The making of Supernauts, a F2P debate, and Kim Kardashian heads for Europe

Last week's top 5 stories

• 5 Born of stars: The making of Supernauts

  

  Grand Cru's Supernauts is a game with a huge history. It might have only been on digital shelves for less than a month, but it's been making waves for the better part of three years.

  After being in development for what seems like forever, you'd imagine the team over at Grand Cru would have some pretty interesting stories to tell.

  Of course, you'd be right, which is exactly why we spoke to Mikki Wilkman, CTO and co-founder of Grand Cru, to find out what went on during those infamous 36 months.

  "The first iteration was much closer to a platformer with user generated levels," recalled Wilkman.

  "If you think of a mix between Little Big Planet and Minecraft you should have a pretty good picture.

  "At that time, our focus wasn't on mobile alone and the project got quite complex and we couldn't balance out how to make it properly work as free-to-play on the long term."

  
  

• 4 Paid or F2P: Let the debate rage

  

  Free-to-play versus premium: knowing which one is right for your game can be difficult thanks to the never-ending debate that surrounds both models.

  For every person that thinks free-to-play is evil, there's another standing opposite them professing their love for a model that's turned games intol cash conveyer belts.

  Fortunately for you, PocketGamer.biz's George Osborn was on hand last week to talk you through the pros and cons of both models, helping you understand which one is your match made in heaven.

  "Probably the major benefit of releasing a game for a price tag is that it provides you, the developer, the opportunity to really exercise your creative freedom," explained Osborn.

  "By enforcing an upfront transaction and dissuading all but the keenest from purchasing your game, you automatically grant yourself greater creative licence to impress those who have paid."

  
  

• 3 GetJar CEO launches Toyze: an app store for 3D printed game characters

  

  GetJar to the Chinese founder Ilja Laurs has burst back onto the scene with new startup Toyze, an app store for customisable 3D printed game characters.

  Toyze launched on Google Play last week with support from the Cut the Rope series, ensuring mobile gamers will be climbing over one another to get their hands on a personalised version of the loveable Om Nom.

  It's the start of a project that. Laurs believes, will reach its peak when 3D printers finally realise their potential.

  "In the near future 3D printers will be ubiquitous, a home appliance allowing people to choose and print anything - from toys to jewelry - in a matter of minutes," said Laurs.

  "Toyze's game characters marketplace is our first step towards that big vision."

  
  

• 2 Supercell signs deal with Kunlun Wanwei for Android version of Boom Beach

  

  China's fragmented Android market means that western developers need to work closely with local publishers in order to find their feet.

  Even the big guns aren't exempt from the rules, which is exactly why Supercell have formed an alliance with Kunlun Wanwei, with the firm set to release the Android version of Boom Beach.

  The Chinese publisher also has deals in place to release Supercell's other titles, Clash of Clans and Hay Day, on Android app stores.

  
  

• 1 Kim Kardashian: Hollywood - a US hit or global breakout?

  

  We always suspected Kim Kardashian's mobile game, which is aptly titled Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, would be a hit in the US. 

  The real challenge, would, of course, come in the form of a European resistance, because while Kim's brand might be enormous in the US, the inhabitants of Europe haven't become quite as enamoured with Mrs Kanye West. 

  So, will Kim be able to thrive across the pond, or will her mobile effort be left sitting pretty in the states?

  As always, our beloved Charticle has all of the answers.