Overview
Treehouse Games is a privately held game development studio based in Los Angeles, California, established in 2020. They are focused on developing collaborative games that emphasize social interactions and memorable shared experiences. Their mission is to innovate within the gaming landscape by merging the creative agility of indie developers with the ambitious scope of AAA gaming standards, fostering engaging cooperative gaming environments that promote community and friendships.
Company Vision and Approach
Treehouse Games aims to create a 'third space' for social interaction through its games, akin to digital gathering spots like cafes or parks. This approach is centered around developing games where players can spend quality time with friends, prioritizing inclusivity and engaging social gameplay over competitive elements.
Key Personnel
- Michael Chu, Co-Founder and CEO, brings his experience from Riot Games where he led initiatives across League of Legends. He steers Treehouse Games toward interactive and cooperative experiences that extend beyond traditional gameplay.
- Ryan Sullivan, Co-Founder and President, leverages his background from Industrial Toys and Sirvo Studios. He focuses on creating games that provide challenges through exploration and emergent gameplay mechanics.
- Andrea Sepenzis, Chief Product Officer, previously of Riot Games, focuses on player insights and strategy. Her role in Treehouse Games involves refining game design ensuring it aligns with the community-focused goals of the company.
Key Products
The flagship project, Voyagers of Nera, is a cooperative survival-crafting game set in a magical ocean world with a planned release in Early Access for PC in 2025. It highlights Treehouse Games' dedication to cooperative gaming experiences, asking players to collaborate to survive, thrive, and explore new lands.
Financial Overview
Treehouse Games successfully raised $2.6 million in a seed funding round in June 2020, led by Kristian Segerstrale and LVP. This funding supports ongoing development and expansion of creative teams, synchronizing financial strategies with growth objectives and product development timelines.
Cultural and Operational Highlights
Operating as a remote-first company, Treehouse Games cultivates a flexible work environment built on trust and respect. This structure allows a diverse team of industry veterans from AAA studios and indie backgrounds to collaborate effectively. The company culture emphasizes player feedback and continuous improvement to create inviting, socially enriching game worlds.
Competitor Profile
Treehouse Games competes in a dynamic environment within the gaming industry, emphasizing storytelling and innovative mechanics. They report an annual revenue of $3.1 million and have approximately 22 employees, marking them as a focused yet agile market player.
Notable Competitors
1. Loric Games
- Location: Arlington, Virginia
- Focus: Immersive survival experiences, with an emphasis on innovation and storytelling.
- Leadership: Led by industry veterans Brian Johnson (CEO) and Rob Denton (COO).
- Funding: $5.6 million over two rounds.
- Upcoming Project: "Echoes of Elysium," an RPG launching in 2025.
2. Roboto Games
- Location: San Mateo, California
- Focus: Synchronous multiplayer action games, prioritizing inclusive games for friends.
- Funding: Raised $15 million in Series A.
- Upcoming Project: "Stormforge," a survival/crafting MMO promoting player cooperation.
3. Keen Games
- Location: Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany
- Focus: Sandbox games with creative gameplay.
- Funding: $10 million in Series B from Hiro Capital and Tencent.
- Achievements: Known for "Enshrouded," with high community engagement and design accolades.
4. Thirdverse
- Location: Tokyo, Japan and San Francisco, USA
- Focus: VR and web3 game pioneers striving to integrate VR with blockchain technology.
- Funding: $41.9 million over five rounds.
- Leadership: Guided by notable figures Hironao Kunimitsu and Masaru Ohnogi.
Strategic Insights
Treehouse Games must leverage its strong narrative focus and niche market appeal to distinguish itself in a competitive landscape filled with peers focusing on multiplayer experiences, innovative storytelling, and advanced technologies like VR and blockchain. Exploring strategic partnerships and technological expansions, such as VR, could aid in capturing a broader audience. Monitoring competitor developments in funding and product launches will be essential for strategic positioning and growth. By maintaining its unique propositions and considering technological and storytelling collaborations, Treehouse Games can continue to thrive amidst its industry competitors.
