mavtherave

ARP & CER - Team MAVTHERAVE  : )

Not a coder, not a game designer... I'm just a regular guy who trained and worked as a traditional graphic artist many years ago, and throughout my time working in both the UK and Japan, I've been lucky enough to have numerous platforms for promoting learning and helping others to harness their creative potential. So why this, why now?

Witnessing the golden era of 8-bit computers first-hand was magical. As an aspiring artist back then, bedroom coders I knew from school would seek me out for help with their homebrews having heard I 'did sketches'. When I told one group that typing LOAD was about the extent of my programming skills, they explained how everything needed to look perfect on paper before committing themselves to weeks in front of their computers. It was a great feeling to know that, even without the primary skill required, I was able to contribute in another creative way, and have my own stamp on elements in a game that might even be published.

Later, my professional work took me overseas. During the years I spent in Japan, I had the opportunity to experience countless arcades full of the games we now refer to as 'classics'. Inspired by what I was seeing, I conceptualised a number of educational computer games that went on to be fully developed by others, and I had the pleasure of meeting some amazing designers and animators.

In recent years, however, life has thrown a few curve balls in my direction, which it tends to do when we reach a certain age. I decided a design-related 'respite project' would be a great way to relax at the end of a challenging day - I liked the idea of something I could step into whenever time allowed, to stretch my creative muscles, and learn a few new skills.

After the release of TheSpectrum2024, I came across MPAGD, and decided to set myself a goal; I would aim to create a 'home port of a fictional 80s arcade game', as if it was something that existed hidden in the endless rows of cabinets I'd seen in Japan. Would I be able to capture the essence of a game from that classic era? That would be my project, and I figured if I started it in time, I might get it finished and ready to present as a rather unique anniversary gift  : )

CER, my other half (who does her best to keep me sane, lol), is a fellow creative and closet nerd, having owned many of the systems back in the 80s including, of course, a ZX Spectrum. Her love of Bubble Bobble, Starquake and Gauntlet led me to start thinking about creating a game I knew she'd be excited to play, and I then had the idea of using her mad moggy Willow as the main character.

The development of SCRAPYARD SKEDADDLE ZX was lengthy, as finding a solid block of time at a computer isn't easy. With the aim of doing as much as I could myself using tutorials, and humbly asking for help with the more complex problems, I thought I might get halfway towards a finished game - I honestly didn't imagine I'd end up with something that could be deemed worth sharing. The moment I went to hit the upload button I stopped in my tracks, wondering if my attempt at a game actually belongs here with all the fantastic modern-day examples......

......Everyone who knew about the project, however, expressed to me that regardless of it being a newbie game without the complexities that many others might have, absolutely anything that someone has put so much effort into deserves a place it can be shared.

After many months, with lots of help and support, both from my partner, and from fellow enthusiasts online (who contributed solely out of the goodness of their hearts, for which I am incredibly grateful), I felt I owed it to everyone, myself included, to release it for all to play - I do hope that people will get some enjoyment from it  : )

I know this first game is far from perfect, and I understand that I've got great deal more to learn, but I'm incredibly happy with the outcome. It's been a pleasure to interact with those who took an interest in my idea, shared their stories, saved the day when I found myself completely stumped, and welcomed me onto the scene  : )

Willow The Cat will return in a second game in 2026!

ARP