Niagara College team gets video game on Steam
Online adventure about knight has racked up thousands of downloads in one month
A team of Niagara College grads — and one current student — are hoping their indie game scores a hit during the COVID-19 video game boom.
“The Fallen,” which originated as a student project two years ago, was released on game platform Steam last month, and has already racked up thousands of downloads.
There’s no money in it. And it’s like a pebble in an ocean of downloadable video games. But for graduate Andres Coimbra Castedo and the game’s other designers, it’s a crucial first step to gaining a foothold in the industry.
“When employers look at applications, they care more about what you’ve done,” he says.
In that regard, “The Fallen” is a resume-ready adventure game about a knight reclaiming his honour by defeating a series of guardians in order to reclaim vindication.
Intended for mature players, the game features intense combat and a moody, medieval atmosphere.
“We wanted to make a game that we love playing,” says Castedo.
It originated as a third-year capstone project for the college’s game development students. When the game wasn’t finished by graduation, the students were allowed to use the school’s facilities during the summer.
Once development finished in August, the team had to incorporate themselves in order to launch it on Steam.
Under the name 6 Pillars Studios, the team got the game online March 4.
Linda Roote, associate professor of the college’s school of media studies, says the game is a “testament” to the program.
“‘The Fallen’ is an example to all students that when they apply the skills and knowledge they gain through their studies … they can achieve their dreams.”
In addition to Castedo, 6 Pillars Studios consists of Andrew Chiarelli, Philip Ellis, Duncan Brudlo, Kristopher McArthur, Emma Perretta, Doug McKay, Cole Robertson and Mathieu Chartrand.
Launching the game on Steam is key, says college game professor Conor MacNeill, because just one “influential streamer” can generate massive attention.
“By putting themselves out there on Steam, our students have given streamers around the world the opportunity to play their game.”
A sneak peak of the game was seen in October with a trailer launch at Marilyn I. Walker Centre of Excellence in Visual Arts and Technology. An official game launch was scheduled at the school for late March but was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The same pandemic which may inadvertently bring more attention to “The Fallen,” now that gamers are housebound and hungry for content.
“There are more people playing than ever,” says Castedo.
Because the game was developed with Niagara College resources, it’s available for free on Steam.
Now, with a calling card, Castedo says 6 Pillars Studio can make a “solid demo” for its next game to generate interest from investors.