Disc golf video games, especially on mobile platforms, aren’t new. One could argue that the current offerings, while some are fun, haven’t set the bar too high. Some options lack in graphics, physics, realism, or overall experience. One company is trying to change that. Big Disc Games, LLC started as the Disc Golf Video Game Project (DGVG). Chris Daskam started DGVG with the goal of creating a true disc golf simulation for disc golfers everywhere. His ideas are big, his goals are big, and slowly but surely, it is coming together.

We had a chance to talk with Daskam to get the history of the project, what disc golfers can expect, and how you can get involved.

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All Things Disc Golf: How did Big Disc Games, LLC get started?

Chris Daskam: The formation of Big Disc Games, LLC was in Jan. of 2013 but the conception of the Disc Golf Video Game Project and the idea of creating a realistic disc golf video game began in the Summer of 2007. I was disc golfing with some friends at Dretzka Park in Milwaukee. We kicked around the idea and as we finished a couple rounds they forgot about the idea but it kept spinning in my head. When I got home I started drafting the first game design. I built the Facebook page shortly there after but I completely went about building the game and support in the wrong way. The original box art design came from a co-worker, at a previous job in 2008, and I used that logo to convey what my intentions were with the quality and realism of the Disc Golf Video Game Project. This rattled some peoples interest and lead them to the Facebook page and I started to build a small gathering of followers.

Life takes over…I lost my job due to the recession in 2009. I met my wife (Sarah) the Summer of 2009 and got a job with Frito Lay in 2010. Sarah and I got married October 2011. We are expecting a little girl this June 20th. Talk about motivation to make this project a success.

May 3rd, 2012 is when I started getting serious about building a disc golf video game. I chose to ask questions from the Facebook followers and their responses would be recorded for actual game input. In essence anyone who comments on the Disc Golf Video Game Projects Facebook page has direct input into a future game. October 24th, 2012 Avery Jenkins commented a couple times on our Facebook page. This truly hyzer bombed my Facebook page with likes, comments and support. I owe him a hug or high five when I see him…probably a hug…haha.

Big Disc Games, LLC was formed to create the future franchise of disc golf video games on all platforms.

All Things Disc Golf: You recently attended the SMU Video Game Conference. What was that experience like and what came out of it?

Chris Daskam: What a great experience! Chuck Nicholson sent me an email in regards to this Video Game Conference in which people can submit a video game idea…if chosen, you are asked to come and present in front of investors, actual video game executives and a rather large crowd. I sent my presentation in…two weeks later I got a phone call from Scott Ticer (Venture capital owner and helps run the SMU Conference). He was impressed with the passion and devotion and asked me to come down to attend the Conference and present to a panel of judges. They flew me down, put me up in a hotel, fed me and gave me the opportunity to present my company and idea. The presentation itself was a standard 10 minute presentation on Big Disc Games, LLC and what my vision for the game franchise was. The feedback from the presentation was mainly positive.

The panel which consisted of a Video Game Lawyer (yes, that’s his title), two venture capitilists and the CEO of Capcom advised me to scale this project down to the mobile market. This wasn’t a shock because I know the economics of producing a AAA rated sports game. It did get my disc spinning in a different direction. They also stated to take your time when building this game, since it’s been done before, and blow the chains off peoples expectations.

I made some contacts at the Conference who are assisting me with GBAS – Gaming Back End Advertising Services. I also met some companies who have experience in building mobile games. We have been exchanging ideas and ways to utilize their contacts across the world to build this game.

All Things Disc Golf: With mobile being your first platform, what are some of the key things you want to bring to the mobile version of the game? There are other disc golf games for iPhone, Android, etc… on the market today. What do you think they are missing to really make them a strong game?

Chris Daskam: There are really only a few main components in which I won’t sacrifice on any of our games. These are realistic flight patterns, actual courses, discs and players. In addition to these features I think it’s important to have the ergonomics of the game come to life in your controls. Any one can push a button once, twice and then three times on a screen, mouse or controller and watch the game play itself…how boring. I want to allow the user the ability to control the actual aspects of the game as if they would in real life disc golf. Hyzer, Annhyzer, level of release, player focus after a string of good shots, etc.

I think the current mobile games on the market are good attempts and I really like the passion these people put into their games. I think if you’ve played them you will notice what’s missing…the concept is there but the depth on the physics and graphic design need a remodel.

All Things Disc Golf: You also have a lot of support from major disc golf companies like the PDGA, Innova, Dismanica, MVP Disc Sports, and others. What do those companies say about your project? Who else is involved?

Chris Daskam: The current sponsors have given a lot of positive feedback and are very excited to work with Big Disc Games, LLC. Most of them have sent samples of their products and these samples will be used for game input by taking pictures of the profile of the disc, logo and overall look and feel of the disc.

Here is a list of the companies who have expressed interest: PDGA, Innova, Discmania, Prodiscus, MVP Disc Sports, Rip Disc Golf, Dyenamite Discs, Gateway Discs, Vibram USA, Grip Eq, Latitude 64, Disc Golf Planet.tv, Westside Discs, The Disc Golf Experience, All Things Disc Golf, Rock River Disc Golf Club, Ace Time Disc Golf…still in need of more…

All Things Disc Golf: Surely you get this question a lot, but what is the time table for the game?

Chris Daskam: I do get this question a lot and I like it because it shows me people want a quality disc golf game. Quality takes time. Kickstarter Video, get funded, build the game, publish it…we won’t rush it.

All Things Disc Golf: If someone is a designer, programmer, or just wants to be involved with the project, how can they get in contact with you?

Chris Daskam: I can always be reached at bigdiscgames@gmail.com, messaged at Facebook.com/discgolfvideogameproject or on my cell phone 414-430-0031.

I would really like to hear from those talented individuals on their skills and passion to join Big Disc Games, LLC.

All Things Disc Golf: What are the best ways to keep up to date with the project?

Chris Daskam: The Facebook page is the main source of new information that is coming out on the game. These fun and cool email interviews from All Things Disc Golf are a GREAT way to communicate to the masses and I thank you for the opportunity.

All Things Disc Golf: You have mentioned a Kickstarter campaign starting soon, correct? When is this starting?

Chris Daskam: We would like to shoot a kickstarter video around Memorial Day in Milwaukee by hosting a BIG event. I’m asking pros, sponsors and people from all over the world to come out and support the Disc Golf Video Game Project. During this event there will be a tournament, giveaways, and I will be shooting the video for the kickstarter campaign. My goal is to show how the disc golf community can come together to make this project a reality. We will use actual players competing in the tournament to show off their different throwing skills…not during the tournament of course…and use the shot for the kickstarter video.

I’m asking anyone with tournament experience and willing to assist in this project to contact me ASAP.

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As you can see, Daskam is passionate about this project. All Things Disc Golf is excited to help Daskam bring this idea to reality. It will take many people to make it happen. The least we can ask is that you like their Facebook page and show support. We’ll continue to keep you updated as progress is made.

The more people involved, the better the product will be, and the quicker you’ll get to play it.

What would you like to see in a disc golf video game? Let us know in the comments below.