Hereford1642.
Welcome to
Herefords First Video Game
Explore Hereford during the 17th century
Herefords First Video Game
Explore Hereford during the 17th century
We at Softphotonic are building a 3D recreation of Herefordshire as it might have been in the year 1642 using a modern game engine, sharing Hereford with people from around the world to explore and experience a fully realised virtual city from the comfort of their own home.
Historic data and key documents are being used to recreate the city as it once was. We are turning two dimensional map, paintings, etchings and other key media that exists in our historic record into an immersive 3D experience for all ages.
We believe this could be a great tool for education and story telling giving Herefords rich history and culture a modern appreciation. With the emergence of digital twins and the huge audience for history related video games the project aims to bring history alive for users world wide.
Over 200 unique buildings have been built including Herefords most memorable landmarks such as St Ethelberts Catherdrals, the 3 spires of Hereford and Butchers Row to name a few. We are assessing the possiblity of releasing the project on major platforms including PC, Xbox, Playstation , Mobile and Switch.The project is non violent and made for all ages.
Created by Jack Hodges a Herefordian with a passion for 3D art and interactive media.
Contribute Any help would be be warmly welcomed, I am always receptive to people who know more than me about the history of the area. Artist are welcome to draw or model for the game and of course music would be very helpful. If you are a history buff, Artist, Musician, Voice actor. Or want to get involved in anyway please contact me on jhodges3278@gmail.com
Hereford1642.comWho Are We?
It started as a one man band, just me Jack Hodges a Herefordian who wanted to create something good for Hereford now and in the future. My Dad who has always stood beside me and encouraged me to start doing it full time has always offered his support throughout. My dad is a programmer and was responsible for coding the horse and the animal behaviours to name a few. They use a clever obstacle avoidance system and have breeding mechanics that he built. Since gameplay and programming of the game has not officially started for me personally my dad has offered to help me when this does happen. So the two of us have learnt a whole host of skills, from the early days of UE4 learning to being confident of creating a cool game.
Developer Autobiography Jack Hodges the creator of the game (me!) I had been a 3D artist for 4 years before starting Hereford 1642. I specialised in vehicles for games.Before that I was an artist and an architecture student.
Location We are in the North West of Hereford in a place called Burghill.
Ambitions Complete the game and get it into the hands of people who would enjoy it.