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Thank you for visiting our corporate website. It’s our pleasure to make your acquaintance. Want to know more about the people behind Erectus? Click on the button below and get to know us.

ABOUT US

Erectus the Game is a free-to-play strategy-focused empire builder MMO about our history. The game is currently available in three different languages - Dutch, English and German. Register now and play for free at www.erectus.world ! Have fun!

Imagine the existence of a time machine that could instantly transport you a good 130,000 years into the past. Imagine you’d have the courage to actually use it. You would bear witness to the one event to which we all thank our lives…

STORY

Stationsplein 3, 6811 KG Arnhem, The Netherlands
T +31 26 30 30 010, E info@maatagames.com

Partnership with:

• Gamestad Arnhem

• HAN ICA

• University of Mindanao

• Next BPO Solutions

ABOUT US

Maata is a Dutch company established in 2013 in Arnhem, The Netherlands. Its roots can be found in the combination of marketing and history. Maata’s team is working from two locations: Arnhem, The Netherlands and Davao, Philippines.

Bridging the world by playing together

Maata believes that people who play together will have a better understanding of each other, learn faster, and can make more of their lives. For example, during the Olympic Games that occured during the Cold War in the eighties, you could see athletes from the east and west becoming friends. Today look at children from different nationalities playing football on a beach during vacation which leads to new friendships. Maata has developed the Erectus concept, a tale of the origin of mankind. The Erectus concept contains online games, real life events and in the near future there will be other features such as books, movies and merchandise. The Erectus concept is about playing, learning and communicating together all over the world. The Internet provides us with the opportunity; Erectus gives us the reason to play all together.

TEAM ERECTUS (ARNHEM)

ALET LUDWIG - ROESINK

Co-founder and managing partner

Alet followed an international business education at European University and got her BBA degree in Brussels. She has been an entrepreneur since 2002, when she founded a marketing agency in the Netherlands. Having seen the bright as well as the challenging side of entrepreneurship, Alet brings a lot of experience and common sense to the organization. This, combined with her down to earth attitude, makes her the solid foundation of Maata Games.

PAUL LUDWIG

Co-founder and managing partner

Paul was educated at Rijks Universiteit Groningen, where he studied History. After this, he served as a UN soldier in former Yugoslavia. Since 2003 Paul has been an entrepreneur in the marketing and advertising business. His main strength is developing new, creative concepts. His weaknesses are too many to count here, but his sense of humour compensates for most of them. Paul is not an early bird, so it’s best to contact him after 10 am.

GERRIT KOOLSTRA

Game artist

Hello my name is Gerrit Koolstra. I work here at Maata Games as a 3d artist.

I started working here as an intern and kept on working on Erectus the browsergame after I graduated. I've been asked to tell something about my background. When I look behind me I see a white wall with a door to the kitchen. In my free time I enjoy playing games, either video games or board games. I also enjoy watching movies and try to keep up with some series.

AAFKE TEUNISSEN

Front end graphical design and video editing

Hi, my name is Aafke. I grew up in Zevenaar and since a couple of years I've been living in Arnhem with Nomi, my five year old daughter and my partner Chris.

I’m a graphic designer at Maata Games, therefore it is not so strange that I have a passion for design. I am responsible for designing the (online) marketing material, website and helping out wherever else I'm needed. I love travelling, skiing, sports, being creative and having a lot of fun with my friends and family.

TOM SCHOLLEN

The voice of Erectus

Hi, my name is Tom Schollen. I grew up in Arnhem, my background mostly consists of video games and junk food.

I'm mainly a translator and writer at Maata Games. At a later point in development I was asked to try and voice the trailer and the instructional videos for Erectus, after which I became known as “The voice of Erectus”. I enjoy many TV shows, comics and games. I'm also a competitive gamer and host my own tournaments in Arnhem.

ISABELLE TANAHATOE

Junior game artist

I’m Isabelle Tanahatoe, a Communication & Multimedia Design student. I am currently working as a 2D/Concept Art intern for Maata Games.

I grew up reading books and playing video games, but mainly I was always just drawing an awful lot as a child. My interests haven’t changed much since then. When I was about 16 years old I picked up digital painting and I haven’t stopped painting digitally since, always trying to get better. I mostly do concept art and illustrations at Maata Games, picking up other tasks where I can. I’ve been given the great opportunity to incorporate more 3D techniques into my workflow and improve my skills as an artist in general, working in a team of passionate people.

ALEX TAVASSOLI
Game artist

Hello my name is Alex Tavassoli

I grew up in Limburg, the Netherlands and studied Game Architecture and Design at the NHTV in Breda. I started working here at Maata Games as a part-time 3d artist for the browser game, but rather quickly got involved with coordinating a student project that the interns at Maata were working on. I enjoy making awesome, innovative things and love being creative in the process. Although I'm only with the team one or two days a week, I really enjoy being part of Maata Games and what we're building together. In my spare time I love going out for dinner or to the movies with my wife. I also enjoy spending time with family & friends, traveling and playing video games (obviously).

JACKY MUELLER

Customer relations

Hi, call me Jacky! I was born and raised in Germany and am now living in Arnhem since April 2016. My main focus is the German market and everything that goes with it, like the translation of the game. Other than that I am available wherever I am needed. In my free time I enjoy video games, comics, TV shows, and cooking.

KIANA SMITH

Customer relations

Hello! My name is Kiana Smith.

I was born and raised in America but now live here in The Netherlands with my fiancé. Here at Maata Games, my main responsibility is customer service but if I'm needed for anything else I am always happy to oblige. In my free time, I enjoy playing console games or watching anime.

MITCHELL HENDRIKS

Game designer

Hello, my name is Mitchell Hendriks. I grew up in the Netherlands, Arnhem and I study Communication & Multimedia Design at the HAN in Arnhem. I started working at Maata Games directly after I completed my internship as a part-time Game Designer. As an experienced browser-based strategy game player I enjoy thinking about new concepts for Erectus. Although I’m only at the office two days per week, I really enjoy being part of the team and continuing my work. In my spare time I love playing games, especially together with friends. I also love to work out and going to parties.

LISA VERHOEVEN

Graphic designer

Hello! I’m Lisa. I’m a Communication and multimedia Design student. My field of expertise is Experience Design. I absolutely love anything that has to do with movies, series, games etc.

I’ve always been a creative kid, drawing, tinkering, painting and playing piano. A creative job only seemed logical, so I’m a graphic designer here at Maata Games.

MAARTEN VAN DER HAM

3d artist

Hello, my name is Maarten van der Ham and I grew up in Leerdam and studied Game-Design at the Grafisch Lyceum in Utrecht. Currently I study CMD Experience Design at the HAN in Arnhem. I started as an intern and got hired to work part-time after my internship as a 3d-artist. Outside of work and school I play games, work on my portfolio and watch allot of TV series.

CARLOS CABALLERO

Data Analyst

Hi! My name is Carlos Caballero,

I come from Jerez de la Frontera, a cozy city close to the beach in the south of Spain. I arrived in the Netherlands a few years ago and it was here that I decided to change my career, studying Econometrics and Operations Research at the university. Here at Maata Games, I work part-time as a Data Analyst combining this job with my studies. There is a lot of work to do but the atmosphere of the team is very good and I enjoy working here. I like to learn new things, love challenges and try to keep a growing mindset. In my spare time I like to do some sport, preferably outdoors. I like to run and I am doing survival running but sometimes I enjoy going to the gym as well. Traveling is another thing that I like to do the most as well as trying some extreme sports. I also love to be with friends and with my family and I enjoy having a beer (Or a couple) with them the most.

TEAM ERECTUS (DAVAO)

FATIMA VALGUNA

Site Operations Manager

Hi! My name is Fatima Gonhuran Valguna. I was born and raised in Davao City, I took up a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science however most of my experience is in sales, marketing and executive office works. My responsibility is to make sure that the Davao office is running smoothly, that includes a wide variety of tasks such as marketing and communication, setting up customer support, taking care of the daily needs of the office and maintaining good relationships with stakeholders and business partners as well. Basically I will be the one responsible for all non-technical issues in the Davao branch of Maata Games. I’m also assigned to help build up a solid player base for the Erectus game in the Philippines, soon to be followed by the rest of East Asia.

BOMAR SINDAY

Senior web developer/teamleader

I grew up in the town of Lianga, one of the provinces of Surigao del Sur. I was born with a God given potential in the field of drawings, I’ve even competed with poster making since I entered elementary school and up until High School but since then I’ve never gotten a chance to improve my skills and fully use my potential. I was also blessed to have a happy family who supports me in everything I do. Currently assigned as one of the team leads focusing on team management, server configurations, and senior programmer at the same time specializing on frameworks and templates. I play Basketball a LOT

I play First Person Shooter(FPS) – Call of Duty. I play RTS Game – Starcraft II, Command and conquer.

DUSTIN RAMIREZ

Senior gamedeveloper/teamleader

I basically grew up in Davao City. Never really got the chance to go out of the country. Born in a family of musicians, I was unable to pursue music. Luckily, my passion for the arts has turned me into a more innovative strategist and a creative tactician especially in the field of programming. Aside from “singing” for the team, LOL, I act as the team leader whose primary focus is to enforce proper coding standards, using the correct algorithmic approach to problems, following the right coding structures to ensure solidity and flexibility of programs, and is geared towards the communications of the team. I plead guilty as a PC games addict. I can play whole day long but I also love listening to music ranging from the classical romantic period to modern pop and ballad songs. I also play the piano which is the only musical instrument that I know to play “properly”. After games, arts, and creativity I am also a chess fanatic, I just love those strategies and tactics all over the board.

CARLO DINOPOL

Intermediate gamedeveloper

I grew up and finished high school in the small town of Monkayo. I'm now living and working here in Davao. Here, I got my college degree in Information Technology at Ateneo de Davao University. My tasks mainly focus on programming and database designing of in-game functionalities and features.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing video games like RTS and RPG. I'm also exploring and "self-studying" 3d/PC game development. And of course, playing basketball.

MATT CUSTORIO

Junior webdeveloper

I was born and raised in my local hometown in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Currently living in Davao City where I work with the Erectus Davao team and have taken up a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at University of Mindanao. I function as a web designer. I make design implementation created by our graphic designer. I translate codes and test the game to see if it is working well. It is also important to ensure that the website is user-friendly and interactive. All other tasks required by our team lead.

I can be both outdoor and indoor person. I can basically just stay at home and play PC games or play musical instruments when I feel it. As an outdoor person, I love travelling to different and new places. I usually go to a place where I can savour the beauty of nature.

HANZ CERTIFICO

Junior webdeveloper

I grew up in the province of Sulop Davao del sur, and am currently living and working in the liveable city of Davao.

I was assigned as a Jr. Web developer on the team, learned to use HTML/HTML5, CSS, jQuery, JavaScript and am constantly learning and improving my technical abilities in programming. Ever since I was a child I’ve loved playing basketball, it taught me how to play hard, work hard and use teamwork. C'mon “ball is life” LOL.

The first game title of Maata is called Erectus the Game. It is a free-to-play strategy-focused empire builder MMO about our history. The game is about building and expanding your empire in a pre-historic world that existed 130,000 years ago. Back then Homo sapiens weren’t alone on this planet. Next to Homo sapiens there was also another type of humans, called Homo erectus. Where the development of the Homo sapiens was mainly technology driven, the development of the Homo erectus was based on a symbiosis with nature. The Homo erectus worked together with animals and lived on our planet for 1.5 million years.

In the game, you play as a white, brown, black or yellow individual of the Homo sapiens. Together with thousands of other players, you explore the dynamics of working together, trading and forming alliances. The common enemy that you encounter in the game, is the Erectus people.

Erectus the Game is now available in closed beta. Get your beta key at www.mmogames.com and try it out. We welcome and encourage everyone to register and play.

Concept

Erectus is about our history, the history of mankind. We are so different from each other but if you look at us from a different perspective, you will discover that we actually have a lot in common. Everyone that you can encounter on our planet comes from the same species: Homo sapiens.

The concept of Erectus gives people from all over the world a common sense of being. It lets people enjoy together, whether it is in a game, in an event or by reading the books or enjoying the movies about our common history.

Releases

Erectus the game - worldwide server

Developer: Maata Games BV
based in Arnhem, The Netherlands

Founding date: May 2013

Website: www.maatagames.com

Press/business contact:
aludwig@maatagames.com

Social

Address: Stationsplein 3,
6811 KG Arnhem The Netherlands

Phone: +31 26 3030010

Maata Games is a Dutch company established in 2013 in Arnhem, The Netherlands. Its roots can be found in the combination of marketing and history. Through Erectus the game, Maata aims to reach millions of people all over the world. Erectus is fun, but also gives its players an understanding of where we humans came from and an understanding of our origin. This concept of learning while playing, will give people the opportunity to develop, play other roles than in daily life and get to know other people in different parts of the world. We think everyone should have this experience.

In the near future Maata wants to connect the online world of Erectus the game with the real life world through events, movies and other features.
The founders of Maata Games are Paul and Alet Ludwig. They have been working on the concept for Erectus the game for four years. Together with their graphical designers team in Arnhem, they put together the storyline and the game graphics. Then a big hurdle needed to be overcome, the financing of the project in order to get it developed and to bring it online. Paul and Alet promoted the company to investors and managed to get the required funds. Also, a crowdfunding campaign was started to raise money for international brand protection of the word Erectus, the name of the game. This all was done in 2014 and the first half of 2015.
For technical development, the management chose to go to the Philippines. They opened an office in Davao, Philippines, for their programmers and named it Maata Creative Lab.
Erectus takes its players back in time, about 130,000 years.
Back then, the Homo sapiens and Homo erectus lived alongside one another. The players will be able to pick one of the 4 available Homo sapiens races and are given a starting village on the map, from there a advisor will instruct and guide them through the first stages of the game. Players will be building their first city during the first few minutes of play. This city will be the base from which the player builds the rest of his/her empire.
The process of building an empire has been recreated as “true to life” as possible, it is filled with obstacles and pitfalls that the player will have to keep in mind. One example of this is the need to build up a sizeable civilization, as a small civilization means you won’t be able to build up an army.
Another important aspect is your economy. Players can obtain silver in a multitude of ways, one of which is through taxes. The height of your taxes is entirely up to the player though care should be taken not to set them too high, otherwise the citizens will become angry and rebellious. Another factor to keep in mind is that no civilization enjoys living in an empire that is constantly at war with other rulers, though successful battles do tend to go hand in hand with spoils which the citizens are always happy to have.

Erectus is filled with economic, military and management features; both social and strategic. The kinds of decisions that rulers like Charles the Great had to make in their time will now have to be made by the players of Erectus.
The player is able to micromanage his empire at all times, allowing for an optimal game plan at all times. By making the correct decisions in a constantly shifting and changing world the players will be able to expand their empires and lead their people to greatness.
Until the Erectus arrive, that is.

The Erectus is the race “played” by the game, and eventually the ever-growing empires of the Sapiens will start to look very threatening to the Erectus, at which point they will start to attack the players.
The game changes drastically once the Erectus arrive. The players will have to stop fighting amongst themselves and form alliances in order to work together and fight back against the Erectus armies.