Growing up with a Dad who was into the medieval re-enactment scene, Ethan Close often found himself playing the ancient Viking game of kubb on weekends.
"They all played this game at their events and I learnt it from my dad as a teenager," he said.
Now 36 and a father himself, Mr Close is hoping parents will continue playing a version of kubb with their children - but this time on their devices or computers.
The Winmalee resident has created a video game based on the ancient pastime with fellow gamer Bilal Akil. Released on July 1, Viking Trickshot is a two-player game of timing and skill where players take turns throwing batons to topple their opponent's blocks without bumping the king block until last.
In this regard it is much like the real world game of kubb, where players try to knock over wooden blocks (kubbar) by throwing wooden batons at them.
"We have reimagined the lawn game as an epic struggle between mortals and Norse gods with wacky characters competing throughout the nine Viking realms," said Mr Close.
Before they began working on the game, the Blue Mountains local took Sydneysider Akil to Springwood's Buttenshaw Park to witness a bout of kubb with his dad.
"Then we brainstormed about how we could turn the traditional lawn game into an engaging video game," he said.
This journey saw the pair prioritise fun over authenticity.
"To begin with we were trying to keep the game as traditional and historically accurate as we could, [but] we very quickly realised there are not many re-enactors out there and most of our audience had never heard of kubb," said Mr Close.
Working as a music teacher at Glenbrook Primary School while he was developing the game, the father of three tested Viking Trickshot on some of his students, who gave it their seal of approval.
His eight-year-old daughter is also a fan and suggested some changes during its development.
"My own kids have enjoyed playing it, as well as my old students. It's non-violent and it's easy to pick up," said Mr Close.
In fact, Viking Trickshot may even topple the barrier that stops non-gamer partners from enjoying their other-half's passion.
"A few people have said it's the only game they can get their partner to play," said Mr Close.
Viking Trickshots is available from Steam, the Apple App Store and Google Play.
