In a remarkable feat of youthful brilliance, Maximus Trest, a 13-year-old prodigy hailing from White Rock, British Columbia, has already made a significant impact in the video game industry, despite not being eligible to drive or vote in government elections. His latest creation, “Astrolander,” an action-adventure cooperative game, is generating considerable anticipation as it gears up for an exclusive release on the PlayStation 5.
Trest’s journey into the world of coding and game development began at the tender age of six, sparked by his burgeoning interest in video games, nurtured by his father. With an insatiable curiosity and an unquenchable desire to learn, he honed his skills over the years, creating animations through free video game development programs. Eventually, this passion led him to establish his own independent video game studio, aptly named Lost Cartridge Creations. While he stands as the sole developer of his company, he acknowledges the occasional guidance and support of his father in his endeavors.
Reflecting on his early foray into coding, Trest remarked, “I want to say around six or seven years old is when I really started getting into coding. My dad definitely got me interested, but I really wanted to keep learning and working on new projects, so it’s really expanded beyond that now.”
Inspired by the classic arcade game “Lunar Lander” from Atari’s late ’70s era, Trest embarked on the ambitious journey of creating “Astrolander.” He first showcased his creation at a video game expo in Seattle the previous year, where it caught the discerning eyes of Sony’s top executives. Sony, one of the world’s largest video game companies, was immediately intrigued by the young developer’s talents.
Following this encounter, Trest dedicated himself to refining “Astrolander,” transforming it into an immersive gaming experience. In the game, one or two players assume the roles of alien-fighting robots on a daring mission to rescue their friends in a fantastical universe.
Trest elucidated, “The new game is more of an action-adventure game where both players will have to control Haptic and their sidekick, Feedback, which are two adventure-seeking cute robots on a mission to save the MVPs, the most valuable programs.”
Throughout the game, players can expect to encounter formidable foes such as giant laser-shooting rubber ducks, plunge into the depths of the sea, and engage in thrilling battles against flying dragons.
Revolutionizing gaming with haptic feedback
One of the distinguishing features that sets “Astrolander” apart, according to Trest, is its immersive use of the video game controller. This technology, known as haptic feedback, provides players with realistic sensations as they navigate the game’s challenges. Additionally, players can leverage the controller’s microphone to take control of the characters, further enhancing the gaming experience.
While the official release of “Astrolander” is scheduled for the fall of 2024, Trest has exciting news for eager gamers. A demo version of the game will be available to the public at the upcoming GeekGirlCon in Seattle this October, providing a sneak peek into the immersive world he has crafted.
Maximus trest’s inspirational journey
In a message to fellow aspiring game developers and creatives, Trest encourages them not to be deterred by their age or any obstacles they may encounter. He emphasized that you should never give up and always follow your dreams.
Maximus Trest’s journey serves as a testament to the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to pursue their passions, regardless of age, and his extraordinary accomplishments have already left an indelible mark on the video game industry. As “Astrolander” inches closer to its release date, it stands as a testament to the remarkable talent and determination of this young prodigy from White Rock.
