Big Fish Games has released the first computer game developed at its studio in Vancouver.

The Seattle-based company announced today (February 20) that Unwell Mel, a downloadable puzzle game, is the first title to come out of its Yaletown facility, which opened in September.

“Unwell Mel is a fast-paced, matching game that charges the player with the diagnosis and treatment of the very unfortunate Mel,” Jake Birkett, a game designer at Big Fish, said in a press release. “We’ve paired the game’s match-three mechanic with an assortment of themed power-ups that give the player a variety of fun and creative ways to cure Mel’s aliments.”

Starting tomorrow (February 21), Big Fish will sell the game on its Web site for US$19.99. A free trial version will also be available.

Members of the site who have purchased a Game Club package can download the game today.

Established in May 2002, Big Fish bills itself as the largest distributor of computer games on the Web.

The company develops the Mystery Case Files, Azada, and Hidden Expedition franchises, among others.

Just four people worked in its Yaletown office when the Straight visited the loft-style space in October.

The company is recruiting for several positions and expects to expand its Vancouver staff to 12 employees within next six months.