Gerry Cameron, a ten-year-old schoolboy, created a game called Splat Putin to raise funds for victims of war in Ukraine. Apple rejected the initial version of the app because it was deemed mean-spirited.
Cameron was having a conversation with his father about the war when he decided that he wanted to help the war victims by raising funds for them.
Cameron then thought about making his app, and after brainstorming, he came up with a unique concept, The Mirror reported.
Splat Putin
After a month of developing the app, Cameron launched a revised version on both Android and the Apple Store. The initial plan for the app was for players to chuck feces at Putin, which Apple rejected, prompting Cameron to rethink his concept. To meet the app store guidelines, he came up with the Splat Putin instead, wherein players control a monkey who throws bananas. Cameron's father then contacted a software developer they met several times a week to create the game.
Cameron and his team were finally able to launch the app early this month. So far, the game has racked up more than 10,000 followers.
Cameron loves technology and gaming and thought it would be an excellent time to create a game that can help people in Ukraine. He added that watching his idea come to life was a "really fun experience," per Metro.
His dad said that the app was all Cameron's idea, and they helped him facilitate it as he wanted to raise some money for Ukraine. The proud father added that they were blown away by his creativity and his determination to get the app completed and launched on the most effective platforms.
The father said they had constant zoom meetings and consultations with the developer, and now it paid off as the app is doing well.
Aiming to raise $1million for Ukraine
Cameron dreams of raising $1 million for a Ukraine charity, and he plans to get it from advertisements on his app and game purchases. Downloading the game is free, but if players want to play without advertisements, they have to pay 99p.
The schoolboy has raised between £600 and £1000 but is yet to decide which charity to donate to his earnings. He earned praise from his school, where students and staff have also raised funds.
Cameron could not believe he had 10,000 subscribers on Facebook. He said he had more ideas for other games, and he could not wait to share them with the world. At the moment, Gerry said that he is focusing on growing Splat Putin and earning as much so he can help the people of Ukraine.
More than 1,800 civilians have been killed, and 2,800 have been injured in Ukraine. The UN, however, cautions that the actual figures may be higher due to difficulty in getting information from areas where there is heavy fighting, NPR reports.
