HiTech, a STEM program created by the Howard County Library System (HCLS) recently released its newest innovation. Designed by local middle and high school students, Cyborg Glitch is a free, downloadable game application for mobile and other devices. The app was created – all the way from concept to reality by approximately 25 students who participated in a weeklong HCLS gaming workshop. “Everything is team-driven,” says Christie Lassen when asked how the students decided on a game. Students developed the idea and created a story board with characters. Working in tandem with Mindgrub Technologies, the game was formed! The game begins when a violent electric storm creates a glitch in a TV remote control, causing players to be sucked into a combination science fiction/horror TV show. A wild chase ensues as players become cyborgs running from a terrifying zombie robot. Players choose from four characters who must run, jump, and slide to avoid obstacles and escape the robot’s wrath while collecting coins and power along the way to increase points.
To find out how it ends you’ll have to download it!
The HCLS The program is open to anyone aged 11-18, and offers a variety of classes focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math. The program’s first game app, Escape from Detention was released in January 2013 and has been downloaded more than 6,000 times in more than 30 countries to date. More than 3,500 students have participated since HiTech’s inception and in addition to the games, the program has developed music, videos, ebooks and more.
Cyborg Glitch and Escape from Detention are available on iTunes and GooglePlay or via hclibrary.org/hitech.
