Harlingen Brothers Get Out of the Box To Reach Gamers
education, gaming, texas state technical college, video games,
Computer games first captured the imaginations of two young brothers, Alberto and Mario Huerta, almost 15 years ago. Now their imaginations are capturing attention.
In February 2009, the brothers, both studying Gaming and Simulation Programming at Texas State Technical College-Harlingen, received word that Micro Invasion, their new computer game, had been accepted for distribution by Microsoft.
In high school, the Huertas had immersed themselves in computer games but understood there was more they could do.
“We realized gaming interested us,” Mario says. “We decided we wanted to be on the other side of the screen, making games instead of only playing them.”
Both enrolled in TSTC’s two-year Computer Science and Software Development program to earn Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Gaming and Simulation Programming. While working on a class project, Mario envisioned the concept for Micro Invasion.
“We were going to post it on a Web site, but we decided to try the Microsoft process and get into the business,” Alberto says.
Working at home and at the TSTC lab between classes and other projects, the brothers applied newly acquired skills to convert their game into programming language compatible with the Xbox platform used online by gamers. Micro Invasion challenges players to use a laser beam to zap robot-like bugs inside a brain.
“The first thing that impressed me about Micro Invasion is that it is really polished,” TSTC instructor Tony Lozano says. “It’s a fun game that intrigues players of all skill levels. I also am really impressed with the Huertas’ entrepreneurship.”
The Huertas submitted a test version of the game to the elite XNA Creators Club for review. The final review deemed it flawless and entertaining. Micro Invasion joined the select group of approximately 200 games approved by the club community.
A letter from Microsoft followed with the company’s contract to distribute the game online to millions of players worldwide. Gamers download the Micro Invasion free 10-minute trial and then purchase it for $2.50 if they are intrigued. The Huertas earn a 70 percent royalty on each sale.
In July, Alberto and Mario Huerta received a Texas Certificate of Official Recognition and Congratulations from Governor Rick Perry. The award labels them Texas Successes for their achievement with Micro Invasion.
While Xbox provides a distribution platform, Alberto and Mario realize the cyber marketplace is a challenge. The brothers are concentrating on enhancing their programming skills and graduating in December 2009. Five years from now, they envision themselves creating games, preferably as independents, but maybe with a larger gaming group to overcome marketing issues. In the meantime, Alberto and Mario Huerta will be testing other inventors’ games and crafting the next new game.
Story by Eileen Mattei
