New York's game development industry thrives as a hub for innovative companies crafting video games across various genres. This vibrant sector features studios of all sizes, from startups to established firms, focusing on everything from mobile games to immersive VR experiences. Developers often employ cutting-edge technology and artistic creativity to enhance user engagement. With trends like blockchain integration and expansion into virtual reality, the industry is evolving rapidly, presenting opportunities to tailor experiences for a growing gamer demographic. As interactive entertainment continues to rise in popularity, these firms play a pivotal role in shaping its future.

The companies featured in this list range from small startups to larger entities, each making its mark in the bustling New York gaming scene. Founded between 2009 and 2023, these companies focus on various niches, such as immersive virtual reality, mobile gaming, or community-driven platforms. Most companies maintain headquarters in urban hotspots like New York City and its adjacent areas. Their employee sizes vary significantly, with some having fewer than ten staff, while others boast hundreds, reflecting different growth stages and operational strategies within the industry.

Continue reading to learn about New York's top game development companies.

Top 20 Game Development Companies in New York

1. PlayFusion

• Website: playfusion.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United Kingdom (UK) 79%, United States (USA) 10%, Japan 10%
• Latest funding: December 2024
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: playfusion

PlayFusion, founded in 2015 and based in New York, is a video game developer and publisher known for crafting immersive gaming experiences. The company specializes in tactical first-person shooter (FPS) games and card games, appealing to a dedicated audience of gamers. Their notable title, 'Ascendant Infinity', offers a squad-based tactical FPS experience set in a dynamic BioPunk world, where players engage in resource-driven battles. PlayFusion actively fosters community interaction through platforms like Discord, where players can connect and receive updates about their games. With a workforce of around 30 employees, primarily located in the UK, PlayFusion continues to contribute to the gaming industry with its innovative approach and commitment to quality gameplay.

2. Velan Studios, Inc.

• Website: velanstudios.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Troy, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: Series A, $7.0M, July 2017
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: velan-studios-inc.

Velan Studios, Inc. is a video game developer based in Troy, New York, established in 2016. The company specializes in creating and publishing innovative gaming experiences, utilizing its proprietary game engine, Viper. This engine supports the development of unique titles like Knockout City, an online competitive dodgeball game, and Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, which combines physical play with digital elements. Velan Studios aims to push the boundaries of game design by addressing technical challenges and enhancing player engagement. With a workforce of approximately 108 employees, the company has received $7 million in Series A funding, indicating investor confidence in its vision and capabilities. Despite the recent shutdown of Knockout City, Velan Studios continues to explore new avenues in game development, reflecting its commitment to creativity and technological advancement.

3. Rushdown Studios

• Website: rushdownstudio.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Saratoga Springs, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: rushdown-studios

Rushdown Studios is a game development studio based in Saratoga Springs, New York, founded in 2021. The company specializes in creating and publishing video games, collaborating with other gaming companies to enhance player experiences through innovative technology and high-quality development services. With a team of 11-50 employees, Rushdown Studios emphasizes a culture of teamwork and professional growth, fostering a supportive environment for its staff. They are committed to working on projects that they are passionate about, aiming to ship games across all platforms. Their approach includes a focus on personal development and a strong internal network of experts, which helps them to stay at the forefront of gaming technology. Rushdown Studios also promotes a balanced work-life culture, offering competitive benefits and opportunities for team bonding through gaming activities.

4. Private Division

• Website: privatedivision.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 69%, Germany 16%, Pakistan 5%, Other 10%
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: private-division

Private Division, founded in 2017 and headquartered in New York City, is a video game publisher that specializes in working with independent game developers. The company is part of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. and operates with a mission to empower studios to develop games that they are passionate about. Private Division has published several successful titles, including the critically acclaimed 'Kerbal Space Program' franchise and 'The Outer Worlds' from Obsidian Entertainment. They also support a range of other games, such as 'OlliOlli World', 'Rollerdrome', and 'Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey'. The company is known for its commitment to quality and creativity, providing the necessary resources and marketing support to help developers reach their full potential. With a small team of around 62 employees, Private Division maintains a direct-to-consumer model, allowing gamers to purchase their titles online. Their ongoing partnerships with various independent studios indicate a robust pipeline of future projects, further solidifying their position in the gaming industry.

5. Unreal Engine User Group

• Website: unrealengine.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 21%, Spain 14%, Pakistan 9%, Other 57%
• Latest funding: May 2004
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: user-group-ue

The Unreal Engine User Group operates under the umbrella of Epic Games, a software development company founded in 1991. Epic Games specializes in creating advanced game development tools, most notably the Unreal Engine, which has become a standard in the industry. The User Group serves as a community platform where developers can share knowledge, seek assistance, and showcase their projects. This engagement not only enhances the skills of individual developers but also contributes to the overall growth of the game development community. The group is instrumental in providing a space for collaboration and innovation, making it a vital part of the ecosystem surrounding Unreal Engine.

6. Rocket Science Group

• Website: rocketscience.gg
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Schenectady, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United Kingdom (UK) 65%, United States (USA) 35%
• Latest funding: Other (Grant), $1.1M, August 2023
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: rocketsciencegg

Rocket Science Group, founded in 2022 and based in Schenectady, New York, is a game development studio that offers specialized services in game co-development, backend engineering, and publishing. With a team of approximately 113 employees, the company operates primarily in the United Kingdom and the United States. Rocket Science Group aims to enhance gaming projects through innovative solutions and operational excellence. They have established several divisions, including Atomic Theory for game co-development, Terminal Velocity for backend engineering, and SuperCollider for publishing services. The company has recently received funding, which reflects its growth ambitions and commitment to the gaming industry. Their focus on collaboration and support for other studios positions them as a significant player in the gaming sector.

7. Team Junkfish

• Website: teamjunkfish.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Dundee, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United Kingdom (UK) 55%, Singapore 39%, South Africa 7%
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: junkfish

Team Junkfish is an independent video game development studio based in Dundee, Scotland, and Singapore. Founded in 2013, the company has a team of approximately 44 employees who are passionate about crafting unique and high-quality gaming experiences. Their first major title, Monstrum, launched in 2015, quickly gained traction among horror enthusiasts and was recognized with nominations for prestigious awards, including the TIGA and Scottish BAFTA awards. Following the success of Monstrum, the studio released its sequel, Monstrum II, in September 2022, further solidifying its presence in the horror genre. In addition to Monstrum, Team Junkfish developed Attack of the Earthlings, a turn-based strategy game released in 2018, and is currently working on Bootleg Steamer, a roguelike game set during the American Prohibition era, slated for release in 2024. The studio has also ventured into mobile gaming with the upcoming Attack of the Earthlings Mobile, showcasing their adaptability to different platforms. With a combined experience of over 60 years in the gaming industry, the team at Junkfish is well-equipped to tackle various genres and technologies, including VR and AR.

8. Rockstar Games

• Website: rockstargames.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: India 35%, United Kingdom (UK) 35%, United States (USA) 24%, Other 5%
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: rockstar-games

Rockstar Games, Inc., founded in 1998 and based in New York City, is a prominent video game publisher recognized for its blockbuster titles, including Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. The company operates under the umbrella of Take-Two Interactive and has a workforce of over 6,000 employees distributed across various countries, including significant presences in India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Rockstar Games is not just a publisher; it actively develops games that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. Their titles are known for rich narratives, detailed open worlds, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The company also engages directly with consumers through its online store, offering games and merchandise, which enhances its brand loyalty and community connection. Rockstar's ongoing support for its games, including regular updates and expansions, demonstrates its commitment to maintaining player engagement and satisfaction.

9. Computer Lunch Games

• Website: games.computerlunch.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: computerlunch-games

Computer Lunch Games is a Brooklyn-based game studio founded in 2009, specializing in the development and publication of video games. With a small team of 1-10 employees, the company has carved out a niche in creating engaging and educational gaming experiences. Their portfolio includes titles such as 'Cell to Singularity', an idle game that explores the evolution of life on Earth, 'Mama Hawk', a high-flying action game about raising a falcon family, and 'SwingStar VR', a virtual reality physics puzzle game. The studio emphasizes intuitive controls and striking graphics, aiming to bring interesting topics to life through gameplay. Notably, 'Cell to Singularity' received a nomination for the Google Play User’s Choice Award in 2020 and was featured in the Facebook Gaming 2020 Indie Elevate Contest, showcasing their impact in the indie gaming scene. The company actively engages with its audience through monthly livestreams on Twitch, further solidifying its presence in the gaming industry.

10. Sabre Games

• Website: sabregames.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Latest funding: Seed, $1.2M, April 2022
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: sabregames

Sabre Games, operating under the name Solert Games, is a gaming studio based in New York, New York, with additional locations in Latvia and Poland. Founded in 2021, the company specializes in creating AAA mobile, browser, and blockchain games. With a team of experienced developers, Sabre Games has already developed over 160 games, achieving more than 20 million downloads. The studio emphasizes a game-first approach, prioritizing quality gameplay while leveraging cutting-edge technologies like blockchain to enhance player experiences. Their commitment to player ownership of in-game assets through blockchain technology positions them at the forefront of the evolving gaming market. In April 2022, Sabre Games secured $1.2 million in seed funding, which supports their ambitious plans for growth and innovation in the gaming space.

11. Crowbar Collective

• Website: crowbarcollective.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Syracuse, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 65%, United Kingdom (UK) 35%
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: crowbar-collective

Crowbar Collective is an independent game studio based in Syracuse, New York, founded in 2012. The company operates with a remote team that spans across the United States and the United Kingdom. Initially formed as a volunteer group, Crowbar Collective gained prominence through the development of Black Mesa, an award-winning fan-made re-imagining of the iconic Half-Life game. This project not only revitalized interest in the original title but also demonstrated the studio's commitment to high-quality game design. The team is passionate about creating engaging content and has built a strong community around their work, frequently updating their games and interacting with fans. Crowbar Collective continues to focus on delivering exceptional gaming experiences, making them a relevant player in the game development sector.

12. Brass Lion Entertainment

• Website: brasslionentertainment.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: Canada 50%, United States (USA) 50%
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: brasslionent

Brass Lion Entertainment is an entertainment studio based in New York City, founded in 2017. The company is dedicated to crafting original fictional universes that center on Black, Brown, and other traditionally marginalized characters and cultures. With a team of 73 employees, they aim to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences seeking representation in media. Currently, Brass Lion is working on an unannounced action-role playing game for consoles and PC, alongside a narrative podcast titled 'Corner Wolves,' which explores the lives of young people in Harlem during the mid-90s. The studio's founders bring extensive experience from the AAA gaming industry, having worked on acclaimed titles. Their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for creatives of all backgrounds further underscores their mission to change the interactive storytelling space.

13. Pahdo Labs

• Website: pahdolabs.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: Series A, $15.0M, September 2023
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: pahdo

Pahdo Labs is a New York-based gaming startup founded in 2021, dedicated to creating immersive, anime-inspired video games. The company aims to build a vibrant social world where players can engage meaningfully and feel a sense of belonging. With a team of 44 employees, Pahdo Labs is focused on developing their debut title, "Starlight Re:Volver," which has already garnered attention in the gaming community. The company has successfully raised $15 million in Series A funding, backed by prominent investors including Andreessen Horowitz and Zynga founder Mark Pincus. Pahdo Labs is committed to fostering a gaming environment that encourages creativity, mastery, and long-lasting player impact, positioning itself as a noteworthy player in the gaming industry.

14. Spatial

• Website: spatial.io
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 81%, India 6%, South Korea 6%, Other 6%
• Latest funding: Series B, $25.0M, December 2021
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: spatial-systems

Spatial is a technology company based in New York, founded in 2016. It operates a 3D gaming platform where creators can craft and share immersive social experiences. The platform is designed to support game developers and brands by providing essential tools for game creation and monetization. Spatial's offerings include a creator toolkit that enhances Unity creations, enabling developers to publish games across web, mobile, and VR platforms. The company has attracted significant investment, securing $25 million in a Series B funding round in December 2021, which underscores its potential in the gaming industry. Spatial's customer base includes individual creators and businesses, reflecting its commitment to fostering a vibrant virtual economy.

15. Little Red

• Website: little-red.co
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Brooklyn, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: little-red-nyc

Little Red is a game and design studio located in Brooklyn, New York. Founded in 2019, the company focuses on game design and development, with their primary offering being LOGOS DIVINÆ. This game targets gamers seeking engaging experiences. As a small studio with a team of 1-10 employees, Little Red is still in the process of building its portfolio and reputation within the gaming industry. Their commitment to creating unique gaming experiences reflects their ambition to carve out a niche in a competitive market.

16. Enver

• Website: enverstudio.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 76%, Canada 6%, Brazil 6%, Other 12%
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: enversuite

Enver Studio, based in New York, is a private VR game studio and publisher that specializes in crafting immersive virtual reality gaming experiences. Founded in 2019, the company has quickly established itself in the VR sector, focusing on games designed for the Meta Quest platform. Enver aims to create engaging and innovative gameplay that resonates with modern gaming culture. Their portfolio includes a variety of titles that showcase their commitment to quality and creativity. The team at Enver is composed of seasoned professionals who are attuned to the latest trends in gaming, allowing them to produce content that appeals to a younger audience. Enver also engages in publishing, seeking out unique game ideas and collaborating with other studios to bring new experiences to players. This dual role as both developer and publisher positions Enver as a significant contributor to the VR gaming community.

17. Kooply

• Website: kooply.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: Israel 100%
• Latest funding: Seed, $18.0M, March 2022
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: kooply

Kooply is a New York-based gaming platform company established in 2021. It specializes in developing a mobile game platform that allows users to create and publish their own games. The company leverages user-generated content and generative AI, catering to both game developers and gamers. With a team of around 40 employees, Kooply is in a growth phase, actively hiring for various roles to build its core team. The company has gained attention in the industry, having won a competition judged by executives from major companies like Disney and Google. Furthermore, it has successfully raised $18 million in seed funding, led by prominent investors such as Microsoft and Playtika, highlighting its potential in the competitive gaming market.

18. WB Games New York

• Website: wbgamesny.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Troy, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: wb-games-ny

WB Games New York, founded in 2016 and based in Troy, New York, is a private game development company with a team of approximately 42 employees. The company specializes in building online gaming services that enhance player experiences and support game developers. They have collaborated with notable studios like NetherRealm and Rocksteady, contributing to popular titles such as Mortal Kombat 11 and Injustice 2. Their technology, including a cloud-based gaming backend named Hydra, allows developers to integrate online features seamlessly, handling billions of player interactions and supporting a vast player base. WB Games New York was recognized as one of Albany Business Review’s Best Places to Work in 2022, reflecting their commitment to a positive work environment. Their focus on multiplayer and social features positions them as a relevant player in the gaming industry.

19. MetaGoons

• Website: metagoons.gg
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: metagoons

MetaGoons is a private gaming publisher based in New York, founded in 2021. With a team of 11-50 employees, the company specializes in decentralized gaming and provides strategic advisory services to game developers. Their mission is to enhance game discovery and player engagement through innovative marketing strategies. MetaGoons has developed immersive online multiplayer games, such as 'Gold Fever', which allows players to own, trade, and profit from in-game assets. They also launched 'BR1', a unique shooter game that attracted over 30,000 players. The company actively engages with the gaming community through creator campaigns and partnerships, aiming to increase reach and retention for their games. Their focus on the metaverse and decentralized gaming positions them as a notable entity in the industry.

20. Mother Games

• Website: mothergames.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brooklyn, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 90%, Ukraine 10%
• Latest funding: Pre-seed, $5.0M, September 2024
• Founded year: 2023
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: mother-games

Mother Games is a video game developer based in Brooklyn, New York, focused on crafting engaging gaming experiences. Founded in 2023, the company is currently promoting its inaugural title, 'Le Zoo', which aims to attract gamers eager for new releases. With a small team of approximately 29 employees, the company has a significant presence in the United States, complemented by a smaller team in Ukraine. Recently, Mother Games secured $5 million in pre-seed funding, indicating investor confidence in their vision and potential within the gaming industry. As they work towards launching 'Le Zoo', their future contributions to the gaming landscape will be closely watched.

Game Development Insights: Key Companies in New York

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