6 Game Development Business Success Stories [2023]
A game development business involves creating and developing video games for various platforms such as PC, consoles, and mobile devices. This business involves a team of game designers, programmers, artists, and sound engineers working together to bring a game concept to life.
To start a game development business, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the game development process and be skilled in one or more areas, such as programming, art, or design. It is also essential to have strong business acumen and understand how to market and sell your games.
Some tips for running a successful game development business include:
Focus on a specific niche or genre of games to stand out in a crowded market.
Build a strong team of talented and passionate individuals who share your vision for the company.
Stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies in the gaming industry.
Build a strong online presence through social media and a website to market and sell your games.
Focus on building a loyal customer base by releasing regular updates and engaging with your community.
Don't be afraid to seek partnerships or sponsorships to help fund your projects.
Always be open to learning and improving your skills and processes to stay competitive.
Here are some real life success stories of starting a game development :
1. Zatun ($300K/year)
Abhinav Chokhavatia (from Ahmedabad) started Zatun almost 16 years ago.
Hello all, my name is Abhinav Chokhavatia and I am the founder and CEO of Zatun.
Zatun is synonymous with quality within the games industry, and we have earned a loyal customer base.
2. Barry & Jason Games and Entertainment ($300K/year)
Barry McLaughlin (from Los Angeles, California, USA) started Barry & Jason Games and Entertainment about 8 years ago.
I am Barry McLaughlin, half of Barry and Jason Games & Entertainment. We make party games, host live game events, and are developing game shows.
Learn more about starting a game development :
Where to start?
-> How much does it cost to start a game development ?
-> Pros and cons of a game development
Need inspiration?
-> Examples of established game development
-> Marketing ideas for a game development
Other resources
4. Games for Business ($480K/year)
Balázs Vendler (from Pécs, Magyarország) started Games for Business over 7 years ago.
Together with my team, we develop a game-based learning platform, and our goal is to make learning loveable for as many large organizations as possible. Our clients are mostly multinational organizations in knowledge-intensive industries, like finance, engineering, telecommunications, IT, or consultancy.
I started Games for Business in 2016, and very quickly, within only 3 years we managed to do projects on 3 continents. Based on our professional and business success, Austria’s largest private education group has acquired the company. When I started Games for Business, I planned to establish a company with which I can achieve international professional recognition, and which will establish my total existential independence. By selling the company, I achieved both of my goals.
5. Stonemaier Games ($20.7M/year)
Jamey Stegmaier (from St. Louis, MO, USA) started Stonemaier Games over 10 years ago.
Hi! I’m Jamey Stegmaier, and I run Stonemaier Games, a tabletop game company based in St. Louis. We publish strategy games like Wingspan, Scythe, and Viticulture.
Stonemaier Games started with a Kickstarter campaign in 2012 that raised $65,980, and in 2020 our annual revenue eclipsed $18 million. Our latest game, Red Rising, is shown here (photo credit: Tim Chuon).
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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