West Virginia has a small number of game developers working within the state. Through my research and networking at the West Virginia Game Developers Expo, these are all the companies I have found.
Partially Updated: July 24, 2019
WV Game Development Studios
During my term as President of the WVU Game Developers Club from 2015 – 2017, I struggled to find game developers in the state of West Virginia and because of that, I wanted to put together this short post to help others who are interested or may be looking for networking opportunities. The following list includes registered businesses within the state of West Virginia, along with a few groups that aren’t registered yet but do all their work within the state.
As seen on the map above, I have identified six “studios” within the state (several new ones are not included there but are explained later). Below I will highlight each one individually, along with general info about them and games they have developed and/or published.
Lasso Games
Lasso Games is based in Huntington, WV with a team of six members. As seen above, they have created five games and released them on platforms including Itch.io and Steam.
Website • Twitter • Facebook • Itch.io
2812 Studios
Based in Huntington, WV, their current game project is Falling Embers, a 2D rogue-like game. Their founders include Alex Clay and Eric Lloyd. A demo of Falling Embers can be downloaded here.
Parable Studios
Based in Hurricane, WV, Parable Studios is working on Young Son for iOS and Android platforms and anticipates a 2018 release date. Their team includes Elliott Iannello, Jesse Lewis, and Brian Buffon.
Acheron Studios
Working in Morgantown, WV, Acheron Studios is developing 2D RPG Embers of Solace. The team is being led by Barry Martin and was founded in 2014. You can play their latest game jam game Forerunner here and see more about Embers of Solace at the links below.
Website • Twitter • Facebook • Twitch
Proud Mom Games
Based in Nitro, WV, Proud Mom Games designed and developed Perspectrum, which is a 2D side-scrolling puzzle platformer. Their team includes programmer Connor Haynes, artist Gabby Dumire, composer Jonathan Harrell, and designer Kati Baker, in addition to working with Vandalia Softworks for publishing tasks. Perspectrum was released on August 8, 2018 for Windows, Mac, and Linux on Steam, Game Jolt, and Itch.io.
Studio: Website • Twitter • Facebook • Itch.io • Perspectrum: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
Vandalia Softworks
Based in Morgantown, WV, Vandalia Softworks has three gaming projects/areas they are working on currently – those include developing forensic game-based learning software for high school and college students, working with small indie game developers in West Virginia to help them market and distribute their games in a crowded gaming industry, and working with Simgines LLC to create affordable racing computer systems for racing enthusiasts and gamers. It was founded by Jordan Hallow and the Forensic Investigation Game was developed with help from lead engineer Connor Haynes, programmer Ahmed Mian, artist Jack Fechino, and subject matter expert Kelly Ayers.
Website • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn • YouTube
Still Games
Based in Shepherdstown, WV, they ran a successful Kickstarter in November 2014 to raise over $25k for the development of Animal Gods. Their team includes programmer Kara Myren and designer Peter Harmon. Animal Gods is available on PC, Mac, Linux, and Nintendo Wii U.
Website • Twitter • Facebook • Tumblr
Reality Games Repair & Development Company
Based in Pineville, WV, Reality Games RDC is a small in-home studio founded by James Cook. Reality Games RDC specializes in development of games, software, and electronic repairing. Their products are available at their website linked below, contact them for more details.
Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • Unity Connect • LinkedIn • YouTube
Bazoo Studios LLC
Based in Middlebourne, WV, Bazoo Studios LLC was founded in 2017 by Dakota Folger. After winning 3rd place in the Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur Business Pitch competition, Bazoo Studios LLC acquired enough funding to improve the tech they were using, thus increasing productivity and quality of work substantially. More info about them can be found at the links below.
WV Game Development Groups
West Virginia University Game Developers Club
This group is an official campus student organization at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV and is also a student/academic chapter of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA). The group is for WVU students interested in game development and meets weekly to discuss the industry and organizes game jams to participate in on a monthly basis during academic semesters. You can play many of the past club-made games here.
Website • Twitter • Facebook • Twitch • Itch.io
Appalachian Game Creators Association (AGCA)
The main goals of AGCA are:
1. Community outreach and renovation regarding game/software development – ex. Hosting events like game jams, expos, and partnering with existing events, building and spreading marketing materials for gamedev related jobs and opportunities in Appalachia
2. Working with institutions and other education programs to help them secure funding for game development programs – ex. Helping pitch for grants and endowments to bring guest speakers and programs to schools
3. Working with small businesses in Appalachia to help broaden their reach – ex. Marketing products for members, providing an outlet for internship, and incubating business development
West Virginia Gaming Hardware Companies
Drivetech – Simgines, LLC
Based in Morgantown, WV, Simgines LLC, was founded in 2017 by Ethan Ball and Jordan Hallow, who were a finalist team in the 2017-18 West Virginia Collegiate Business Plan Competition. They currently sell starting sim racing hardware bundles on their website linked below and are developing a custom frame that they will be selling on their website later this year.
Individuals / Other Studios
Are you a developer in West Virginia that I didn’t mention above? If that is the case, please reach out to us by emailing team@vandsoft.com. I would like to add you to this list!
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