Tennis Champs Returns - Interview with the developer of a fantastic app

Did you have any prior development or coding experience?

Yes, I’ve been programming and making games since the mid-1990s, starting on the Amiga computer. My first game was the original Tennis Champs, which I revisited to make like a modern mobile game.

What was the most challenging aspect of developing mobile app?

Capturing the feel of my original Amiga game, while using more advanced and authentic ball simulation and modern graphics techniques.

_{Elton Bird}

Elton Bird has been developing video games since 1994 and has worked on most platforms over the last 25 years. From Freelance Developer on 16-bit computers, through console Developer Support and Software Development roles within Sega Europe, to Senior / Lead Programming roles at successful studios Razorworks, Exient, Natural Motion Games, and First Touch Games. Elton founded Uprising Games Limited in 2008.
Notable releases he has worked on include Madden, Fifa (NDS), Jenga (iOS / Android), Score!, Dawn of Titans, Tennis Champs and SSC (Super Soccer Champs).

Name a few of your favorite apps and reason you love them.

I play few racks of 9-Ball on a game called “Pool Break” quite frequently. It’s a perfect pick up and play game and the best pool game I’ve played.

How long have you been working on this app?

I started Tennis Champs Returns back in 2011! I had other work and projects so I didn’t push it beyond a demo for a couple of years. I gave it a proper development push in 2014, but it didn’t launch until 2016, and has been refined and frequently updated ever since.

What need of the user did you have in mind when developing this app?

Just to offer fun with a decent long-term challenge. To be able to steadily climb the rankings and play as frequently or infrequently as the user wants.

In what way do you think your app is better than similar apps on the market? Please describe in detail what innovation you think you bring and what you are proud of in your app.

Tennis Champs is one of the most accurate depictions of real tennis in any tennis game, despite having retro-style visuals. I’ve had great feedback from people who play the sport for real saying this. The strategy and variety of shots possible mean success (or failure!) is in the hands of the player, not the CPU.

What are your future plans and expected features of the coming new versions of this app?

I’ve got a few other titles both available and in development, and I support Tennis Champs and have plans to continue updating it. I try and add one decent new feature every year; more social features and more content for experienced players to attempt are high on the list of priorities.

Assuming new users of your app are reading this page. What do you want to ask them to do (contact you about X, Share the app, etc.)?

Yes, if people enjoy my games I’d really ask them to share the Store links with their friends. It goes a long way! I always appreciate player feedback and can be reached through the uprising-games.com website.