Western Australian digital game ‘PLONG’ released on PC today
Supported through Screenwest's Digital Games Production Fund, the brick-breaking arcade game sees its players travel back in time to 1998 and play as a runaway virus.
Screenwest is pleased to announce that Western Australian digital game PLONG is launching around the world today on PC, supported through the Digital Games Production Fund.
Set in the year 1998, PLONG sees its players become a runaway virus rampaging through computer systems and destroying as many files as possible before being caught. PLONG blends classic arcade action with a modern upgrade-focused loop, with each run providing a new combination of abilities and upgrades making every playthrough a unique challenge. As players progress, they earn valuable upgrades to help them stay one step ahead of the security forces hunting them down.
With visuals inspired by retro-computing interfaces of the 90s, PLONG is the first solo-developed project from WA-based developer Rob Gross of independent game design studio Henry’s House. Rob previously developed card shop simulation game Kardboard Kings, in which players set up and run a local trading card shop.
“Launching my first solo-developed video game has been a long term goal for me and the assistance from Screenwest has helped immensely. I wanted to create a game to fill coffee breaks with short, action-packed sessions – I think PLONG has hit that niche perfectly. It was lots of fun coming up with a theme that harkens back to the weird Y2K era of tech and the internet, hopefully people get a kick out of it!” said Rob Gross, PLONG developer.
PLONG is one of 13 WA digital games supported through Screenwest’s new Digital Games Production Fund. Launched in December 2022, the fund provides grants to Western Australian companies and key creatives to develop and release high-quality, diverse and engaging digital games. A new round of the Digital Games Production Fund is currently open for applications, with Screenwest also supporting WA digital games companies through the Digital Games Business Accelerator Fund,
“Congratulations to Rob and Henry’s House on the release of PLONG! It’s fantastic to see the first project supported through our Digital Games Production Fund make its way into the world. PLONG is an engaging twist on the classic retro arcade game, and we’re confident that its challenging gameplay and nostalgic visuals will make it a hit with players everywhere.” said Mark Smith, Screenwest Digital Games Manager.
PLONG is available to purchase worldwide via Steam here.
Apply for the Digital Games Production Fund (closing Monday, 21 August) and Digital Games Business Accelerator Fund (closing Monday, 14 August) here.
Contact Screenwest
T: +61 8 6169 2100
E: info@screenwest.com.au
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with Screenwest.