The gaming industry in North Carolina is thriving, drawing talent and investment towards innovative game development. Companies range from large firms like Epic Games, known for its blockbuster titles and game development technology, to smaller studios focusing on niche markets or independent games. The state is fast becoming a digital playground with a mix of genres and formats, catering to an array of players. With advancements in technology such as gaming platforms and AI, the sector is expected to expand further, reshaping the way games are developed, distributed, and played in the coming years.

This list features a mix of established firms and emerging studios based in North Carolina. Notably, Epic Games leads the list with a team of thousands, while several smaller companies like Imangi Studios and Caution Ready Games emphasize mobile and indie gaming. Founded between 1991 and 2023, these companies showcase various specialties, from game publishing to unique gaming experiences, establishing North Carolina as a burgeoning hub in the gaming world.

Read on to discover the top gaming companies in North Carolina.

Top 20 Gaming Companies Companies in North Carolina

1. Epic Games

• Website: epicgames.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Cary, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 55%, United Kingdom (UK) 12%, Canada 10%, Other 23%
• Latest funding: May 2024
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: epic-games

Epic Games, Inc. is a video game developer and software publisher based in Cary, North Carolina. Founded in 1991, the company has established itself as a key player in the gaming industry. Epic is best known for creating the Unreal Engine, a powerful game development platform that serves as a backbone for many popular games across various genres. In addition to its technological contributions, Epic Games has developed highly successful titles, most notably Fortnite, which has become a cultural phenomenon since its release. The company also supports game developers through its marketplace, offering a range of assets and tools to enhance game creation. Epic Games continues to innovate and expand its offerings, making it a relevant and influential entity in the gaming sector.

2. Limited Run Games

• Website: limitedrungames.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Apex, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 96%, Japan 4%
• Latest funding: August 2022
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: limited-run-games

Limited Run Games, founded in 2015 and based in Apex, North Carolina, is a video game retailer that specializes in the sale of physical copies of video games and related merchandise. The company has carved out a niche in the gaming industry by offering limited edition games and collectibles, appealing to gamers and collectors alike. In a market that is increasingly shifting towards digital downloads, Limited Run Games provides a solution for those who prefer physical media. Their product offerings include a variety of platforms such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, as well as retro games. The company also sells apparel and other merchandise, further enhancing its brand presence among gaming enthusiasts. With a dedicated following, Limited Run Games has established itself as a significant player in the collectible gaming market.

3. Imangi Studios

• Website: imangistudios.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 85%, Canada 15%
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: imangi-studios

Imangi Studios, founded in 2008 by Keith Shepherd and Natalia Luckyanova, is a game development company based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The studio is best known for creating the Temple Run series, which has become a cultural phenomenon in mobile gaming. With a focus on crafting fun, family-friendly games, Imangi has successfully captured the attention of millions of players worldwide. The Temple Run games, including Temple Run 2 and Temple Run: Puzzle Adventure, have collectively amassed over 2.5 billion downloads, highlighting the company's significant impact on the mobile gaming market. Imangi is currently in a growth phase, led by a team of industry veterans, and is dedicated to expanding the Temple Run brand through new game releases and strategic partnerships. The company operates primarily in the mobile gaming industry, with a strong emphasis on delivering engaging experiences to its audience.

4. Maurice McGee Co Founder of Caution Ready Games

• Website: cautionreadygames.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Wendell, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: caution-ready-games-llc

Caution Ready Games, LLC, co-founded by Maurice McGee and Mycah McGee in November 2019, is a video game development studio based in Wendell, North Carolina. The company specializes in crafting immersive 2D and 3D games, as well as animation films, utilizing popular development platforms like Unity and Unreal Engine. With a small team of 21 employees, Caution Ready Games aims to deliver engaging entertainment experiences to gamers. Their current portfolio includes titles such as 'The Breakout Animal Rescue Agency,' 'Tag n Sack,' and 'Frontier Planets,' among others, which are in various stages of development. The company is open to remote employment opportunities, indicating a flexible approach to talent acquisition. Despite being a new entrant in the industry, they are actively working on multiple projects, showcasing their ambition to carve out a niche in the gaming sector.

5. invalid

• Website: null.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 92%, Colombia 8%
• Founded year: 1936
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: m-%26-j-wilkow-ltd.

Null is a video game publisher based in Charlotte, North Carolina, founded in 2022. The company specializes in publishing indie games for PC, Mac, and consoles, showcasing titles such as 'Athena Crisis', 'Demon Spore', and 'Streetdog BMX'. Null emphasizes a player-friendly approach, steering clear of aggressive monetization strategies like loot boxes and battle passes. Their publishing agreements are designed to be developer-friendly, sharing risks with their partners and fostering a collaborative environment. With a workforce of around 286 employees, the company is primarily based in the United States, with a small percentage of its team located in Colombia. Null aims to create engaging gaming experiences that resonate with players looking for quality entertainment without the pitfalls of modern monetization practices.

6. Methodical Games, Inc.

• Website: methodical.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 81%, Canada 19%
• Latest funding: Series A, $15.0M, November 2022
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: methodical-games

Methodical Games, Inc. is a game development studio based in Raleigh, North Carolina, founded in 2022. The company is dedicated to creating immersive multiplayer games that resonate with players. With a team of 21 employees, many of whom have backgrounds in developing some of the industry's most recognized franchises, Methodical Games emphasizes a collaborative and innovative approach to game development. Their core values include a passion for gaming, a focus on mastering fundamentals, and a commitment to humility and efficiency. In November 2022, Methodical Games secured $15 million in Series A funding, which underscores investor confidence in their vision and capabilities. The studio aims to craft award-winning games that push the boundaries of what is possible in the gaming industry, making them a noteworthy entity in the current gaming landscape.

7. Harmony Games Inc.

• Website: harmonygames.co
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Matthews, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: Seed, $3.0M, October 2023
• Founded year: 2023
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: harmony-games-inc

Harmony Games Inc. is a gaming studio based in Matthews, North Carolina, specializing in AI-assisted game development. Founded in 2023, the company aims to create immersive gaming experiences that resonate with players on a deeper level. With a team of skilled game designers and engineers, Harmony Games emphasizes collaboration and innovation in their projects. The studio operates remotely, allowing them to tap into talent from various regions. Recently, they secured $3 million in seed funding, which reflects investor interest in their vision and capabilities. Their mission includes fostering passionate communities and extending experiences beyond the game itself, showcasing a commitment to ethical practices in marketing and community engagement.

8. Atomic Arcade

• Website: atomicarcade.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 93%, Canada 7%
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: atomic-arcade-games

Atomic Arcade is a game development studio based in Raleigh, North Carolina, founded in 2021. The company is dedicated to crafting high-quality AAA gaming experiences, with a current focus on a game centered around the iconic GI Joe character, Snake Eyes. This project is being developed in collaboration with Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro, indicating a significant partnership with established entities in the gaming and entertainment sectors. Atomic Arcade is led by a team of industry veterans who have previously worked on major intellectual properties, bringing a wealth of experience to the studio. The company promotes a culture of quality and community engagement, offering remote and hybrid work opportunities to attract talent. As they progress through the development phases, Atomic Arcade aims to create immersive gameplay that resonates with both gamers and fans of the GI Joe franchise.

9. Epoch Games

• Website: epochgames.co.uk
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 74%, United Kingdom (UK) 18%, Canada 8%
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: epoch-games

Epoch Games is a video game development company based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, founded in 2013. The company is composed of a volunteer team from various countries, united by a shared passion for gaming. They are currently focused on developing 'The Lays of Althas: Sundered Order', a single-player RPG that utilizes Unreal Engine 4. This game is designed to feature a dynamic world that evolves over time, independent of player actions, which reflects a commitment to creating a rich and immersive gaming experience. The team operates entirely online, allowing for a global collaboration that brings together talents from the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Their approach emphasizes community involvement and a player-centric philosophy, aiming to create a game that resonates with gamers. Epoch Games actively engages with its audience through platforms like Discord and IndieDB, fostering a community around their development process.

10. Studio Hermitage

• Website: studio-hermitage.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: studiohermitage

Studio Hermitage is a game development studio based in Raleigh, North Carolina, founded in 2022. The company specializes in creating original intellectual properties that span multiple formats, including video games, tabletop roleplaying games, audio dramas, and comic books. With a strong emphasis on engaging storytelling and immersive experiences, Studio Hermitage aims to invite players to participate in the narrative process. The studio is led by industry veterans with over 70 years of combined experience, including CEO Paxton Galvanek, CCO Justin Achilli, and Studio Art Director Andy Foltz. Their mission is to provide a creative environment where both the team and players can explore and share their unique stories. Studio Hermitage is fully funded by Amplifier Game Invest and is part of the Embracer Group, which enhances its position in the gaming industry.

11. DoubleTap

• Website: doubletapsoftware.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Pineville, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: doubletapsoftware

DoubleTap Software, founded in 2012 and based in Pineville, North Carolina, is a mobile game developer that specializes in creating engaging free-to-play sports games. The company has developed popular titles such as Soccer Battle, Basketball Battle, and Ted Ginn: Kick Return, which have collectively attracted a large community of mobile gamers. DoubleTap focuses on providing competitive gaming experiences, featuring daily tournaments and innovative game mechanics that enhance player engagement. With over 65 million downloads and more than 450,000 five-star ratings, their games have resonated well with users. The company prides itself on pushing the industry forward by continuously improving its offerings and exploring new ideas to keep players entertained.

12. Megamod

• Website: megamod.io
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United Arab Emirates 50%, United States (USA) 32%, Russia 18%
• Latest funding: Seed, $1.9M, June 2024
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: onlyspace-publishing

Megamod is a gaming platform based in Raleigh, North Carolina, founded in 2021. It enables users to create, share, and play games, providing tools that simplify game development for those without extensive programming knowledge. The platform has gained traction by fostering a community of gamers and creators, with over 570 new games added weekly. Megamod aims to revolutionize the gaming industry by making game creation accessible and affordable, similar to how platforms like Spotify and YouTube transformed music and video content. The company has received $1.9 million in seed funding as of June 2024, reflecting investor interest in its innovative approach. With a focus on user-generated content, Megamod is positioned to play a significant role in the future of gaming, appealing particularly to younger creators who are familiar with its mechanics.

13. Underscore Games

• Website: underscore.games
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: Other (Grant), $9,000, April 2024
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: underscoregames

Underscore Games, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a private board game developer founded in 2020. The company specializes in creating engaging games aimed at enhancing social interactions. Their notable offerings include 'Cubicle', a workplace-themed party game, and 'Infernal Escape', an adventure game that encourages teamwork and strategic thinking. Underscore Games operates primarily through e-commerce, focusing on direct sales to consumers. As of April 2024, the company received a grant of $9,000, which reflects its ongoing efforts to secure funding and support for its projects. With a small team of 17 employees, Underscore Games is still establishing its presence in the gaming industry, but it demonstrates a clear passion for game development and consumer engagement.

14. Gamers Nexus

• Website: gamersnexus.net
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Cary, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: gamers-nexus

Gamers Nexus, LLC, founded in 2008 and based in Cary, North Carolina, operates as a prominent gaming review site. The company specializes in delivering comprehensive product reviews, benchmarks, and optimization guides tailored for gaming hardware and software. Their content is designed to assist gamers and PC enthusiasts in making informed purchasing decisions. In addition to their review site, Gamers Nexus runs an online store that offers merchandise related to gaming and technology, further solidifying their presence in the industry. The company has built a reputation for thorough analysis and consumer-focused content, which resonates well with their audience. With a small team of dedicated employees, Gamers Nexus continues to thrive in a competitive environment, providing valuable insights and fostering a community around gaming hardware.

15. Capacity Studios

• Website: capacity.gg
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Durham, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: capacity

Capacity Studios, founded in 2003 and based in Durham, North Carolina, is a creative agency that specializes in the gaming industry. With a team of 11-50 employees, the company focuses on producing high-quality content, including in-game cinematics, branding, and motion graphics. They have collaborated with notable clients such as Riot Games for the League Championship Series and Psyonix for Rocket League, showcasing their ability to create engaging visual content that resonates with gamers. Capacity Studios prides itself on its collaborative approach, aiming to become an extension of its clients' teams to deliver projects that reflect shared visions. Their work spans various projects, from pre-launch content for new games to broadcast packages for esports events, highlighting their versatility and commitment to the gaming sector.

16. Boss Key Productions Inc

• Website: bosskey.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: boss-key-productions-inc

Boss Key Productions Inc, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, was founded in 2014 and operates with a small team of 11-50 employees. The company specializes in two-player games, providing a platform that offers resources and information about various gaming options, including board games, video games, and outdoor activities. Their focus is on creating engaging experiences for game enthusiasts who enjoy both casual and competitive play. The platform serves as a guide for players seeking thrilling two-player games, covering a wide range of interests and skill levels. Despite their active presence in the gaming community, there is no reported funding or significant game development activity associated with the company.

17. The Escapist

• Website: escapistmagazine.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Durham, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: July 2018
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: the-escapist

The Escapist, founded in 2005 and based in Durham, North Carolina, is a media company dedicated to covering video games, movies, and anime. With a team of around 30 employees, it produces a variety of content including news articles, reviews, guides, and original video series. The Escapist is known for its unique video series such as 'Zero Punctuation' and 'Extra Punctuation', which provide humorous and critical takes on games. The company also hosts podcasts and maintains an active forum for community engagement. By offering curated content, The Escapist helps enthusiasts stay informed about the latest trends and releases in the entertainment industry, particularly in gaming.

18. Omni Creator Products

• Website: ocp.gg
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 74%, Canada 9%, United Kingdom (UK) 9%, Other 9%
• Latest funding: Series A, $16.2M, June 2022
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: ocpgg

Omni Creator Products (OCP) is a game development company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, founded in 2021. The company is dedicated to empowering players to become active participants in game creation. OCP offers tools such as CreatorLab and Muse, designed to simplify the game design process and allow users to express their creativity. Their primary audience includes gamers and aspiring developers who seek accessible ways to engage in game creation. OCP has attracted attention in the industry, raising $16.25 million in a Series A funding round led by prominent investors, including Andreessen Horowitz. The team consists of experienced professionals from major gaming companies, which enhances their credibility and potential for success. OCP operates remotely, with a workforce distributed across various countries, reflecting a modern approach to talent acquisition and collaboration.

19. Intrex Computers

• Website: intrex.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1988
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: intrex-computers

Intrex Computers, founded in 1988 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a private retail company that specializes in computer sales and repair services. With a workforce of 11 to 50 employees, Intrex caters to both individual consumers and businesses. The company offers a range of products, prominently featuring gaming PCs, content creator systems, and business computers. Their commitment to the gaming community is evident through their dedicated section for gaming computers, which are optimized for performance and budget considerations. Intrex operates physical stores in Greensboro and Raleigh, NC, and provides both in-store and online shopping options. They also offer repair services, enhancing their role in the local tech ecosystem. Intrex has received recognition for its services, including awards such as Raleigh's Best 2022 GOLD IT/Computer Services Award Winner, indicating a strong local presence and reputation.

20. UberStrategist

• Website: uberstrategist.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Cary, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 88%, United Kingdom (UK) 12%
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: uberstrategist

UberStrategist is a public relations and marketing agency based in Cary, North Carolina, founded in 2014. With a team of 11-50 employees, the agency specializes in the interactive entertainment industry, providing services such as publicity, promotion, and partnership development. They work with a range of clients, including major game publishers, indie developers, and technology companies, helping them to enhance their visibility and engagement in a competitive market. UberStrategist operates on a retainer basis, focusing on tailored strategies that meet the unique needs of their clients. Their portfolio includes notable partnerships with companies like Atari and Nightdive Studios, showcasing their ability to generate significant media coverage and support successful marketing campaigns. The agency has built a reputation for delivering effective results, often through word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients.

Gaming Companies Insights: Key Companies in North Carolina

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