Yet, given the huge corporate bureaucracy of mainstream gaming, it was obvious that something so raw as derby would be a difficult sell to publishers who'd rather make a game based off a movie sequel. As independents, Frozen Codebase was quick to react to what we saw as a trend worthy of being put to a console. We started working with local leagues like the Brewcity Bruisers and the Mad Rollin’ Dolls, and soon we were working with an even larger group - the Women's Flat Track Derby Association.

Here we are, +1 year after development of the Wii™ version of Jam City Rollergirls had begun - and we have a great game. Or at least that’s what gamers have been telling us when they try it for the 1st time. Derby, like any sport, is made fun due to a set of rules - the give and take mechanics that cause the players to play offense and defense at the same time and be mindful of strategy even as they are cutting through the pack at breakneck speed. We took the core fundamental tenets of this punk sport and turned it into an arcade sports game.

The WiiWare service was a perfect fit. We wanted to take the addictiveness of a pick up and play kart racing game, and throw in some power ups that take the sport into a more arcade action territory. This project really couldn't have been done without the involvement of great skaters like "Bloody Mary" and "Suzy Hotrod.”  They are making a new sport and we are making a new type of game, and we’re glad that they were so enthusiastically helpful. What they love most about the game is that it draws out the competition in gamers just as much as it draws out the competition in derby girls.

As I look back, it’s amazing to see how one outing to a rink can inspire a whole game. And we’re grateful as indie developers that this sort of random inspiration can provide a living for us.  We lived, breathed and died roller derby for more than a year creating this game. This is how games should be made.

We hope that you enjoy playing the game on January 24th when it comes out exclusively for WiiWare.

- Ben Geisler, President (Frozen Codebase)