Family-Friendly Game ‘Joe Danger’ Returns to App Store After Letter From Parent of Child With Autism
By Movieguide® Staff
Founder of Hello Games, Sean Murray, announced the return of the developer’s mobile game, “Joe Danger,” after years of no updates left the game unplayable on newer Apple products.
Murray revealed that his decision to revive the game came after receiving a letter from the parent of a child with autism, who loved everything about “Joe Danger,” and stunt motorbikes.
“Jack LOVES Joe. He loves everything about him,” the father wrote. “He has a collection of toy motorcycles that are his ‘Joe Dangers;’ every motorcycle we see on the street is ‘Joe Danger’. One of the first things I hear everyday when I walk in the door after a long day at work is ‘Come on, daddy, let’s go play Joe Danger!'”
“Just being able to say that sentence is a MASSIVE deal for a child with autism,” the message continued. “I don’t even know if it’s something that would be possible, or, if possible, how much time and effort would have to be put into getting Joe back up and running (and riding) with the new versions of iOS, but it would mean the world to at least one little boy.”
Jack’s father, who desired to remain anonymous, said that the game also helps his son cope with the many challenges faced by people with autism.
A secret shame of ours is that the success of No Man’s Sky left our first game Joe Danger unloved. Sadly since iOS culled older games it no longer worked on latest Apple devices 😭
This mail broke our hearts and made us want to set things right 💔 pic.twitter.com/Oz2yTjMUK5
— Sean Murray (@NoMansSky) January 27, 2022
Murray said that the letter prompted a swift update of both ‘Joe Danger’ apps, ‘Joe Danger’ and ‘Joe Danger Infinity.’
“As game devs it’s so easy to underestimate the impact even your smallest games can have,” Murray tweeted.
“A secret shame of ours is that the success of No Man’s Sky left our first game Joe Danger unloved. Sadly since iOS culled older games it no longer worked on latest Apple devices,” he wrote in a tweet. “This mail broke our hearts and made us want to set things right.”
The games also went on sale in Apple’s App Store at just $3 for both games in the “Joe Danger Action Pack.”
“It’s sad that games slowly rot and many disappear,” Murray added. “Hopefully this gives Joe the happy life he deserves.”
While discernment is vital in understanding what video games, movies, and TV shows are appropriate to consume, family-friendly content such as ‘Joe Danger’—which offers children entertainment without blurring the lines of morality—should be applauded.
Read More: Study: Cut Down on Social Media and Video Games, Increase Teens’ Focus at School
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