By Benjamin Millar
Video games have come a long way since Atari’s breakout hit Pong landed on screens in the 1970s.
While rapid technology changes led to a boom in large-scale graphic-driven games within the multi-billion dollar industry, independent designers can still carve out a home for smaller-scale creations.
Seddon video game developer Ian MacLarty has happily stepped into this space, gaining a dedicated following for a steady stream of creative new games.
MacLarty said a 20-year career in IT has provided the technical know-how, while a life-long interest in art has inspired the creative side of his short-form, experimental designs.
“My background is computer science, but I have always had an interest in fine arts as well,” he said.
“Making games brings together a lot of different disciplines; I really enjoy the creative side of the visuals and music as well.”
MacLartey took his first step into video game design in 2010, co-creating works with friend Jon Kerney.
Enjoying breakthrough success a few years ago with his popular abstract 3D art game ‘The Catacombs of Solaris’, MacLarty has taken the plunge from dabbling in a hobby to video game design as a full-time pursuit.
“I was just doing some games in my own spare time, smaller-scale more experimental work and art-focussed games,” he said.
“I’ve made a name for myself with those sorts of games, but have released a few more commercial games as well.”
His most recent project to attract widespread attention is the award-winning puzzle game Dissembler.
The subtle logic puzzler involves unravelling bold, abstract designs one colour at a time.
Although loosely based on ‘match-three’ games such as Bejeweled and Candy Crush Saga, MacLartey said his game is more complex and rewards players who are able to plan ahead.
Dissembler has scored MacLartey an invite to the Indie Showcase at this month’s Pax Aus gathering, an event expected to draw thousands of gaming enthusiasts from across the country to the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre on October 28 and 29.
