ThinkingSphinx Launches Cowichan River Float Mobile Game on Google Play
Emily Patel 
Tiffany Cruz, founder of the app development brand ThinkingSphinx, has launched her inaugural mobile gaming app, "Cowichan River Float," which is now available on Google Play. The application draws its inspiration from a recent family trip to Lake Cowichan and the Cowichan River.
Key Takeaways:
- ThinkingSphinx released its first mobile gaming app.
- "Cowichan River Float" is accessible via Google Play.
- The app's design was inspired by the Cowichan River's environment.
Mobile Game Design and Mechanics
The "Cowichan River Float" mobile game design is designed to offer players both challenge and a "chill vibe," reflecting Cruz's personal experiences on the river. Players navigate appropriate obstacles such as docks, trees, rocks, wildlife, and other tubers within the game environment. The app features multiple river levels, with the Cowichan River serving as the free-to-play option. Cruz developed the application while on vacation, motivated by her appreciation for the natural beauty of Canada.
Developer Background and Vision
This marks Cruz's first venture into gaming app development, building on her previous work with Venty AI, an app designed to provide a judgment-free space for users to express themselves. Cruz, who relocated to Squamish in 2018, aimed to translate the peaceful experience of the river float into the mobile game. She stated, "When I got on the river to float and felt the current taking us, time seemed to slow down. Nothing else mattered in that moment, and I was just captive to the water, which was immensely peaceful. This feeling is what inspired me to share part of the experience with others, in the way that only I can.”
Player Experience and Future Developments
Cruz hopes that "Cowichan River Float" will offer players a blend of "fun, relaxation, simplicity, and silliness." She articulated her vision for the app, stating, "I want the game to bring out the kid in you. It’s not a serious game; it’s meant to be seriously fun.” Drawing continuous inspiration from her children, Cruz is already engaged in developing her next mobile game, a third-person butterfly game titled Flutterby, which was inspired by a butterfly observed at Gordon Bay Provincial Park, reflecting trends in Canada's mobile gaming.
