Recently we had an opportunity to speak with Peter Mousaferiadis(CEO ) and Rezza Moieni ( Project Manager ), the CEO(Peter), Project Manager ( Rezza ) at Cultural Infusion about Pocket Planet - Jokos World

Please share with us the backstory of what motivated you to create this app.

In Joko's World team at Cultural Infusion, we are aiming to develop fun educational apps where kids can learn about different cultures while enjoying our games. We know that these days children are addicted to digital devices more than any time before. Our aim is to not only provide a good user experience but find ways to open the hearts and minds of children. We have a team of experts who are working hard together to ensure that all our audiences will enjoy our games.

What features do you hope to roll out to your app in the future?

Cultural Infusion is working hard to add Pocket Planet into a LMS ( Learning Management System ). This will enable teachers to monitor students' progress around assessment of their intercultural competencies. The global scoreboard will enable students to compare their knowledge with their peers around the world through a fun and friendly atmosphere.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of the creation of this app?

In our increasingly globalized and super-connected world we live in digital platforms play a vital role. They provide through gamification and challenged based learning alternatives to building the competencies required to navigate throughout the world today. An alternative to books and the traditional way of learning. Everything they play with, can be a source of learning new skills. Cultural Infusion continues to grow the network of thousands of schools around the world. So far, Pocket Planet has been acknowledged by many organizations such as WISE (World Innovation Summit Education) an initiative of the Qatar Foundation, Film Victoria in Australia and the Youth Revolution Clan in Pakistan. The ongoing feedback we receive from the young players is the best and most motivating driver to continue doing what we are doing.

What is the coolest or most innovative feature of your app?

The idea of " Treehouse" , " Find Uci" and "Race with Uci" make this game very exciting. Usually parents and kids play together and unlike many other online games, Pocket Planet gathers the family together while they explore and have fun. I never knew where Lesotho is but now my 9yo daughter can locate 195 countries on the globe and know about their flags and landmarks. I bet you don't know all 195 countries. Prove us wrong SO GIVE IT A GO!

What surprised you most in your journey to create this app?

Working with a diverse team from three different continents on this project was a treasure. The convergence of different disciplines to come together to create this unique project has made it not only worthwhile but invigorating that in today's age this is possible. Time difference was a challenge however it was all worthwhile when seeing kids play Joko's Pocket planet and watching their faces light up with surprise and enthusiasm to discover cultures and countries of the world.

Which other mobile apps or technology have inspired you?

Every app is like a small book and these days everyone can publish their own game. There are so many fantastic educational apps for young students. To name few out of many, Duolingo, Jazzy World Tour and Toca Boca are few out of many however Joko's Pocketplanet blends a combination of culture, geography and high quality animation all combined with challenged based learning and gamification to bring the world of cultures to the user.

Do you have any recommendations or advice for others wanting to create a mobile app?

According to the latest statistics there are more than 1000 students annually graduating in game design and game development in Australia and New Zealand. Every day there are more than 1000 new games on App store and Google Play. Whilst having a great idea for a game is key a game developer should not lose sight of the importance of creating visibility. Researching and doing a comprehensive environmental and market scan is key to success. Do not also lose sight and neglect the importance of testing your apps in the market place before you release them. 99% of games fail because they do not have enough feedback from their audience. Use an agile method, interact with your target audience as much as you can and see what they really need. It worked for us, I think it may work for you too.

How did you decide which platforms to release your app on and do you plan on releasing your app to other platforms?

All our apps, including Pocket Planet are available in both iOS and Android but some of our apps are also available in some kids only markets such as Kidoz and local app markets such as Café Bazar. We are now working to develop a learning management system where we can host all our apps.

How is your app different than the rest of the market? Which unique need does it fill?

Our team consists of people from Australia, Iran, Indonesia, France, US, Portugal and India. This diversity provide us with a great opportunity that everyone brings a new idea to projects. The mechanics of Pocket Planet is very unique and smooth that attracts people's attention very quickly. We also have found out that people above 45 also love Pocket Planet as well. What makes Pocket Planet so unique is the strong narrative of Joko, a blue nightingale that takes the user on a journey of discovery, surprise and wonder.

You can view Pocket Planet - Jokos World here