At Apple’s 2018 Worldwide Developers Conference, held this June in San Jose, California, 2012 Computer Engineering graduates Özgür Taşkın and Ferhat Aydoğan were presented with an Apple Design Award for their innovative game “Oddmar.” The application, chosen by Apple from among thousands, was one of 10 to receive this year’s awards; this is the first time that a company in Turkey has been an Apple Design Award recipient.
The two Bilkent alumni established their company MobGe in Eskişehir for the purpose of developing games. Their award-winning, Viking-themed game features main character Oddmar, who attempts to prove himself worthy of a place in Valhalla. The application, which took four years to develop, has drawn praise for its “incredible” production values and film-like quality, as well as for being “a ton of fun” to play.
The Apple Design Awards have been presented for 21 years to recognize “the creative artistry and technical achievements of developers who reflect the best in design, innovation and technology on Apple platforms.” This year’s winners, including “Oddmar,” are available through the Apple iOS App Store.