Michigan has become a major hotspot for online gaming. The industry has become extremely successful in recent years, with iGaming revenue in March reaching a record $260.5 million. So let’s take a look at some of the major gaming companies in the state.
Michigan is home to a variety of gaming companies. From Indie studios to large providers, each company provides its own unique spin on the industry.
Image Space
This is one of Michigan’s most respected gaming companies. It was founded back in 1992 and has been creating iconic games ever since. They specialize in racing simulations, making them one of the top companies in that niche. One of their more popular titles includes the rFactor series. The company has also worked alongside gaming giants EA Sports on their F1 series, as well as professional racing teams and organizations for training and simulation processes.
Confier Games
Confier Games is a studio that’s known for its strategic titles. The company was founded by Jon Shafer, an iconic name in the industry. He is known for being the lead designer of Civilization V. The studio has published only one game, At the Gates. This takes players all the way back to the Roman Empire, challenging them to lead barbarian tribes to greatness. This company is a great example of smaller studios making their mark on the gaming industry.
Dreaming Door Studios
This studio showcases just how effective and essential storytelling is in online gaming. The studio has only published and developed one game, Golden Treasure: The Great Green. This game is narrative-driven with a big focus on storytelling and emotional connection. The game revolves around an exciting fantasy world that sees players take on the perspective of dragons. The hand-painted design of the game provides a unique experience, helping to make the fantasy world even more special. Dreaming Door has proven just how important storytelling is in the gaming world.
Stardock Corporation
This is one of Michigan’s largest and most well-known game developers in the state. The company is best known for its bigger titles like Galactic Civilizations, Sins of a Solar Empire and Ashes of the Singularity, designed for PCs and laptops. These games are known for providing strategy-driven experiences and are popular all around the world. Players not only get to put their strategic skills to the test, but also can immerse themselves in the fantasy worlds that these games are set in.
Inspired Entertainment
Inspired Entertainment might be headquartered in New York, but it’s had a huge impact on Michigan’s online gaming market. This company is known for several gaming experiences, particularly their efforts in casino gaming. This includes games like virtual slots and even features live dealer technology. With the legalization of online casinos in Michigan, many platforms now offer games created by Inspired Entertainment. It has now become a popular pastime for many residents in the state. A lot of these games also come with casino promos for Michigan, making them even more attractive to players. They have played a significant role in the rise of casino gaming in the state.
Gaudium
This indie game studio has specialized in free-to-play, live-service mobile games. They are also known for their distinctive anime art style. Armor Blitz is a real-time strategy game. It requires card collection as well as lane-based combat. Players must assemble a squad of anime-style girls from the WW11 and Cold War eras and take on the invading force that’s known as corruption. Users can access the game from several devices, including their smartphones. This allows players to enjoy at any time from anywhere.
Frostburn Studios
This gaming company is known for its work on the iconic Heroes of Newerth. It’s a very popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game. This type of gaming has become extremely popular in recent years. Frostburn Studios is on a mission to deliver the most enjoyable gaming experience. Their team consists of some of the best in the industry, all with innovative ideas to push the gaming experience even further. Frostburn Studios is also striving to create ethical gaming practices, prioritizing the welfare of all its players.
In Heroes of Newerth, two teams of players go head to head: the Legion and the Hellbourne. In this game, each team is based on opposite sides of a map. The map is then split into three continuous ‘lanes’. Additionally, defensive towers are positioned evenly through each lane until the lanes terminate at a team’s base. The game aims to push into the opposing team’s base and destroy their primary structure. It’s a game that requires more than just force, players must think strategically to win.
Salt Free Interactive
This is another studio that focuses on mobile gaming. Their aim is to provide the ultimate gaming experience, even on smaller screens. Salt Free Interactive was started in 2018, making it one of the newer studios in the industry. Their first game was Stardust Hyperdrive. It’s an arcade space shooter where players can move left and right to dodge enemy attacks. Players are also able to fire back with lasers and power-ups. This has become a popular option for Michigan gamers looking for a more casual gaming experience.
Underbite Games
This is another indie studio that develops original games with unique experiences. Their goal is to create games that offer diverse gameplay experiences without diminishing the quality of the visuals. The studio also works alongside the Michigan Gaming Cluster through committee participation and active training of talent. Their top RPG games include Sentinels of Freedom and One Deck Dungeon. These games offer excitement and action, with One Deck Dungeon also providing an extra challenge with some puzzle games too. This makes it a great option for players looking to train their brains while also enjoying online gaming.
Michigan’s gaming industry is thriving and continues to grow rapidly. With 21 active companies contributing to its success, the state offers an incredible selection of gaming experiences.
