Review Fix chats with Jonathan Martinez Vazquez (Co-Founder / C.E.O. / Creative Director) of 8bit Bosses Studios to find out about the awesome development team and what we can expect from them in 2020.
Who Are the Bosses?
We are a partnership of independent video game developers, based in Puerto Rico (U.S. Territory). We’re currently working hard on future projects and focusing on developing high-quality and engaging experiences for our users by implementing Interactive Media into their pipelines or business model.
Review Fix: How did the studio form?
Jonathan Martinez Vazquez: 8bit Bosses Studios is an initiative that was started in the year 2013 while our co-founder was studying for his University degree. During that time we were applying what we were learning in our classes on multiple prototypes, demos, really any project we were invited to. Our mindset at that time was focused on practicing and learning as much as possible.
In the year 2017 the island was hit by Hurricane Maria, devastating numerous sectors. This resulted in the closure of the studio, some of us worked for at that time. After working with multiple creative teams and amazing projects, we decided that our journey was not over. So we established the company that year and immediately started to work on another project.
Review Fix: How are guys all different?
MartÃnez: Even though we are a small studio, we work alongside the community as keynote speakers, advisors, college professors, mentors and directors to help the new generation of developers understand a bit better the industry, by sharing our experiences and tricks we have learned along the way.
We are also strong believers that videogames are more than just pure entertainment, so we need to reflect that thought process in our projects. An example could be seen in our project Puerto Rico No Esta Apagao, which is a marketing platform that helped raise funds for the recuperation of Puerto Rico after the storm. With this project we partnered with the Foundation Puerto Rico No Esta Apagao and created a video game with the purpose of helping in the recuperation process of our country. This is just a small example of the potential video games have today and how they can be used to help existing industries enter new markets.
Review Fix: How does it work?
Martinez: For collaborations or services, you can contact us at [email protected].
Every project is different and needs to be evaluated; this is so we ensure we create a tailored product for our clients or partners. Tell us about your game ideas and let’s make them a reality!
Review Fix: ell me about your games.
MartÃnez:
REEF ESCAPE
Platform: Mobile / Released: August 2016
Description: Reef Escape consists of helping our hero cross the dangers of the sea and reach dry land once again. Our hero will travel in a breathable air bubble. Swipe the screen to move our hero in that direction and tap the screen to make a full stop. But be careful, if the bubble touches anything it will pop! Without the bubble, the bait worm can only hold his breath for 10 seconds, enough time for you to find a bubble plant and obtain a new bubble.
PUERTO RICO NO ESTÃ APAGA’O
Platform: Mobile / Released: April 2018
Description: Play as “Molusco†(influencer heading the Foundation) as he continuously runs forward while jumping hazards, eliminating enemies, and rebuilding the destruction left by Hurricane MarÃa. Collect communication tokens to increase your score and help illuminate Puerto Rico! Earnings from the game will go towards the Movement: Puerto Rico No Está Apaga’o (Puerto Rico Is Not Spiritless), a non-profit led by local entrepreneurs who decided to unite their resources to help in the recovery of Puerto Rico.
CHANGUY: THE GAME
Platform: TBD Released: TBD
Description: We are excited to present our next project! This time we are partnering up with the amazing Dave Alvarez Studios to bring you all, Changuy’s biggest adventure yet!
Play as the iconic character from the comic book Changuy created by the talented artist Dave Alvarez, while he embarks on his journey to defeat evil! Relive his stories in a new interactive way with his upcoming video game Changuy: The Game.
Review Fix: What’s the feeling like amongst all of you?
MartÃnez: We are a pretty focused and passionate team, we have seen the impact video games have had in the past few years and how it has evolved to be a part of our day to day life. So we are determined to continue teaching, creating and helping the future generation and existing industries, the potential video games can be.
Review Fix: Any fun stories?
MartÃnez: Well we can say we laughed when it happened. When we launched the game with the foundation we were trending as #1 top game on the Google play store for more than a week, topping giants like Minecraft and Grand Theft Auto. Most of this game was created by using a power plant and mobile hotspots since there was no power on the island at that time. So the amount of power cords we had together might have been a fire hazard, lol.
Review Fix: Who will enjoy your games the most?
MartÃnez: Since our projects are for specific causes for multiple industries, a wide range of users can enjoy them. This way, we don’t limit creativity.
Reef Escape, for example, is created and designed for young ages and up, while Changuy: The Game is more towards fans of the 90’s cartoon era, which are a bit older nowadays. Even though each project is designed differently we incorporate certain elements to highlight the gameplay. This brings users who normally don’t play these types of games or use these platforms, will find them interesting, visually appealing or even challenging to play.
Review Fix: What’s next?
MartÃnez: We are currently working on our next project, Changuy: The Game. For this collaboration, we are partnering up with the amazing artist Dave Alvarez, on bringing to life one of his iconic comic book characters Changuy!
We are creating an incredible world that was highly inspired by the cartoons of the ’90s, but with modern tools in our pipeline; to bring high-quality images and smooth animations inspired by old school techniques. Stay tuned for more details on all our social media platforms for news, updates and more regarding our current and future projects.
Review Fix: Anything you want to add?
MartÃnez: Even though we are just a small community, we have the potential, the experience and the incentives to work on multiple projects. With more people aware of the talent and creativity that exists on the island, it will help us establish a healthy and sustainable ecosystem; creating a diverse bilingual talent pool for more complex and ambitious projects.
We encourage all to explore the use of video games in their products or branding, we guarantee it will help you deliver your message to a wider and diverse audience.
Contact us at [email protected] and let’s create the next wave of creativity together.
As always, be the Boss of your digital world!
Review Fix: Where can people find out more info?
MartÃnez: For business inquiries, you may contact us at:
Additional information at:
Our social media platforms are:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Instagram:
Youtube:
Tutorial channel:
Udemy course:
LinkedIn:
Website:
Game Links:
Reef Escape (android only)
Puerto Rico No Esta Apagao (android/iOS)
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.EightBitBosses.LightUpPR
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/puerto-rico-no-est%C3%A1-apagao/id1351092344
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