-winning independent development company focusing on creating casual and innovative videogames for the download market. Since SmashMouth Games was established in 2006, the company has released a Flash Version of its first game, Ongaku, which achieved over 100 000 downloads in its initial two week launch (now nearly 500 000 downloads). Ongaku went on to become a leader in its field, winning the prestigious, "Armor Games Rhythm Action Competition" hosted by the international website Newgrounds - the most visited Flash-Portal on the Internet today. In May 2008, Ongaku was nominated for Game of the Year by Newgrounds. Currently the company is working on three projects, the first of which is Ongaku, for multi-platform release. SmashMouth Games is also a registered Wii Ware developer, Apple iPhone developer, and is part of the Microsoft Empower Program. The company also has successful educational ties with The University of Salford and is also based at Futureworks Manchester School of Media (www.futureworks.co.uk/), both of which are situated in the heart of Manchester. For further information visit: www.smashmouthgames.com
Visit Openfeint at: http://openfeint.com/
Visit Blitz 1UP at: www.Blitz1UP.com
To follow Blitz 1UP on FB, go here: www.Facebook.com/Blitz1UP
To follow Blitz 1UP on Twitter, go here: www.Twitter.com/Blitz1UP
For Blitz 1UP videos go here: www.youtube.com/Blitz1UP
Visit the IGDA at: www.igda.org

DRAG TAG SMASH FOR IPHONE/IPAD ON SALE NOW, ONGAKU MOBILE VERSION PLANS ANNOUNCED. 22/12/10

SmashMouth Games has released its first iPhone/iPad game, ‘Drag Tag Smash’. Drag Tag Smash successfully fuses action, music and puzzle elements together to create a simple, fun and pick-up and play game. The game’s goal is to drag the sphere to tag the invaders to smash them to smithereens.

Players must figure out how to use the sphere using the game’s simple physics to ultimately score trillions, as the game prides itself on its unique 3-tiered scoring system, which measures combinations, totals and player ingenuity. Drag Tag Smash also features a very dynamic electro soundtrack, which builds up with intensity, emotion and variety the more the player tags enemies to destroy them. Drag Tag Smash can be found here… http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/drag-tag-smash/id408743207?mt=8 …for a small price of 59p ($0.99). Drag Tag Smash features:
Infinitely spawning enemies for infinitely massive scores.

Figure out how to score trillions with the Smash Score System, and then post online to Facebook to impress your friends.
The more you destroy, the more music you get; the Retro-Electro soundtrack is driven from destroying enemies.
The game dynamically changes its difficulty depending upon your actions.
Instant action with simple pick-up and play controls.

With two games now in the SmashMouth Games catalogue including Ongaku (PC), the company now looks towards the development of Ongaku for mobile. The first instalment of the mobile phone version of Ongaku is to feature the same unique artwork and original music from the Story Mode of the full PC version of the game. The Tune-A-Matic version of Ongaku, which allows users to play the game with their own music, pictures and videos, will arrive shortly after as a separate additional download pack.
Ongaku is a 2D rhythm action game combining an original score and stylised artwork. Players take the role of the magic crystal Ongaku and progress through the fantasy kingdom of Melody by popping paint bubbles in time to the music. If successfully popped, the paint bubbles reveal an artistic masterpiece, bringing the canvas to life with its unique artwork. This first instalment of Ongaku for mobile will feature:

11 lusciously animated levels, each with their own new music theme
Five difficulty settings allow you to enjoy playing, whatever your level of expertise
Ever-growing collection of new downloadable Theme Packs available, including Pop, Rock, Dance and many more

Portals selling Ongaku (PC) as of the 20 October 2010:
www.ongakugame.com/
www.smashmouthgames.com/Webpages/Games/Ongaku.html
www.blitz1up.com/Ongaku?pr=1
www.gamersgate.com/DD-ONGAKU/ongaku
http://games.gs1.net/games/ongaku#
www.thegamecreators.com

Visit SmashMouth Games at: www.smashmouthgames.com
Visit the Drag Tag Smash site at: http://www.smashmouthgames.com/dragtagsmash.html
Visit the Ongaku site at www.ongakugame.com
To follow SmashMouth Games on Facebook, go here: www.facebook.com/pages/Smashmouth-Games
To follow SmashMouth Games on Twitter, go here:
For SmashMouth Games videos go here: www.youtube.com/user/SmashMouthGames
For screenshots of Ongaku and some of the other games in Blitz 1UP: www.flickr.com/photos/32483062@N08/

Interested in discussing business opportunities with SmashMouth Games? Please contact: contact@smashmouthgames.com

For all PR enquiries, contact Zuby Ahmed, Managing Director at zuby@smashmouthgames.com
About SmashMouth Games:
SmashMouth Games is an award-winning independent development company focusing on creating casual and innovative videogames for the download market. Since SmashMouth Games was established in 2006, the company has released a Flash Version of its first game, Ongaku, which achieved over 100 000 downloads in its initial two week launch (now nearly 500 000 downloads). Ongaku went on to become a leader in its field, winning the prestigious, "Armor Games Rhythm Action Competition" hosted by the international website Newgrounds - the most visited Flash-Portal on the Internet today. In May 2008, Ongaku was nominated for Game of the Year by Newgrounds. Currently the company is working on three projects, the first of which is Ongaku, for multi-platform release. SmashMouth Games is also a registered Wii Ware developer, Apple iPhone developer, and is part of the Microsoft Empower Program. The company also has successful educational ties with The University of Salford and is also based at Futureworks Manchester School of Media (www.futureworks.co.uk/), both of which are situated in the heart of Manchester. For further information visit: www.smashmouthgames.com

SALFORD STUDENTS CREATE COMMERCIAL COMPUTER GAME 06-12-10

Students on the University of Salford's BSc Computer and Video Games have notched up another credit with the release of a new 2D music game for the PC called Ongaku - thanks to a partnership with Smashmouth Games.

For the past year Salford graduates and current students have worked with the Manchester-based independent games development studio SmashMouth Games on the new PC music game 'Ongaku.'

Ongaku is a game combining an original score and stylised artwork. Gamers enjoy 11 animated levels, each with their own new music themes. They can also generate playable levels from their favourite music tracks, pictures or videos.

Players take the role of the magic crystal Ongaku and progress through the fantasy kingdom of Melody by popping paint bubbles in time to the music. If successfully popped, the paint bubbles reveal an artistic masterpiece, bringing the canvas to life with its unique artwork.

Since its release Ongaku, which means 'music' in Japanese, has been downloaded over 500,000 times and has had many favourable reviews in the gaming media.

Toby Rushton, a current student on the BSc programme, said: "Working at SmashMouth Games over the summer was a fulfilling experience; the game's development provided an insight into just how intense and exciting the industry can be. The SmashMouth team gave a fantastic and extensive view on how to develop a game from the ground up."

SmashMouth Games Managing Director Zuby Ahmed, who is also a part-time lecturer on the BSc Computer and Video Games programme, said: "The team here at SmashMouth Games are very proud of Ongaku.

"We're delighted with the opportunity to work with the University and its students. We believe it's absolutely vital for the games industry to forge credible links with academic institutions. It's these very students who will become the game developers of tomorrow."

Umran Ali, programme leader, said: "This is yet another great example of the University's strong partnerships with creative industries. Our link with SmashMouth Games has enabled our graduates to gain employment in a very competitive industry and, more uniquely, for current students to experience commercial development at the cutting edge of media.

The BSc Computer and Video Games is one of 39 courses which will be taught at the University's MediaCityUK base from next year. Over 1,500 students will be taught at MediaCityUK; joining thousands of industry workers and numerous major BBC departments which are making the move north.

As part of this unique project, the University is developing numerous partnerships with industry including SmashMouth Games and the BBC.

SMASHMOUTH GAMES’ NEWEST TITLE ‘DRAG TAG SMASH’ NEARS COMPLETION, AND WILL BE SHOWCASED EXCLUSIVELY AT THE IGDA/ONGAKU LAUNCH PARTY AT THE KYOTO LOUNGE ON THE 2ND DECEMBER. 25-11-10

SmashMouth Games is proud to announce that their first iPhone/iPad title Drag Tag Smash is near completion and will be ready for release very soon. To mark the occasion, Drag Tag Smash will be featured at the upcoming IGDA/Ongaku launch party hosted by SmashMouth Games and Kyoto Lounge. The event will include industry professionals from across the region to help celebrate and to re-launch the North West IGDA Chapter. To mark this very special occasion a limited edition version of Ongaku can be played at the party on Kyoto Lounge’s impressive gaming computers, together with the latest games from the Blitz 1UP Initiative.

For those wishing to attend the event, invitation details can be found here: http://igdagamesparty.eventbrite.com/

Visit Kyoto Lounge at: www.kyotolounge.com

Portals selling Ongaku:
www.ongakugame.com/
www.smashmouthgames.com/Webpages/Games/Ongaku.html
www.blitz1up.com/Ongaku?pr=1
www.gamersgate.com/DD-ONGAKU/ongaku
http://games.gs1.net/games/ongaku#
www.thegamecreators.com

Visit us at: www.smashmouthgames.com
Visit the Ongaku Site at www.ongakugame.com
To find out more about Drag Tag Smash visit: www.smashmouthgames.com/Webpages/Games/dragtagsmash.html
To follow SmashMouth Games on Facebook, go here: www.facebook.com/pages/Smashmouth-Games
To follow SmashMouth Games on Twitter, go here: twitter.com/#!/smashmouthgames
For SmashMouth Games videos go here: www.youtube.com/user/SmashMouthGames
For screenshots of Ongaku and some of the other games in Blitz 1UP: www.flickr.com/photos/32483062@N08/

Interested in discussing business opportunities with SmashMouth Games? Please contact: contact@smashmouthgames.com

For all PR enquiries, contact Zuby Ahmed, Managing Director at zuby@smashmouthgames.com

Visit Blitz 1UP at: www.Blitz1UP.com
To follow Blitz 1UP on FB, go here: www.Facebook.com/Blitz1UP
To follow Blitz 1UP on Twitter, go here: www.Twitter.com/Blitz1UP
For Blitz 1UP videos go here: www.youtube.com/Blitz1UP

Visit Kyoto Lounge at: www.kyotolounge.com
Visit Scan Computers at: www.scan.co.uk

Visit the IGDA at: www.igda.org

SMASHMOUTH GAMES AND KYOTO LOUNGE TO HOST A SPECIAL IGDA NORTH WEST CHAPTER GAMES PARTY, TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF FLAGSHIP TITLE ONGAKU, AS PART OF THE BLITZ 1UP INITIATIVE. 11-11-10

To celebrate the recent launch of Ongaku on the PC as part of the Blitz 1UP Initiative, and the launch of the upcoming new iPhone/iPad game Drag Tag Smash from SmashMouth Games, the IGDA North West Chapter together with SmashMouth Games and Blitz Games Studios are pleased to announce a launch party at Kyoto Lounge in conjunction with Scan Computers from 6.30pm on Thursday 2nd December.

The IGDA North West Chapter gatherings are normally attended by more than 100 people from dozens of different companies in the North West. However this will not be a typical IGDA event as Kyoto Lounge will be hosting this very special party.
Kyoto Lounge is Manchester’s very first gaming bar, which offers customers the opportunity to socialise, drink, eat and play in a dedicated gaming environment. They are fully loaded with the very best 3xs systems, monitors, gaming orientated mice and keyboards all housed in a dedicated gaming zone. They also have the latest 3D vision gaming systems, consoles linked to both 46” HD LCD TV’s and a 90” projection screen and HD projector.

Ongaku will be available to play within the gaming zones, together with some of the other Blitz 1UP Initiative titles, including KrissX, Fluttabyes, Your Doodles are Bugged, Buccaneer and Super Yum Yum.
The SmashMouth Games team will also be demonstrating their upcoming new iPhone/iPad game Drag Tag Smash exclusively to party guests.
For those wishing to attend the event, invitation details can be found here: http://igdagamesparty.eventbrite.com/

Interested in discussing business opportunities with SmashMouth Games? Please contact: contact@smashmouthgames.com

Visit Kyoto Lounge at: www.kyotolounge.com
Visit Scan Computers at: www.scan.co.uk

Visit the IGDA at: www.igda.org

SMASHMOUTH GAMES ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF THE GUY FAWKES PACK AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD. 05-11-10

SmashMouth Games is proud to announce the release of the Guy Fawkes pack available to download from their website. The new pack includes firework style notes and a very traditional yet stylized Guy Fawkes Ongaku. For those who own a copy of Ongaku, the Guy Fawkes Theme pack is available now in time for bonfire night for only 99p from http://www.ongakugame.com.

SMASHMOUTH GAMES ATTENDS THE MCM EXPO WITH RESOUNDING SUCCESS AND POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM ALL THAT CAME TO VIEW AND PLAY THE GAME. 03-11-10

3rd NOVEMBER 2010 MANCHESTER, UK

SmashMouth Games attended the MCM Expo in London from the 29th – 31st October 2010 to reveal the Limited Masterpiece Edition of Ongaku, which received very positive response. Ongaku’s main feature, the Tune-A-Matic was a big hit with the thousands of people who attended the show. They loved the ability to play the game with whatever music they wanted; Caramelldansen went down a storm whenever it was played in the game with scores of fans paying tribute with its unique dance. The team also gave exclusive demonstrations of their new game Drag Tag Smash on the iPhone; this too proved very popular with its simple pick-up and play nature. As this was SmashMouth Games’ first time attending as an exhibitor, overall it was a great success.

Following this success, SmashMouth Games is proud to announce they are soon to release their new Theme Pack especially for Guy Fawkes/Bonfire Night, available soon at www.ongakugame.com. This pack will be the 7th theme pack for Ongaku, illustrating the game’s continued support and longevity by the team.

Portals selling Ongaku as of the 20 October 2010:
www.ongakugame.com/
www.smashmouthgames.com/Webpages/Games/Ongaku.html
www.blitz1up.com/Ongaku?pr=1
www.gamersgate.com/DD-ONGAKU/ongaku
http://games.gs1.net/games/ongaku#
www.thegamecreators.com

Visit us at: www.smashmouthgames.com
Visit the Ongaku Site at www.ongakugame.com
To find out more about Drag Tag Smash visit:www.smashmouthgames.com/Webpages/Games/dragtagsmash.html
To follow SmashMouth Games on Facebook, go here:www.facebook.com/pages/Smashmouth-Games
To follow SmashMouth Games on Twitter, go here:twitter.com/#!/smashmouthgames
For SmashMouth Games videos go here:www.youtube.com/user/SmashMouthGames
For screenshots of Ongaku and some of the other games in Blitz 1UP:www.flickr.com/photos/32483062@N08/

Interested in discussing business opportunities with SmashMouth Games? Please contact: contact@smashmouthgames.com

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PC RHYTHM ACTION-GAME ONGAKU WILL BE SHOWCASED TO THE PUBLIC AT THE MCM EXPO LONDON AND SPECIAL LIMITED MASTERPIECE EDITIONS OF THE GAME WILL BE AVAILABLE WHICH WILL INCLUDE THE NEW HALLOWEEN THEME PACKS. 20-10-10

SmashMouth Games is proud to announce that they will be attending the MCM Expo from the 29th – 31st October at the London Excel. At the Expo they will be inviting people to come and play the recently released music action game ONGAKU, where there will be limited edition Ongaku freebies on offer. In addition, the team are also proud to announce that especially for MCM Expo attendees, there will be LIMITED MASTERPIECE EDITIONS of Ongaku available, which will include all the Theme Packs released to date, and will also include the two brand new unreleased Halloween Theme Packs; the Jack-O-Lantern and Zombie Packs.

“We are all really excited about going to MCM Expo,” says Zuby Ahmed, Managing Director of SmashMouth Games. “I personally can’t wait to showcase the game to people; it’s weird for me to showcase a game that my company has made, as the last time I did anything like this was over 10 years ago when I was working for one of my old employers, demo-ing their game at ECTS back in the day! I really hope that we get loads of visitors to our stand so we can enjoy playing the game with them and I hope that the Limited Masterpiece Editions of the game do well as there’s 1000’s of hours of fun to be had with Ongaku”
Ongaku is a 2D rhythm action game combining an original score and stylised artwork. Players take the role of the magic crystal Ongaku and progress through the fantasy kingdom of Melody by popping paint bubbles in time to the music. If successfully popped, the paint bubbles reveal an artistic masterpiece, bringing the canvas to life with its unique artwork. There are endless possibilities with a wide range of new features to customise and share your experience:

Enjoy 11 brand new lusciously animated levels, each with their own new music theme
Auto-generate playable levels from your favourite music tracks, pictures or videos using the Tune-O-Matic
Discover you inner artist with the ability to import your favourite media and create your own levels using the Melody Maker
Share the levels you've created with your friends and see their creations
Five difficulty settings allow you to enjoy playing, whatever your level of expertise
Ever-growing collection of new downloadable Theme Packs available, including Pop, Rock, Dance and many more

Visit us at: www.smashmouthgames.com
Visit the Ongaku Site at www.ongakugame.com
To follow SmashMouth Games on Facebook, go here: www.facebook.com/pages/Smashmouth-Games
To follow SmashMouth Games on Twitter, go here:
For SmashMouth Games videos go here: www.youtube.com/user/SmashMouthGames
For screenshots of Ongaku and some of the other games in Blitz 1UP: www.flickr.com/photos/32483062@N08/

Interested in discussing business opportunities with SmashMouth Games? Please contact: contact@smashmouthgames.com

For all PR enquiries, contact Zuby Ahmed, Managing Director at zuby@smashmouthgames.com

AWARD-WINNING PC RHYTHM ACTION-GAME ONGAKU GETS A HUGE RE-VAMP AND IS NOW ON SALE WORLDWIDE, WITH NEW HALLOWEEN THEME PACKS DUE THIS MONTH. 12/10/10

SmashMouth Games have today announced the release of re-vamped, award-winning 2D music game Ongaku, brimming with brand new and exciting game features, unique to the rhythm action-game genre. Developed by SmashMouth Games and released by Blitz 1UP, the game is already gaining critical success.

This updated version is a testament to three years of hard work by the SmashMouth Games team. The new focus of Ongaku is to appeal to the gamer of today, letting them play the game however they want, with whatever media they want, be it music, pictures, or even videos. The team have also worked on the game’s longevity and Ongaku now boasts 1000s of hours of replay value, supported by the downloadable Theme Packs. To add to the existing Dance, Pop, Rock and Pixel Theme Packs, SmashMouth Games are also proud to announce two new Halloween Theme Packs that will be available in the next few weeks; the Jack-O-Lantern Pack and the Zombie Pack.

Already the game has been greeted with critical success from a number of sites including Now Gamer:

http://pc-mmo.nowgamer.com/reviews/pc-mmo/9470/ongaku

The game is available across a number of portals, including

www.ongakugame.com,

www.Blitz1UP.com/Ongaku,www.gamersgate.com

and http://games.gs1

Ongaku is a 2D rhythm action game combining an original score and stylised artwork. Players take the role of the magic crystal Ongaku and progress through the fantasy kingdom of Melody by popping paint bubbles in time to the music. If successfully popped, the paint bubbles reveal an artistic masterpiece, bringing the canvas to life with its unique artwork. There are endless possibilities with a wide range of new features to customise and share your experience:

Enjoy 11 brand new lusciously animated levels, each with their own new music theme
Auto-generate playable levels from your favourite music tracks, pictures or videos using the Tune-O-Matic
Discover you inner artist with the ability to import your favourite media and create your own levels using the Melody Maker
Share the levels you've created with your friends and see their creations
Five difficulty settings allow you to enjoy playing, whatever your level of expertise
Ever-growing collection of new downloadable Theme Packs available, including Pop, Rock, Dance and many more

The Flash prototype of Ongaku won the prestigious Armor Games Rhythm Action Competition and was then nominated for Game of the Year 2007 on the international website Newgrounds. The game has had nearly 500 000 downloads so far.

“The team here at SmashMouth Games are very proud of Ongaku,” says Zuby Ahmed, Managing Director of SmashMouth Games.“Player feedback has helped shape a very special game; one where players can play what they want, how they want. We’ve aimed to give the gamer of today a product that can be played in new and exciting ways and we believe that Ongaku is something completely new and fresh. In a market where rhythm action-games are limited by the content the developers give you, our game is truly next generation. Beyond our really cool Story Mode, Ongaku lets you play with new, exciting features, such as the Tune-A-Matic, with its sophisticated media analyser, letting you mix your music, pictures and videos in cool, dynamic ways. There’s also a superb, yet simple to use level creator, along with tons of extra new content to download. 1000s of hours of fun for a bargain price, what more could you ask for? If you enjoy the game, please spread the word to everyone you know: ONGAKU!”

Adds Chris Swan, Blitz 1UP’s Business Development Director:“We’re incredibly pleased to be able to unleash the fantastic new version of Ongaku upon the world today. We’re really looking forward to seeing all of the crazy levels people will create with the in-game editor!”

Portals selling Ongaku as of the 12 October 2010:

www.ongakugame.com

www.smashmouthgames.com/

www.blitz1up.com/Ongaku?pr=1

www.gamersgate.com/DD-ONGAKU/ongaku

http://games.gs1.net/games/ongaku#

www.thegamecreators.com

Visit us at: www.smashmouthgames.com

Visit the Ongaku Site at www.ongakugame.com

To follow SmashMouth Games on Facebook, go here: www.facebook.com/pages/Smashmouth-Games

To follow SmashMouth Games on Twitter, go here:

For SmashMouth Games videos go here: www.youtube.com/user/SmashMouthGames

For screenshots of Ongaku and some of the other games in Blitz 1UP: www.flickr.com/photos/32483062@N08

Interested in discussing business opportunities with SmashMouth Games? Please contact: contact@smashmouthgames.com

For all PR enquiries, contact Zuby Ahmed, Managing Director at zuby@smashmouthgames.com

About SmashMouth Games:

SmashMouth Games is an award-winning independent development company focusing on creating casual and innovative videogames for the download market. Since SmashMouth Games was established in 2006, the company has released a Flash Version of its first game, Ongaku, which achieved over 100 000 downloads in its initial two week launch (now nearly 500 000 downloads). Ongaku went on to become a leader in its field, winning the prestigious, "Armor Games Rhythm Action Competition" hosted by the international website Newgrounds - the most visited Flash-Portal on the Internet today. In May 2008, Ongaku was nominated for Game of the Year by Newgrounds. Currently the company is working on three projects, the first of which is Ongaku, for multi-platform release. SmashMouth Games is also a registered Wii Ware developer, Apple iPhone developer, and is part of the Microsoft Empower Program. The company also has successful educational ties with The University of Salford and is also based at Futureworks Manchester School of Media ( www.futureworks.co.uk), both of which are situated in the heart of Manchester. For further information visit: www.smashmouthgames.com

About Blitz 1UP:

The Blitz 1UP initiative was launched in 2008 as an outlet for small, independent teams to bring their titles - finished and unfinished - to market on XBLA, PSN, PC, WiiWare, iPhone Flash and Mac. The scheme offers tailor-made packages to indie developers including PR, QA and access to its established distribution channels. The initiative provides a wide range of services, from design and production advice through to assistance with finding distribution and publishing partners.

www.Blitz1UP.com

About Blitz Games Studios:

Currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, Blitz Games Studios is based in Leamington Spa and was founded by industry veterans Philip and Andrew Oliver. It now has more than 220 staff and its six divisions encompass mature titles (Volatile Games), Serious Games (TruSim), family titles (Blitz Games), licensable middleware (BlitzTech), downloadable games (Blitz Arcade) and its education division (Blitz Academy). www.BlitzGamesStudios.com

THE UPDATED VERSION OF THE POPULARE PC RHYTHM ACTION-GAME ONGAKU IS NOW ON SALE WORLDWIDE, RELEASED BY BLITZ AND DEVELOPED BY SMASHMOUTH GAMES 2010/10/08

LEAMINGTON SPA, UK., Blitz 1UP have today announced the release of a new and improved version of award-winning music game Ongaku, across portals including www.Blitz1UP.com/Ongaku,www.ongakugame.com and www.gamersgate.com/DD-ONGAKU/ongaku. This release of Ongaku holds a new vision of the already popular game and a host of fantastic new features for PC gamers and rhythm action fans worldwide.
Ongaku is a 2D rhythm action game combining an original score and stylised artwork. Players take the role of the magic crystal Ongaku and progress through the fantasy kingdom of Melody by popping paint bubbles in time to the music. If successfully popped, the paint bubbles reveal an artistic masterpiece, bringing the canvas to life with its unique artwork. There are endless possibilities with a wide range of new features to customise and share your experience:

Enjoy 11 brand new lusciously animated levels, each with their own new music theme
Auto-generate playable levels from your favourite music tracks, pictures or videos using the Tune-O-Matic
Discover you inner artist with the ability to import your favourite media and create your own levels using the Melody Maker
Share the levels you've created with your friends and see their creations
Five difficulty settings allow you to enjoy playing, whatever your level of expertise
Ever-growing collection of new downloadable Theme Packs available, including Pop, Rock, Dance and many more

The Flash prototype of Ongaku won the prestigious Armor Games Rhythm Action Competition and was then nominated for Game of the Year 2007 on the international website Newgrounds.

"We're incredibly pleased to be able to unleash the fantastic new version of Ongaku upon the world today," says Chris Swan, Blitz 1UP's Business Development Director. "We're really looking forward to seeing all of the crazy levels people will create with the in-game editor!"

Adds Zuby Ahmed, Managing Director of SmashMouth Games: "All of us here at SmashMouth Games are very proud of the hard work and effort we have put into Ongaku. We have taken the feedback from players and strongly believe we've created a very special game; one which allows gamers the ability to play however they want, with whatever they want. In today's casual and core game markets, no other game has a feature set like Ongaku for such a reasonable price. As well as a really cool story mode, players get a sophisticated media analyser which lets them play with their music, pictures and videos in brand new and exciting ways.

There's also a superb, yet simple to use, level creator along with tons of extra content to download. We hope that all the fans will adore what we have done and all those new to Ongaku will fall in love with the game. If you enjoy the game, please spread the word; ONGAKU!"
Portals selling Ongaku as of the 8th October 2010:

www.blitz1up.com/Ongaku
www.smashmouthgames.com
www.ongakugame.com
www.thegamecreators.com
www.gamersgate.com/DD-ONGAKU/ongaku
For screenshots of Ongaku, go here:www.flickr.com/photos/32483062@N08/
Visit us at: www.Blitz1UP.com

To follow Blitz 1UP on FB, go here: www.Facebook.com/Blitz1UP
To follow Blitz 1UP on Twitter, go here: www.Twitter.com/Blitz1UP
For screenshots: www.flickr.com/photos/32483062@N08/
For Blitz 1UP videos go here: www.youtube.com/Blitz1UP
For developers interested in discussing further opportunities with the Blitz 1UP initiative please contact developers@blitz1up.com
If you are a publisher/vendor/distributor looking for games please contact gamelicensing@blitz1up.com

Media contacts:
For all enquiries outside of the US, contact Izzy Miller, Blitz Games Studios' PR Coordinator at emiller@blitzgamesstudios.com

About Blitz 1UP:
The Blitz 1UP initiative was launched in 2008 as an outlet for small, independent teams to bring their titles - finished and unfinished - to market on XBLA, PSN, PC, WiiWare, iPhone Flash and Mac. The scheme offers tailor-made packages to indie developers including PR, QA and access to its established distribution channels. The initiative provides a wide range of services, from design and production advice through to assistance with finding distribution and publishing partners.www.Blitz1UP.com

About Blitz Games Studios:
Currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, Blitz Games Studios is based in Leamington Spa and was founded by industry veterans Philip and Andrew Oliver. It now has more than 220 staff and its six divisions encompass mature titles (Volatile Games), Serious Games (TruSim), family titles (Blitz Games), licensable middleware (BlitzTech), downloadable games (Blitz Arcade) and its education division (Blitz Academy). www.BlitzGamesStudios.com

About SmashMouth Games:
SmashMouth Games is an award-winning independent development company focusing on creating casual and innovative videogames for the download market. Since SmashMouth Games was established in 2006, the company has released a Flash Version of its first game, Ongaku, which achieved over 100 000 downloads in its initial two week launch (now over 450 000 downloads). Ongaku went on to become a leader in its field, winning the prestigious, Armor Games Rhythm Action Competition hosted by the international website Newgrounds - the most visited Flash-Portal on the Internet today. In May 2008, Ongaku was nominated for Game of the Year by Newgrounds. Currently the company is working on three projects, the first of which is Ongaku, for multi-platform release. SmashMouth Games is also a registered Wii Ware developer, Apple iPhone developer, and is part of the Microsoft Empower Program. The company also has successful educational ties with The University of Salford and is also based at Futureworks Manchester School of Media (www.futureworks.co.uk), both of which are situated in the heart of Manchester. For further information visit:www.smashmouthgames.com

SMASHMOUTH GAMES AT EUROGAMER EXPO 3/10/10

From the 1st – 2nd October, SmashMouth Games attended the Eurogamer Expo where 1000 Ongaku stickers we’re handed out to lucky hopeful’s who could win a free copy of the full game on its release. We thank everyone who received an Ongaku sticker and hope they’ll check out the website for their free demo. Users who submit their name and email will be entered into a prize draw to receive a FULL copy of the game, but don’t worry if you didn’t get a sticker just go to ‘www.ongakugame.com’ and submit your details for your chance to win... now isn’t that nice :D.

It’s been a busy 2 days, but amidst the high profile meetings with BBC, Channel 4 and rewarding people with Ongaku branded stickers, there was enough time to check out the events upcoming games and technology, which everyone should be excited about.

From all the games shown at the event none was more exciting for us than catching a glimpse of the new Legend of Zelda game for Nintendo Wii due 2011. Unfortunately we didn’t get to play it, but we did see the epic boss fight taking place and yes... it was brilliant. Other games we checked out included Gears of War 3 multiplayer, all the new Playstation Move titles, Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Assassins Creed Brotherhood multiplayer, the range of new Rock Band peripherals and game, Fallout: New Vegas, Bulletstorm, Goldeneye on the Wii and the range of Indie Arcade titles (hopefully one day coming to an online store near you!).

From all the games featured at Eurogamer Expo, our game of the show was Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and for all the players we faced against on the day, we hope you’re ready for a rematch!

If you happened to be at the Eurogamer Expo tell us what your favourite game of the show was at our Twitter page

‘twitter.com/SmashmouthGames’. Alternatively you can Facebook us at ‘http://www.facebook.com/pages/Smashmouth-Games/220179414228?ref=search&sid=818243886.870406424..1&v=wall'

And be sure to keep watching at ‘www.ongakugame.com’ for your free demo and possible win the full game itself.

BLITZ 1UP SIGNS SMASHMOUTH GAMES' MUSIC SENSATION ONGAKU: 01/06/10

Blitz 1UP announces SmashMouth Games’ Ongaku as the tenth title signed to the initiative

01 JUNE 2010 LEAMINGTON SPA, UK Blitz 1UP, an initiative run by UK developer Blitz Games Studios, has signed up music game Ongaku – a the tenth game in its ever-expanding catalogue. Developed by SmashMouth Games, Ongaku is set for worldwide release on PC with other platforms to be confirmed.

Ongaku is a 2D rhythm action game combining an original score and stylized artwork. Players take the role of the magic crystal Ongaku and progress through the fantasy kingdom of Melody by popping paint bubbles in time to the music. If successfully popped, the paint bubbles reveal an artistic masterpiece, bringing the canvas to life with its unique artwork. There are endless possibilities with a wide range of features to customise and share your experience:

• 11 brand new lusciously animated levels, each with their own new music theme.
• Create your own levels with The Melody Maker, where you can import your favourite music track, picture or video.
• Share the levels you’ve created with your friends and see their creations.
• Auto-generate playable levels from your imported media using the Tune-O-Matic.
• Five difficulty settings allow you to enjoy playing whatever your level ofexpertise.

The Flash prototype of Ongaku won the prestigious Armor Games Rhythm Action Competition and was then nominated for Game of the Year 2007 on the international website Newgrounds.

This is also the start of the SmashMouth Games Gamers Club; anyone who joins via their website (www.SmashMouthGames.com) can enjoy a variety of different perks including the opportunity to get their name in the credits of their games, such as Ongaku.

“We’re really looking forward to working with SmashMouth Games on bringing this fantastic new version of Ongaku to market,” says Chris Swan, Blitz 1UP Business Development Director. “With its unique audio-based gameplay, eye-catching graphics and impressive social features, Ongaku will breathe new life into the rhythm action genre.”

Adds Zuby Ahmed, SmashMouth Games’ Managing Director: “SmashMouth Games is incredibly pleased to partner up with Blitz Games Studios. We are very excited about the release of Ongaku, which we hope people of all ages will enjoy, especially with the many customisation features the game has to offer. Together with our educational links with The University of Salford and being based at Futureworks Manchester School of Media, working with Blitz 1UP has helped us to appreciate the importance of the independent developer “

Visit us at: www.Blitz1UP.com
To become a fan on FB, go here:www.facebook.com/Blitz1up
To follow Blitz 1UP on Twitter, go here:www.twitter.com/Blitz1UP

For developers interested in discussing further opportunities with the Blitz 1UP initiative, see:www.blitz1UP.com/details">www.blitz1UP.com/details or emailblitz1UP@blitzgamesstudios.com

Media contacts:
For all enquiries outside of the US, contact Izzy Miller, Blitz Games Studios’ PR Coordinator atemiller@blitzgamesstudios.com.
For US enquiries only, contact Doug Mealy, Online Marketing and Public Relations, at dmealy@om-pr.com.

About Blitz 1UP:
The Blitz 1UP initiative was launched in 2008 as an outlet for small, independent teams to bring their titles – finished and unfinished – to market on XBLA, PSN, PC, WiiWare, iPhone Flash and Mac. The scheme offers tailor-made packages to indie developers including PR, QA and access to its established distribution channels. The initiative provides a wide range of services, from design and production advice through to assistance with finding distribution and publishing partners.www.Blitz1UP.com.

About Blitz Games Studios:
Currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, Blitz Games Studios is based in Leamington Spa and was founded by industry veterans Philip and Andrew Oliver. It now has more than 220 staff and its six divisions encompass mature titles (Volatile Games), Serious Games (TruSim), family titles (Blitz Games), licensable middleware (BlitzTech), downloadable games (Blitz Arcade) and its education division (Blitz Academy). www.BlitzGamesStudios.com

About SmashMouth Games:
SmashMouth Games is an award-winning independent development company focusing on creating casual and innovative videogames for the download market. Since SmashMouth Games was established in 2006, the company has released a Flash Version of its first game, Ongaku, which achieved over 100 000 downloads in its initial two week launch (now over 450 000 downloads). Ongaku went on to become a leader in its field, winning the prestigious, “Armor Games Rhythm Action Competition” hosted by the international website Newgrounds – the most visited Flash-Portal on the Internet today. In May 2008, Ongaku was nominated for Game of the Year by Newgrounds. Currently the company is working on three projects, the first of which is Ongaku, for multi-platform release. SmashMouth Games is also a registered Wii Ware developer, Apple iPhone developer, and is part of the Microsoft Empower Program. The company also has successful educational ties with The University of Salford and is also based at Futureworks Manchester School of Media (http://www.futureworks.co.uk/), both of which are situated in the heart of Manchester. For further information visit: www.smashmouthgames.com

NEW UK DIPLOMA COURSE TO INCORPORATE GAME DESIGN: 10/05/10

Manchester-based media school Futureworks will soon commence an industry-based study programme designed to give students practical game development experience.
The IGDA-backed diploma course is designed in consultation with some of the UKs major games studios with the principal aim of being relevant to the industry.

Tensions between academia and development continues to this day, with many developers claiming courses rarely prepare students for the craft, and many universities saying they have insufficient support from the industry.

Set to begin in September, the Futureworks three-year course will culminate with the production of a full release title.

This game can be released on one of a range of platforms, while students will also be given experience at indie studio SmashMouth Games.

"The collaboration will take the synergy between academia and real-life game development to new heights ensuring the UK produces high-calibre candidates; skilled and equipped for a career in this dynamic industry, said Zuby Ahmed of Smashmouth Games.

See full article at:
http://www.develop-online.net/news/34098/New-UK-diploma-course-to-incorporate-game-design

ZUBY AHMED GIVES INTERVIEW TO THE GUARDIAN :02.06.09

Managing director of SmashMouth Games, Zuby Ahmed, talks to the Guardian about how his childhood playing computer games prepared him for his career.

SMASHMOUTH GAMES SMASHES INTO FUTUREWORKS! :20.04.09

SmashMouth Games now has a base of operations in Futureworks, based in Manchester city centre, where it can utilise the world-class equipment to develop existing games concepts, whilst exploring new ideas. Futureworks students will also benefit from the new deal through the SmashMouth Games team helping them develop their skills through guest lectures, mentoring and collaborative work.

Ben Norris, General Manager at Futureworks added: Having a professional organisation based at Futureworks is a huge honour. It is a fantastic opportunity for the students as they will get to see first-hand how the skills that they are learning on the course are put into practice in working projects within the industry. In addition, the knowledge and experience that the staff can pass onto the students will be invaluable in their learning process.

Managing Director of SmashMouth Games, Zuby Ahmed commented: We are all extremely excited about setting up our operation at Futureworks. The facilities are incredible and will allow us to create the professional finish we require so that we can release our games."

View the News article here: www.Developmag.com New-studio-Smashmouth-Games-opens-in-Manchester

2009 -
Ongaku is currently in development in Direct X, in its 5th creative iteration designed to be deployed on Console Downloadable initiative. In addition, Neon Blaster Overload (working title) is being developed for deployment on downloadable services such as Steam, XBLA and also for Apples iPhone.

DEC 08 -
SmashMouth Games is invited to a pitch workshop run by North West Vision and Sony to bring products to Sony Playstation Network.

JUL 08 -
Apple offers SmashMouth Games developer licence to bring IP such as Neon Blaster Overload to Apple products such as the IPhone.

MAY 08 -
Ongaku is nominated for Newgrounds Game of the Year Award, with now over 250 000 downloads.

FEB 08 -
SmashMouth Games attend the Casual Games Connect Conference in Amsterdam with sponsorship from Casual Games North West, where Ongaku and Neon Blaster Flash prototypes are shown to interested publishers. Further relationships are developed with companies such as Real Arcade, Mumbo Jumbo, Big Fish Games and Oberon Media.

JAN 08 -
SmashMouth Games and Nintendo US finalise Wii Ware Development Licence to create IP such as the 5th iteration of Ongaku specifically for Nintendo Wii Ware on the Nintendo Wii Console. Access granted to Nintendo Wiis Software Development Kits.

DEC 07
SmashMouth Games and Sonalksis Ltd enter into a mutually beneficial agreement to develop online downloadable games, such as the Ongaku and Neon Blaster IP.

NOV 07
SmashMouth Games and Sonalksis Ltd enter into discussions with regards to a future partnership to develop IP for Console Downloadable initiatives.

OCT 07 -
1st Iteration of Neon Blaster created in Adobe Flash and exclusively licensed to ILoaded.com (only rights to the Adobe Flash Version, whilst SmashMouth Games retains full IP rights). Interest shown by Microsoft Casual Games Department for a Direct X version of Neon Blaster to be developed for Xbox Live Arcade on the Xbox 360.

SEP 07 -
Nintendo US offers SmashMouth Games exclusive rights to develop IP such as Ongaku (5th Iteration with specific Wii functionality) for Nintendo Wii Ware on the Nintendo Wii Console.

AUG 07 -
Final version of Ongaku created in Adobe Flash wins Rockout Competition with over 100000 downloads in less than 2 weeks.

JUL 07 -
Final version of Ongaku created in Adobe Flash launched on Newgrounds in Rockout Competition.

JUN 07 -
4th Iteration of Ongaku Prototype created in Adobe Flash goes final in anticipation of Newgrounds Rockout Competition.

FEB 07 -
Relationship established with Casual Game North West Co-ordinators after the 3rd Iteration of Ongaku Prototype was demonstrated at the University of Bolton with positive interest.

DEC 06 -
2nd Iteration of Ongaku Prototype completed in Microsoft Direct X (Software Development Kit) with good feedback from professionals working within the Games Industry (Electronic Arts, Sony SCEA).

SEP 06 -
1st Iteration of Ongaku Prototype completed in Adobe Flash (Software Development Kit).

JUN 06 -
SmashMouth Games Ltd established with core members focusing upon creating IP for console downloadable distribution. 5 core game designs are identified with primary focus on Ongaku