"Christmas Bytes" Kickstarter Aims To Bring The Golden Age To The Silver Screen

Earlier this year, my brother and I were contacted at 8bitrocket.com by the producers of a movie named "Christmas Bytes".   They asked us how much it would cost to create an HTML5 game that looked and felt like a game from 1982.     They sent a long a movie script for us to read, and told us that they planned to make the movie in 2013.

We get weird "retro" requests all the time, so I was about to toss this one aside when, on a whim, I decided to read a few pages of the script just to see what they had in store.  I'm glad I did, because the script read really well.  It was like a cross between Superbad and A Christmas Story, with a good helping of Freaks And Geeks thrown in for good measure.  The story involves two kids, one who wants an 8-bit video game system for Christmas, and the other who wants a girl friend.  

I found myself returning the email to the producers asking how we could get involved. My borther and I loved the story so much, and wanted to see the movie made so badly, we opted to donate our development time and effort to create a game that will be given away as one of the Kickstarter incentives.

The entire game will be created using HTML5 and the Canvas, then ported to multiple devices and screens.  It is an homage to Atari 2600 Adventure, E.T., and Raiders Of The Lost Ark, with a few surprise mini-games thrown-in.  

The Kickstarter campaign launched today.  You can read all about the movie and people involved  (including 8 Bit Weapon, The Residents, Jerry Buckner (Pac-Man Fever), etc).   You can also see a demo video we put together with an early version of the game.  I, personally, think a movie that salutes the heady days of the of the video game Golden Age is long over due.   I just hope others feel the same way.