Ironzilla, an independent video game startup based in San Francisco, CA, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the development of their first mobile game, Zombocalypse. The game involves frantic arcade style action amidst the zombie apocalypse and offers players a deep rewards system for leveling up their zombie killer, all enhanced and optimized for the iPhone and iPad.
“Zombocalypse was originally a small Flash game I created last year, and since then has received over 6 million plays,” says John Funtanilla, a student at SFSU and the founder of Ironzilla. “The feedback was overwhelmingly supportive, so we decided to give gamers more of what they already loved.”
The revamped title will boast new and fluid graphics, an original soundtrack, skills and perks, a deep reward system, various kill combos, character customizations, and different areas each with new challenges and modes.
Ironzilla had spent the last several months searching for a team capable of bringing the ambitious zombie game to life. After emailing dozens of developers and even entertaining the idea of outsourcing the game to another studio, they luckily managed to assemble a team of industry veterans hailing from companies such as Sony, Microsoft, EA, and 2K Games.
“I’ve always been the persistent type,” John chuckled. “I always say if you fully believe in something and you’re passionate about it, then go get it. Even if you have to email the whole world to do it.”
Included in that elite roster are the award winning composers Symphony of Specters (known for their music in hit indie game Castle Crashers), a veteran programmer, and two award winning artists, one of whom was the artist for hit iOS game League of Evil 2. John himself has developed and published over 8 games (titles such as Ski Runner and Omega Box) with some of the biggest online gaming companies such as MTV Network’s AddictingGames, all while still in school.
Ironzilla hopes to receive the support of their fans, friends, and family as they march towards their $20,000 goal. Contributors will receive rewards ranging from free copies of the game, exclusive t-shirts, high quality posters, to actually being a playable character in the game. Ironzilla estimates Zombocalypse to be released sometime in October if the project reaches its funding goal.
“For me, this is much more than just creating a game,” says John. “It’s about fulfilling a life long dream and being able to help and inspire others who wish to do the same.”
For more details, visit Ironzilla’s Kickstarter page: www.kck.st/zombocalypse
