The Netherlands Embassy in Japan and Taito bring Netherlands-Japan GameJam 2008 Winner “WaterWays” to the Apple iPhone!
The concept of action-puzzler “WaterWays” previously shone as the winner of the Netherlands-Japan GameJam 2008 contest, held as part of the “Netherlands in Japan 2008-2009” celebration.
Last year was the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Japan and the Netherlands, and this year, 2009, marks 400 years of trade between the two nations. Organized by Dutch game organization NLGD and Dutch Game Garden and supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands-Japan GameJam 2008 contest was held as part of the continuing “Netherlands in Japan 2008-2009” celebration.
The Netherlands government invests in the growth of its national creative industry, and for this reason the “Netherlands in Japan 2008-2009” celebration has also featured events focusing on cross-cultural exchange via games. TAITO has long taken an active role in promoting the industry and mobile gaming in particular by participating in world-class events such as the International Mobile Gaming Awards. Hoping to make use of this prior experience and eager to contribute to the longstanding friendship between Japan and the Netherlands, TAITO participated in the “Netherlands in Japan 2008-2009” celebration by joining the panel of judges for the Netherlands-Japan GameJam 2008 competition and agreeing to publish an extended and adapted version of the winning concept.
“WaterWays” is a puzzle game developed by Dutch studio Rough Cookie, a joint venture between GameJam winners Khaeon and Elements Interactive. Players assume the role of a heroic cow named Patch. When the Netherlands’ state-of-the-art water management system “Delta 3” goes haywire, leading to widespread flooding, it’s up to Patch to navigate a series of water-filled mazes and drawbridges in an effort to reach and repair the leaking valves. “WaterWays” makes full use of the iPhone 3G/iPod Touch’s motion sensors, with intuitive controls and instantly appealing game play.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan and Taito hope to continue to work together for the benefit of both Japan and the Netherlands’ game industries.
