Studio 100
(Nintendo) Games
Studio 100 is an entertainment company creating a lot of TV series aimed at children. Back in the day they contacted the agency I was working for to find out if we could deliver online, CD-ROM and even Nintendo games. We had already delivered an online game for Het Huis Anubis – so the step to CD-ROM and Nintendo games was not that big.
My Role
I have worked on various games, such as Het Huis Anubis, Mega Mindy, K3 and more. You can imagine my role was different for every game. Interface design, visual design, level design are a standard ofcourse – but I was also responsible for all printed materials with the games and wrote dialogues for Het Huis Anubis.
My work included:
- Art Direction
- Visual / Interface / Level Design
- All printed materials (booklets, cards, labels, etc.)
- Storylines / Dialogues / Flows
- German version (Das Haus Anubis)
Why it was so special
The Studio 100 projects were amazing for various reasons. Having worked on the website for the movie of Het Huis Anubis and the game website with the TV series – the games took it to another level.
My children were also growing up with Studio 100 series, so it was great to work on material they’d get to see. These games were also my first works to be available at the stores. Amazing to see your own product on the shelves!
Finally, I was in close contact with Nintendo as I was in the lead for all packaging of the games. Nintendo is a love brand for me – so to work closely with them was amazing! I’ve still got the Christmas gifts (collecter’s items now).
What I’ve learned
During these projects I’ve learned a lot about game design and how to create assets which can be used in multiple ways to build levels. I’ve also learned a lot about the psychology of games – how to keep players interested and motivated.
As the packaging of the games was my first real DTP-experience, I’ve also learned a lot about printed works. The Nintendo DS games took me back to when I just started, because everything was done in 8-bit (256 colors). It was a puzzle at times to make things work and look great in 8-bit.
Many of the games are a collaboration between Studio 100 & Nickelodeon (which aired Het Huis Anubis) so I’ve also learned how to work in a collaboration and how to manage stakeholders from all parties.
