HUDSON – With the idea of inspiring the next generation of video game designers, Google Play’s Change the Game Design Challenge put teenage girls across the country to the test to come up with their best mobile game idea – and a local girl was chosen as one of five finalists.

The challenge, which is in its second year, aims to make mobile gaming inclusive for women, both as players and creators. Their research shows that while 49% of mobile gamers in the U.S. are women, they only comprise 28% of the gaming industry’s workforce. After receiving more than 1,500 entries, five finalists, who worked with Girls Make Games,were selected by a panel of guest judges.

Krista Gursky, 18, who is a student at Alvirne High School, was selected as one of those finalists for her game, Spectrum.

“I grew up playing a lot of different games, and I like how versatile and unique games can be, even from each other,” Gursky said. “Sometimes, they can be really good for telling a story, and sometimes, they’re just pure fun. I took part in the challenge because I like art and storytelling and thought it might be fun getting a shot at helping to make a game based off of my own ideas.”

While designing Spectrum, Gursky set out to capture a feeling of love and belonging, while also offering the ability to do something about the various situations life throws at you. The game itself evolved from doodles and sketches, with little notes in the margins. It is a 2D platformer fantasy game featuring “sprites,” or small pixie-like creatures, that overtake the bodies of other creatures on Earth, controlling their actions and powers. The game challenges the player to navigate the different worlds, complete quests and save sprite-invaded humans.

Krista’s game and those produced by the other finalists are now available for download on Google Play.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.

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