(Madera, Calif.) – Valley Children’s beloved mascot, George the Giraffe, will soon star in his own video game. "Castle on the Coast" – a hand-drawn, retro 3D platformer – releases on PC and Nintendo Switch on Thursday, Dec. 2.
“Valley Children’s is driven by preserving the joy of childhood for every patient we are privileged to care for,” says Valley Children’s Healthcare President & CEO Todd Suntrapak. “Whether it is a book featuring our beloved mascot, George, or a plush animal in his likeness, we are grateful for the chance to share that love and joy with our families. This video game - the first of its kind by a children’s hospital in the country - is another way we can bring some fun into the lives of kids we see, as well as kids around the world who may also help George navigate this journey.”
Development of the game began several years before the pandemic, with the goal of creating a fun, age-appropriate experience for patients while waiting to see their doctor or during their hospital stay. George has symbolized the love and care found at Valley Children’s. “Adopted” as the hospital’s mascot by its five founding mothers, a giraffe was chosen because they have the largest heart of any land mammal. That heart is present in the care provided at Valley Children’s every single day. In 2018, Valley Children’s published the first in a series of books starring George and he continues to charm patients – and the public – when making appearances at the hospital and Valley Children’s-sponsored events.
“Castle on the Coast” follows George as he explores through a magic castle, facing challenges full of crystal caverns and alternate dimensions. Players can guide George as he runs up walls, spins, climbs and rolls his way through the game, collecting special gems as he passes each level. The game is appropriate for children 6 years of age and older. Thanks to a partnership with Big Heart Productions and Klabater, the game is now commercially available, with a portion of the proceeds to be donated in support of patient programs at Valley Children’s Hospital.