Q: How did the idea and/or concept for this game evolve? Why fish? Why a Safari?

AJ: Alex St. John (CEO of WildTangent) and I were inspired by the beautiful aquarium screen savers that we have seen on several PC's. I really wanted to find a way to enter the environment and interact with the fish. We decided to go full 3D and make a diving game that let you explore different environments. We chose photography as the main interaction because we could make it work well with both a mouse and a gamepad.

Hugh: When I came to the company it wasn’t hard to jump right in and get excited about working on the game. I think the idea of being under water for a photo safari was the perfect choice for a fun and open ended adventure.

Q: Hugh, were you a fish expert before working on the game, or did you acquire most of your knowledge during research and creation?

Hugh: Everyone likes to kid me about being an ichthyologist because I fly fish. I have studied fish a lot but mostly just to catch more. I did have plenty of opportunity to study fish and the ocean. It may have been too much research to fit in such a tight space!? This project was fun for AJ and me to work on from the standpoint of him being an avid diver and my obsession with fish. Hopefully we brought some passions to the game other than just as game developers!

Q: Does it bother you that players are able to hurl objects (bubbles) at your finely drawn fish in order to get their attention and take their photo?

Hugh: We wanted to show personality in the fish so it was a requirement that they had expressive eyes and mouths. There are a few fish that only exist in myth and a few that are composites of multiple fish. We were able to take some of the same liberties with the levels. Even though the game takes place underwater we wanted to make sure every level had its own unique look and feel. Mood is one of the best ways to really separate each level. There are some areas that are dark and spooky, others that are claustrophobic and others that are light and colorful. I think we truly created exciting worlds for each dive the player takes.

Q: Will there be a Safari series or are you at liberty to tell us? Will the fish have future friends? As a Safari photographer, can we look forward to going on any cool assignments in the near future?

Hugh: We have been talking in great length about working on new Safaris. I don't think I have ever been this excited for a sequel to a game, but I'm really looking forward to the possibilities.

AJ: We are not at liberty to officially answer this question. You might want to check the Sub Shop.