Art alums contribute talents and training to development of game
Two recent graduates of MSUM’s Art & Design Department are part of a six-member team that created The Abettor’s Letters, a computer game that teaches users how to speak French. Kyle Weik, 2012, is the UI (user interface) graphic designer, and McCal Joy Johnson, 2013, is the scene development artist.
The Abettor’s Letters is a point-and-click adventure featuring a complete French curriculum. The player assumes the identity of Secret Agent Carsen Brooks and learns just enough French at each level to pass as a French citizen and thwart the next terrorist attack. The setting of the game was inspired by La Belle Epoque, the most iconic and romantic period in French history.
The Abettor’s Letters is currently being developed for iPad and PC. The team of writers, designers, artists, gamers, and French education enthusiasts are using Kickstarter this July to raise money to program one complete episode that people can try at no cost.
On the game’s website, the developers state that they “are committed to using local talent and businesses, whenever possible, to make this game come to life. We are all personally committed to youth, education, and art, and we look forward to serving the Fargo-Moorhead community in these areas once successful.” To learn more about the game, go to www.theabettorsletters.com.