Founding, Founders & Vision
Founded in December 2009 by a group of seasoned industry veterans, 11 Bit Studios emerged with a vision to create games that not only entertain but also provoke thought and evoke deep emotions.
Grzegorz Miechowski, Michał Drozdowski, Bartosz Brzostek, and Przemysław Marszał weren’t new to the scene. Grzegorz Miechowski, for example, was already well-known for his work with Metropolis Software, a company he co-founded and where he produced cult classics like “Gorky 17”. Michał Drozdowski, Bartosz Brzostek, and Przemysław Marszał brought in their extensive experience from companies like CD Projekt and City Interactive, adding depth to the team with their creative and technical skills.
11 Bit Studios quickly set themselves apart by focusing on games that blend entertainment with thought-provoking themes. Their vision? To create games that make you think, challenge your perspectives, and stay with you long after you’ve put down the controller. They want to push the boundaries of what games could be, not just in terms of mechanics, but in their ability to convey powerful messages and stories. It’s not for nothing that they write on their website that their clear mission is “Meaningful Entertainment”.
The founders of 11 Bit Studios, having honed their skills and gathered extensive knowledge from their long careers, knew the challenges ahead. Yet, they were driven by the desire to break free from the constraints of mainstream gaming and explore new, uncharted territories. They wanted to create something unique, something that would resonate with gamers on a profound level.
First Game: "Anomaly: Warzone Earth"
In those early days, the team at 11 Bit Studios worked tirelessly, often burning the midnight oil, driven by their passion and commitment. Their first major project was Anomaly: Warzone Earth, a game that flipped the traditional tower defense genre on its head.
Anomaly: Warzone Earth places you in a near-future world where an alien invasion threatens to destroy major cities around the globe. You take command of an elite military unit tasked with saving Earth, navigating through various urban environments filled with extraterrestrial threats.
In Anomaly: Warzone Earth, you get a unique twist on the traditional tower defense genre by taking on the offensive role, planning routes and deploying units to destroy alien towers. The game’s visuals are engaging, with a top-down perspective that provides a clear view of the action and strategic landscape. However, some players may find the gameplay repetitive over longer sessions, but the challenging missions and tactical depth offer plenty to keep strategy fans engaged.
First Years
Building on the momentum of their first success, the studio continued to innovate with titles like Anomaly Korea and Anomaly 2, further refining their approach and expanding their audience.
Anomaly Korea brings the player to East Asia, with a new campaign and fresh maps. Anomaly 2 evolves the formula by adding multiplayer modes, where you can either command the human forces or control the towers as the aliens, introducing intense strategic depth and competitive gameplay to the series.
The Breakthrough: "This War of Mine"
However, it was their 2014 release, This War of Mine, that truly set them apart.
In This War of Mine, you’re plunged into a war-torn city, but instead of playing as a soldier, you take on the role of civilians trying to survive. The setting is bleak and desperate, reflecting the harsh realities of conflict on everyday people.
The game offers a unique and challenging experience, focusing on resource management and moral choices. You’ll need to scavenge for supplies, build shelters, and make tough decisions to keep your group alive. With its somber atmosphere and emotional storytelling, This War of Mine is a thought-provoking exploration of the human side of war.
The next IP: "Frostpunk"
As they grew, 11 Bit Studios continued to surprise with titles like Frostpunk.
Frostpunk immerses you in a frozen, post-apocalyptic world where you are the leader of the last city on Earth. You must build, manage, and evolve your city to ensure the survival of its inhabitants amidst relentless cold and scarce resources.
The game offers a captivating blend of city-building and survival mechanics, forcing you to make tough decisions that balance hope and despair. Its intricate moral choices and strategic depth keep you engaged, while the visually stunning, wintry landscapes create an immersive atmosphere. If you’re a fan of challenging simulations that test your leadership and ethical boundaries, Frostpunk is a must-try.
Publishing, Publishing, Publishing!
11 Bit Studios has built a remarkable reputation in the gaming industry not just as a developer but also as a prominent publisher, known for their distinctive approach to storytelling and gameplay – with a strong focus on the premium Indie market. Their third-party publishing portfolio reflects their commitment to supporting indie developers who share their passion for creating unique, thought-provoking games.
“Beat Cop” immerses players in a gritty ’80s cop drama where they navigate the turbulent streets of Brooklyn as Jack Kelly, unraveling a dark mystery amid sharp humor and pixelated charm. “Moonlighter” offers a compelling blend of action RPG and merchant simulation, following Will’s dual life as a shopkeeper by day and a daring adventurer by night. “Children of Morta” delves deep into familial bonds amidst an epic battle against encroaching Corruption, emphasizing the Bergsons’ emotional journey and sacrifices. “The Alters” introduces an introspective twist with Jan’s creation of alternate selves, exploring divergent life paths and pivotal decisions. Lastly, “Indika” ventures into a fantastical realm where a young nun confronts her beliefs alongside an unlikely companion, weaving religious visions with the harsh realities of 19th century Russia.
Each title in 11 Bit Studios’ third-party publishing portfolio brings something distinctive to the table, whether through compelling storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, or immersive world-building. As they continue to expand their catalogue, 11 Bit Studios remains dedicated to supporting indie developers and bringing exceptional games to a global audience.
The Future
In addition to the previously mentioned game “The Alters” and the game “Creatures of Ava”, 11bit Studios has already announced further games. At the forefront is the forthcoming Frostpunk 2.
Frostpunk 2 promises to push the boundaries of survival strategy gaming even further, building upon the icy challenges and tough moral decisions that made its predecessor a hit. Set in a frozen world where humanity struggles against the elements and societal collapse, the sequel introduces several key differences from the original.
Firstly, the game expands its scope beyond the individual city to a wider, more dynamic world. Players will not only manage their settlements but also interact with other factions, each with their own goals and ideologies. This introduces new layers of diplomacy and conflict resolution, adding a geopolitical dimension to the gameplay.
Secondly, Frostpunk 2 enhances the complexity of decision-making. Moral dilemmas remain central, but now decisions have far-reaching consequences that can shape the world and its future. This deepens the narrative impact, challenging players to balance immediate survival with long-term consequences.
Technological advancements play a crucial role as well. The game introduces new technologies and buildings, offering fresh strategies for adaptation and survival in the unforgiving cold. Players must innovate and evolve their cities to thrive in this harsh environment.
Overall, Frostpunk 2 aims to retain the grim atmosphere and strategic depth of its predecessor while expanding gameplay mechanics and narrative possibilities. It promises a compelling experience where every choice matters, set against a backdrop of relentless cold and societal struggle.