An American Werewolf in L.A.

Making video games is already quite special. But sometimes, something makes it even more exciting.

Back in 2019, the Canary Islands Fantastic Film Festival City of La Laguna - a local movie festival with international projection - asked us to be part of the event creating its first official video game.

We love fantasy movies, we love games. There was not much money involved... but we said yes.

That 3rd edition's central theme was the Werewolf, with stellar guests like Rick Baker and David Naughton, and a screening of John Landis' An American Werewolf in London. Paul Naschy's memory would be present too - a quite famous Spanish werewolf on screen - so from the beginning we were sure they had to star in the game.

The organization wanted the game to be played in classic arcade cabinets, and thus it had to be a classic arcade game. After some meetings with organizers, and mostly inspired by our own gaming experience, the references were clear: Kung Fu Master, Vigilante, Green Beret... All of them simple but fun and compelling games. And awfully difficult. We were shocked to find out that Kung Fu Master lasted only SIX MINUTES. I personally never got further than floor 2...

So that was it: a 2D, short and difficult beat'm'up. Development begun.

Five months later, An American Werewolf in L.A. was ready to be played in the arcade cabinets provided by Canary Arcades, at the theater, next to the popcorn machines. Young D. Landis was ready to flee from Hell's Creek and chase his dream: to become a profesional surfer in L.A! But Sheriff Naschy wouldn't make it easy.

During a whole week, young and old people alike played the game. Watching someone play your game this way, when you yourself grew up watching people play while waiting for your turn, was quite an experience!

It was quite a ride. Do you recognize these two guys? Just taking this picture made the whole project worth it :D

An American Werewolf in L.A. has certainly been an exciting project, one of those that keep the love for video game development alive for us.

We hope you enjoy playing as much as we enjoyed working on it!