As part of their senior Capstone Project, recent Computer Science graduates Oscar Barreto Lara, Meredith Logston, Noah Sandler and Garrett Sueing helped develop a video game in collaboration with local studio Dapper Duck Software.
The Magical Quest of Molly the Marble took about three months to create, beginning in February and culminating in May right before commencement.
“I feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity to work on this game. It was so cool to see it evolve throughout the semester, and it makes me proud that I was able to help contribute to that,” Sandler said.
“It was nice being able to get experience working on a game while still having the structure of a college course,” Logston said.
In Molly the Marble, players tilt diorama-like environments to roll Molly through puzzles, secrets and gentle adventures. Inspired by the feeling of building imaginary worlds out of cardboard boxes and craft supplies, the game blends physics-based puzzle solving with a cozy, accessible design philosophy, falling within the fantasy adventure genre. The game is being developed for people who need an escape from the stresses of everyday life, to help them find relaxation and reconnect with their childhood imagination.
The project was inspired by several games including Tunic, The Legend of Zelda, Super Monkey Ball, and Marble Madness.
“Senior capstone projects are at their best when students can apply their computer science education to meaningful, real-world work,” said Dr. Brandon Booth, an assistant professor at the University of Memphis who taught the capstone course and worked with the student team. “As a former game developer, I know game development is a uniquely creative medium that poses exciting technical and collaborative challenges, and it was a wonderful opportunity for our students to tackle those challenges as part of a Memphis-made game receiving this kind of recognition.”
The game was selected for The MIX Summer Game Showcase during Summer Game Fest in Los Angeles as part of The MIX’s onsite showcase at the GRAMMY Museum Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace where game enthusiasts and industry had the chance to play the game in person.
“This project gave students the opportunity to contribute to a real commercial game while it was actively being prepared for public announcement,” said Joel Gerber, president of Dapper Duck Software. “The University of Memphis capstone team brought energy, problem-solving and technical skill to the project, and it is exciting to see their work become part of a game selected for a major indie showcase in Los Angeles.”
Molly the Marble is available to wish list now on Steam and will be added to the PlayStation and Xbox storefronts later this month.
Players can wish list Molly the Marble on Steam.
About Dapper Duck Software
Dapper Duck Software, LLC is an independent game development studio based in Memphis, Tenn. The studio creates imaginative, accessible games with a focus on charm, exploration and playful design.
