Interview with Andy Qua – Creator of Cube Runner

I interviewed with Andy Qua, creator of Cube Runner, over the internet, in order to learn about his thoughts concerning not only his own game, but about the future of iPhone gaming. Here are his thoughts on certain issues:

1. What originally got you into programming?

Well, my Dad bought a Commodore PET back when I was 7 (about 1979) and it came with Space Invaders. I was so blown away with this I pretty much decided there and then that that was what I wanted to do (it was either that or design the chips but I was no good at the hardware side).  Professionally, I’ve been working at British Airways for nearly 20 years – staying as technical as I can manage (sometimes quite a hard thing to do) which gave me a great foundation in C/C++ and Java. This also made learning Objective C much easier.

2. How did you come up with the idea for Cube Runner?

I’d love to say that the idea was mine but unfortunately it wasn’t. Cube Runner was based on the flash game Cube Field (by Max @ flecko.net). I loved his version when it came out and always wanted to do a version in some form. Then after Apple released the SDK, I was trying to write a 3D based version of my iCave game (a game for jailbroken iPhone/Touch based on SFCave). This didn’t turn out to be practical, however it did inspire me to write Cube Runner, and the accelerometer turned out to be the perfect control method.

3. What made you want to give it away for free?

I actually enjoy writing code for fun, and I think that the added expectations of selling software would change that from fun into something more serious. I also can’t dedicate a set amount of time for the support and maintenance I’d have to provide. I also get a buzz from people using software I’ve written – especially if they enjoy using it :).

4. Where do you think iPhone gaming will lead? Will we see more games based on the accelerometer, or on other features?

It has the potential to be one of the best mobile gaming platforms available. It won’t beat the DS (not surprisingly really) but it is already head and shoulders above pretty much [sic] mobile phone game I’ve played). The accelerometer is an interesting control mechanism and combined with the touch screen I hope will produce some novel games. The lack of hardware buttons does make some games a little tricky – platform games for instance.

5. What plans do you have for other software?

I’ve already co-written the BA Flights application (for Timetable and Real-Time flight arrival and departure information), and have a couple of other projects on the go at the moment. A nonogram puzzle game (think Picross DS) which is nearly complete, and a re-write of iCave using OpenGL. I’d also like to have a go at a Flight Simulator – I have some ideas but we’ll see.

6. What do you do in your spare time, and what kind of games do you like yourself?

My wife and two children take up most of my time, but I do play squash fairly regularly. I also enjoy Snowboarding and just lazing on a beach (although not much chance of that for a bit!). Oh yeah, and I do use computers just a little bit and have an ever growing collection to my wife’s disgust.

I mainly enjoy older games – and still play some old C64/Amiga games. I do like some FPS games – Quake 2, Unreal, Call of Duty being my favourites and also the occasional driving game (Gran Turismo).

I personally love that people still play C64 games, but that’s a post for another time, and another blog.