As part of the new GREE Loves Indies program, the Japanese social gaming giant is working closely with a number of studios, providing them with support and expertise to set them up for a successful launch.

The venture also delivers an 'Indie of the Month' - an ongoing program where one lucky developer can tap into GREE's expertise and get pre-launch support, PR, GREE Platform integration, and post-launch support to launch their game on GREE Platform.

We recently sat down with the first indie winner, Neal Nellans of Tiny Utopia, to learn about his experience working with GREE, what GREE Platform features he's most excited about integrating into his game, Epic Mech Wars, and what mobile games he's currently playing.

Pocket Gamer: Neal, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into game development?

Neal Nellans: I have a background in filmmaking and 3D environment design.

Ten years ago, I decided to go into game development when I had the opportunity to work directly with Steven Spielberg on the original Medal of Honor at Dreamworks. I couldn't pass that up.

Now, I oversee all stages of game development at Tiny Utopia, which I really enjoy.

I've been an independent developer for several years and am now focused on mobile development with my newest game, Epic Mech Wars, scheduled to launch on GREE Platform this holiday season.

You were recently selected as GREE's first "Indie of the Month." Now that you've been working with the GREE team for a few weeks, can you tell us how it's been?

Right from the start, I received outstanding support from GREE. Being a smaller game studio, we appreciate having access to some of the resources that the big studios have access to.

For example, we currently use the Unity game engine and GREE was able to provide us with a solid SDK that is compatible with Unity, allowing us to begin testing immediately.

Specifically how has GREE helped you so far?

GREE has been really good about being there when we need it and the firm has helped us focus our time and resources when we've requested it.

It has also been really good about putting us in touch with other complementary services that benefit our game.

I find GREE's hands-off approach to be the best fit for my studio. It knows that we're the game designers so they leave that up to us, but the firm continuously informs us about the tools at our disposal without imposing design decisions.

What GREE Platform features are you most looking forward to integrating into Epic Mech Wars and why?
Epic Mech Wars is a turn based combat RPG, so leaderboards and achievements were important to us, and GREE allows you to easily integrate these features.

Additionally, we're excited to use share requests and in-game gifting, so players can work together to build up their mechs and overall win percentages.

What makes Epic Mech Wars unique? Why do you think GREE chose your game over other submissions?

I think we built a unique battle arena that keeps players engaged over multiple, short-game play sessions for long periods of time.

I wanted to create a fast paced, turn-based combat fighter that looked good and was easy to learn but deep to master.



I think we accomplished that. I also think of this game as a service  that will be refined as players get more skilled at the mechanics, and GREE understands and supports that free to play model.

What attracted you to the Indie of the Month program in the first place?

At GDC Online I spoke with the representatives from GREE and felt like the firm really understood the services that we needed most as an indie studio.

From the get go, GREE treated us like professionals, which immediately builds a lot of trust when working with a new team for the first time.

And has the program met your expectations so far?

It's been great to have access to so many talented people that are as passionate as we are about bringing rich mobile gaming experiences to players worldwide.

As a small studio, it's invaluable to have people on your side who are familiar with the ins-and-outs of the mobile gaming industry.

Why do you choose to make games on your own instead of joining a larger game studio or partnering with a publisher?

One of the things I enjoy most about a small studio environment is getting to work on all aspects of game development.

There aren’t always those opportunities in larger studios and for me, that can limit the creative process and reduce input from outside individuals - which can be the most valuable.

Admittedly, a lot of people feel more comfortable focusing on one thing, but for me, it’s typically not as challenging.

Do you have any words of wisdom for the other indies out there who may be interested in GREE's Indie of the Month program?

Come up with an idea that you're really excited about and try to make it unique. Then put in as much polish as possible because collectively those details make your project stand out.

Chances are if you're passionate about what you're working on, that enthusiasm will be apparent in the final product.

What do you love about the gaming industry?

I love that there is no consensus on what makes a good game or even a fun game. It's all about how people react to the multitudes of different games out there. I'm interested to see how games will evolve in the next 10 years.

What are your favourite games right now?

I was seriously addicted to StarCraft 2 for a long time but it’s difficult to compete in if you don't have enough time to play frequently. I play mostly mobile games now, because my schedule doesn't allow for a ton of gaming.
Outwitters by One Man Left and Punch Quest by RocketCat Games are getting a lot of plays on my phone right now.
Thanks to Neal for his time.

To learn more about this awesome program and apply to be the next Indie of the Month, visit greelovesindies.com.

You can also watch Tiny Utopia's live interview with GREE here.