The first video game in the world where you can build your own carnival float and have it ride in a parade: Carnival Simulator. Jeffrey van der Wal (24) from Zevenbergen has worked thousands of hours on it and everyone can play it from January 26. “It’s a lot of work, but I’m very proud of it.”
Jeffrey has been a carnival lover from an early age. “When corona came, I couldn’t celebrate the party like normal. I thought it was such a shame that I started using my own skills. Then I started working on the game.”
Jeffrey is currently in his final year of studying Computer Science. He made the game upstairs in his attic room. “I have quite some experience with programming. I tried to build up the game a little more and learned a lot in the meantime.
“It’s very realistic and fun.”
Carnival Simulator consists of several levels. For example, a player must take into account the weight and height of the car, the budget and the number of extras. “It’s very realistic and fun. I think that combination is just right.”
“I receive photos, videos and drawings of carnival float designs from the area,” says Jeffrey. “I divide these into pieces and then make 3D models from them. When all the details are correct, I add it to the game.”
“You can even add your own music.”
And players of the game can use those parts of existing carnival floats to create their own float. “You can also give them different colors. This way the design really becomes your own and you build it up slowly. You can even add your own music.”
When the car is completely finished, you can ride in a parade, just like in real life. “I recreated Standdaarbuiten. You then go through the center by car. There are spectators along the side and you can also walk through the village yourself or stand on the float.”
And just like in real life, the car is assessed. “When you play the game online with several people, you judge each other. If you play alone, the computer will give you a score. For example, they pay attention to what the car looks like and whether there is interaction with the public.”
“I have a lot of passion for the project.”
Carnival Simulator is available in multiple languages: Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, French and Brabant. “I mainly looked at the countries where Carnival is celebrated. I hope I can get people excited for the best party there is.”
Jeffrey is not afraid of his game flopping. “I think it’s really cool that I was able to create it like this. I have a lot of passion for the project. It’s almost time. I still have to finish a few small things and then the game will go online.”
