Creating games that make people read, think and laugh
Matt Javanshir
Most of us remember, as kids, huddling around the TV with friends or siblings, acting out pretend adventures, building forts from cushions and duvets and generally doing anything we could to make each other laugh.
Well, thirty years later my brother Ryan and I are still doing just that. We started our game studio, Propulsion Games, in Southampton in 2020 with the aim of creating games that make people read, think and (hopefully) laugh.
Together with friends and family, we’ve carved out a niche for ourselves in a crowded marketplace that reflects the things we love most, whether it’s science, space, teamwork, logic puzzles or pun-based humour.
Our focus is on games that challenge people to think under pressure and work as a team. A great example is our latest release, Twisted Logic: Abbotsfield, which requires players to navigate a haunted house while solving logic puzzles in the form of investigative case files.
We’ve also recently launched Brainyhawk, a series of literary logic puzzles for fans of wordplay, riddles and puzzles. Whether it’s fictional menus, telegrams or posters, there’s something for everyone. You can even try them out for free at brainyhawk.com. Also in the works is a Brainyhawk logic puzzle set up like a 90s TV guide.
Although we’ve been doing this for a few years now, we’re still at the start of our journey, with plans for even more ambitious titles on the horizon. We work remotely, collaborating on everything from game design and programming to writing, graphic design and audio.
There’s never a dull moment at Propulsion HQ. We’re also active in the local indie developer scene, regularly meeting with fellow developers in and around Southampton to playtest and support each other’s projects. It’s a fantastic community and we’re always delighted to welcome new members. Anyone interested can find the group on Facebook – just search for ‘Southampton Game Developers’ for more details.
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