Maryville University alumni and students are at the heart of Centipede: Swarm, the latest neon-charged, multiplayer hit from Graphite Lab and Atari, which is now free with Prime on Amazon Luna.
Arcade nostalgia meets modern mayhem
When the classic arcade game Centipede first hit screens in 1981, it captured imaginations with its fast-paced action and iconic pixelated bugs. Now, thanks to a talented team led by alumni, Centipede is bolder and brighter than ever. Centipede: Swarm, developed by St. Louis-based studio Graphite Lab in partnership with Atari, reimagines the legendary shooter as a four-player action roguelike. Maryville Game Design program graduates and student interns were thrilled to work with our long-time partners, Graphite Lab, on the game, which is now featured on Amazon Luna’s Family Game Night lineup and is free to play with Prime throughout July.
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“It was an exciting challenge to reimagine such a classic game into something new,” says Phil Snowbarger, ’20, lead artist for Centipede: Swarm. “Discovering what the characters, enemies, and environment could look like without the restrictions of the original hardware, while still honoring the spirit of the game.”
Maryville talent at the controls
The creative force behind Centipede: Swarm is a testament to Maryville’s commitment to hands-on, industry-driven learning. The project’s leadership team includes:
Supporting them is a dedicated group of Maryville interns (many of whom fulfilled the Interactive Game Design concentration): Shayne McLaughlin, Gabe Schmitz, David J. Smith, Joshua Engelhardt, Bradley Cleveland, Sam Martin, and Ethan Ostrega. Each brought their unique skills to the table, contributing skills ranging from illustration and user experience design to quality assurance and gameplay testing.
“Working alongside alumni allowed for quick and helpful feedback,” shares David J. Smith, ’25. “Especially when learning new tools and techniques.”
A partnership that powers careers
The deep connection between Maryville University and Graphite Lab is no coincidence. Maryville’s Interactive Design, Concentration in Game Design professor of practice, Matt Raithel, serves as both a Maryville faculty member and the head of Graphite Lab, fostering a unique bridge between classroom learning and real-world game development. Through campus internships and collaborative projects, students gain invaluable experience.
“Our partnership between Maryville and Graphite Lab is all about access and opportunity for students to turn their passion into a profession,” says Raithel. “Centipede: Swarm is just one of many examples of what’s possible when education and industry work hand in hand.” Congratulations to our alumni and students for bringing Centipede: Swarm to life and for proving again that the world needs more Saints.
How to play Centipede: Swarm
Centipede: Swarm invites players to team up for chaotic, power-scaling action, battling waves of neon bugs in a modern twist on a timeless classic. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, the game’s vibrant visuals and cooperative gameplay make it a perfect pick for family game night.
About Maryville University
Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of well over 9,000 students. Maryville offers more than 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. Maryville is recognized as the third fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from 50 states and 56 countries. More than 50,000 Maryville alumni globally, many of whom work and live in the St. Louis region.
