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| foundation = 2009
| foundation = 2009
| location = [[United States]]
| location = [[United States]]
| key_people = Chris McElligott Park, Pablo Vega, Keith LaMothe, Daniette Shinkle
| key_people = {{unbulleted list|Chris McElligott Park|Pablo Vega|Keith LaMothe|Daniette Shinkle}}
| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
| num_employees = 1 (2019)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://explorminate.co/chris-park-of-arcen-games-podcast-interview/ |title=Chris Park of Arcen Games Interview |first=Rob |last=Honaker |publisher=eXplorminate |date=November 14, 2019 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> 3 (2016)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/264651/Arcen_to_lay_off_almost_all_staff_after_poor_sales_of_its_latest_game.php |title=Arcen to lay off 'almost all' staff after poor sales of its latest game |first=Alex |last=Wawro|publisher=[[Gamasutra]] |date=January 28, 2016 |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://linuxgameconsortium.com/sad-news-for-arcen-games-now-laying-off-most-of-their-staff/ |title=Sad news for Arcen Games now laying off most of their staff |publisher=[[Linux Game Consortium]] |date=January 29, 2016 |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> 6 (2015)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/04/08/stars-beyond-reach-trailer/ |title=Have A Gander At Arcen's Space 4X Stars Beyond Reach |first=Alice|last=O'Connor|publisher=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |date=April 8, 2015 |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> 2 (2009)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.vg247.com/2012/08/04/living-the-dream-arcen-games-and-the-indie-recipe-pt-1/ |title=Living the Dream: Arcen Games and the Indie Recipe, Pt 1. |first=Brenna |last=Hillier|publisher=[[vg247]] |date=August 4, 2012 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref>
| num_employees = 1 (2019)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://explorminate.co/chris-park-of-arcen-games-podcast-interview/ |title=Chris Park of Arcen Games Interview |first=Rob |last=Honaker |publisher=eXplorminate |date=November 14, 2019 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> 3 (2016)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/264651/Arcen_to_lay_off_almost_all_staff_after_poor_sales_of_its_latest_game.php |title=Arcen to lay off 'almost all' staff after poor sales of its latest game |first=Alex |last=Wawro|publisher=[[Gamasutra]] |date=January 28, 2016 |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://linuxgameconsortium.com/sad-news-for-arcen-games-now-laying-off-most-of-their-staff/ |title=Sad news for Arcen Games now laying off most of their staff |publisher=[[Linux Game Consortium]] |date=January 29, 2016 |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> 6 (2015)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/04/08/stars-beyond-reach-trailer/ |title=Have A Gander At Arcen's Space 4X Stars Beyond Reach |first=Alice|last=O'Connor|publisher=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |date=April 8, 2015 |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> 2 (2009)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.vg247.com/2012/08/04/living-the-dream-arcen-games-and-the-indie-recipe-pt-1/ |title=Living the Dream: Arcen Games and the Indie Recipe, Pt 1. |first=Brenna |last=Hillier|publisher=[[vg247]] |date=August 4, 2012 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref>
| products = ''[[AI War: Fleet Command]]''<br/>''[[Tidalis]]''<br/>''[[A Valley Without Wind]] 1&2''<br/>''[[Shattered Haven]]''<br/>''[[Skyward Collapse]]''<br/>''[[Bionic Dues]]''<br/>''[[The Last Federation]]''<br/>''[[Stars Beyond Reach]]''<br/>''[[Starward Rogue]]''<br/>''[[In Case of Emergency, Release Raptor]]''<br/>''[[AI War 2]]''
| products = ''[[AI War: Fleet Command]]''<br/>''[[Tidalis]]''<br/>''[[A Valley Without Wind]] 1&2''<br/>''[[Shattered Haven]]''<br/>''[[Skyward Collapse]]''<br/>''[[Bionic Dues]]''<br/>''[[The Last Federation]]''<br/>''[[Stars Beyond Reach]]''<br/>''[[Starward Rogue]]''<br/>''[[In Case of Emergency, Release Raptor]]''<br/>''[[AI War 2]]''
| revenue =
| revenue =
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}}
}}


'''Arcen Games''' is a small video game company founded in 2009 by Chris McElligott Park, known as Christopher M. Park prior to remarriage in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://steamcommunity.com/games/573410/announcements/detail/2078915095142987650 |title=v2.012 Released! "Populous" |date=March 26, 2020 |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> The company launched their first product, ''[[AI War: Fleet Command]]'', in mid 2009 for Windows PCs.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.co-optimus.com/interview/305/page/1/interview-with-christopher-park-ai-war-lead-designer.html |title=Interview with Christopher Park - AI War Lead Designer |first=Jason |last=Love |publisher=Co-Optimus |year=2009 |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref>
'''Arcen Games''' is a small video game company founded in 2009 by Chris McElligott Park, known as Christopher M. Park prior to remarriage in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://steamcommunity.com/games/573410/announcements/detail/2078915095142987650 |title=v2.012 Released! "Populous" |date=March 26, 2020 |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> The company launched their first product, ''[[AI War: Fleet Command]]'', in mid 2009 for Windows PCs.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.co-optimus.com/interview/305/page/1/interview-with-christopher-park-ai-war-lead-designer.html |title=Interview with Christopher Park - AI War Lead Designer |first=Jason |last=Love |publisher=Co-Optimus |year=2009 |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref>


The company became one of the early notable examples of heavy procedural generation in almost all their games.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://videogametourism.at/content/process-footnotes-interview-chris-park-arcen-games |title="The Process"-Footnotes: An interview with Chris Park of Arcen Games |first=Rainer |last=Sigl |publisher=Video Game Tourism |year=2012 |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> They are also known for taking unusual gameplay ideas in an idiosyncratic range of genres,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/04/12/win-the-space-race-the-last-federations-out-soon/ |title=Win The Space Race: The Last Federation's Out Soon |first=Craig |last=Pearson |publisher=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |date=April 12, 2014 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> and exploring to the extreme ends of each idea.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.firstpersonscholar.com/interview-with-christopher-park/ |title=First Person Podcast Interviews Chris Park |first=Rob |last=Parker |publisher=[[First Person Scholar]] |date=February 17, 2016 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> Most of Arcen's titles include some form of overarching goals with a lot of freedom as to how the player goes about reaching said goals.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.savingcontent.com/2014/04/25/the-last-federation-review/ |title=The Last Federation Review |first=Scott |last=Ellison II |publisher=[[Saving Content]] |date=April 25, 2014 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> The company founder has a stated aversion to being stuck into any one genre.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://kotaku.com/arcen-games-talk-a-valley-without-wind-5754975 |title=Arcen Games Talk A Valley Without Wind |first=Phill |last=Cameron |publisher=[[Kotaku]] |date=February 8, 2011 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref>
The company became one of the early notable examples of heavy procedural generation in almost all their games.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://videogametourism.at/content/process-footnotes-interview-chris-park-arcen-games |title="The Process"-Footnotes: An interview with Chris Park of Arcen Games |first=Rainer |last=Sigl |publisher=Video Game Tourism |year=2012 |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> They are also known for taking unusual gameplay ideas in an idiosyncratic range of genres,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/04/12/win-the-space-race-the-last-federations-out-soon/ |title=Win The Space Race: The Last Federation's Out Soon |first=Craig |last=Pearson |publisher=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |date=April 12, 2014 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> and exploring to the extreme ends of each idea.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.firstpersonscholar.com/interview-with-christopher-park/ |title=First Person Podcast Interviews Chris Park |first=Rob |last=Parker |publisher=[[First Person Scholar]] |date=February 17, 2016 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> Most of Arcen's titles include some form of overarching goals with a lot of freedom as to how the player goes about reaching said goals.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.savingcontent.com/2014/04/25/the-last-federation-review/ |title=The Last Federation Review |first=Scott |last=Ellison II |publisher=[[Saving Content]] |date=April 25, 2014 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> The company founder has a stated aversion to being stuck into any one genre.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://kotaku.com/arcen-games-talk-a-valley-without-wind-5754975 |title=Arcen Games Talk A Valley Without Wind |first=Phill |last=Cameron |publisher=[[Kotaku]] |date=February 8, 2011 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref>


Arcen Games is best known for its [[real time strategy]] game ''[[AI War: Fleet Command]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.crispygamer.com/columns/2009-08-13/rush-boom-turtle-and-now-for-something-completely-different.aspx |title=Rush, Boom, Turtle: And Now for Something Completely Different |first=Tom |last=Chick |publisher=[[Crispy Gamer]] |date=August 13, 2009 |accessdate=August 5, 2012}}</ref> which had six DLC expansions released between 2010 to 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/08/08/strategy-game-ai-war-dlc-expansion/ |title=Downloadable Cunning: AI War - Destroyer Of Worlds |first=Adam |last=Smith |publisher=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |date=August 8, 2014 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> Arcen released the puzzle game ''[[Tidalis]]'' in July 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamersdailynews.com/article-2510-Tidalis-Review-PC-Mac.html |title=Tidalis Review (PC, Mac) |first=Christophor |last=Rick |publisher=Gamers Daily News |accessdate=August 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817103856/http://www.gamersdailynews.com/article-2510-Tidalis-Review-PC-Mac.html |archivedate=August 17, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-08-12-download-games-roundup-review?page=3 |title=Download Games Roundup |first=Kristan |last=Reed |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |date=August 13, 2010 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> 2D side scrolling game ''[[A Valley Without Wind]]'' in April 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://kotaku.com/5904822/a-valley-without-wind-still-managed-to-blow-me-away |title=A Valley Without Wind Still Managed to Blow Me Away |first=Kate |last=Cox |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=April 25, 2012 |accessdate=August 5, 2012}}</ref>, its divergent sequel ''[[A Valley Without Wind 2]]'' in February 2013,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2013/02/19/valley-without-wind-2-transformed-by-the-winds-of-change/ |title=Valley Without Wind 2 transformed by the winds of change |first=Tom |last=Chick|publisher=[[Quarter To Three]] |date=February 19, 2013 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> environmental puzzle game ''[[Shattered Haven]]'' in March 2013,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.hookedgamers.com/pc/shattered_haven/review/article-1040.html |title=Shattered Haven Review - Danger lurks everywhere |first=Matt |last=Porter |publisher=Hooked Gamers |date=March 25, 2013 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref>, turn-based [[god game]] ''[[Skyward Collapse]]'' in May 2013<ref>{{cite web |url= https://venturebeat.com/2013/05/29/skyward-collapse-truly-reinvents-the-god-game-review/ |title=Skyward Collapse truly reinvents the god game (review) |first=Rob |last=Savillo|publisher=[[VentureBeat]] |date=May 29, 2013 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> with an expansion called Nihon no Mura later that year,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/skyward-collapse-to-get-first-expansion-nihon-no-mura/ |title=Skyward Collapse to get first expansion, Nihon no Mura |first=Phil |last=Savage |publisher=[[PC Gamer]] |date=August 9, 2013 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> and tactical mech game ''[[Bionic Dues]]'' in October 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/61802-bionic-dues-review |title=Bionic Dues Review |first=Paul |last=Tamburro |publisher=[[Game Revolution]] |date=October 10, 2013 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref>
Arcen Games is best known for its [[real time strategy]] game ''[[AI War: Fleet Command]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.crispygamer.com/columns/2009-08-13/rush-boom-turtle-and-now-for-something-completely-different.aspx |title=Rush, Boom, Turtle: And Now for Something Completely Different |first=Tom |last=Chick |publisher=[[Crispy Gamer]] |date=August 13, 2009 |accessdate=August 5, 2012}}</ref> which had six DLC expansions released between 2010 to 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/08/08/strategy-game-ai-war-dlc-expansion/ |title=Downloadable Cunning: AI War - Destroyer Of Worlds |first=Adam |last=Smith |publisher=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |date=August 8, 2014 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> Arcen released the puzzle game ''[[Tidalis]]'' in July 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamersdailynews.com/article-2510-Tidalis-Review-PC-Mac.html |title=Tidalis Review (PC, Mac) |first=Christophor |last=Rick |publisher=Gamers Daily News |accessdate=August 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817103856/http://www.gamersdailynews.com/article-2510-Tidalis-Review-PC-Mac.html |archivedate=August 17, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-08-12-download-games-roundup-review?page=3 |title=Download Games Roundup |first=Kristan |last=Reed |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |date=August 13, 2010 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> 2D side scrolling game ''[[A Valley Without Wind]]'' in April 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://kotaku.com/5904822/a-valley-without-wind-still-managed-to-blow-me-away |title=A Valley Without Wind Still Managed to Blow Me Away |first=Kate |last=Cox |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=April 25, 2012 |accessdate=August 5, 2012}}</ref>, its divergent sequel ''[[A Valley Without Wind 2]]'' in February 2013,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2013/02/19/valley-without-wind-2-transformed-by-the-winds-of-change/ |title=Valley Without Wind 2 transformed by the winds of change |first=Tom |last=Chick|publisher=[[Quarter To Three]] |date=February 19, 2013 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> environmental puzzle game ''[[Shattered Haven]]'' in March 2013,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.hookedgamers.com/pc/shattered_haven/review/article-1040.html |title=Shattered Haven Review - Danger lurks everywhere |first=Matt |last=Porter |publisher=Hooked Gamers |date=March 25, 2013 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref>, turn-based [[god game]] ''[[Skyward Collapse]]'' in May 2013<ref>{{cite web |url= https://venturebeat.com/2013/05/29/skyward-collapse-truly-reinvents-the-god-game-review/ |title=Skyward Collapse truly reinvents the god game (review) |first=Rob |last=Savillo|publisher=[[VentureBeat]] |date=May 29, 2013 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> with an expansion called Nihon no Mura later that year,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/skyward-collapse-to-get-first-expansion-nihon-no-mura/ |title=Skyward Collapse to get first expansion, Nihon no Mura |first=Phil |last=Savage |publisher=[[PC Gamer]] |date=August 9, 2013 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> and tactical mech game ''[[Bionic Dues]]'' in October 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/61802-bionic-dues-review |title=Bionic Dues Review |first=Paul |last=Tamburro |publisher=[[Game Revolution]] |date=October 10, 2013 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref>


In April 2014, Arcen released ''[[The Last Federation]]'', a space-themed strategy/simulation game.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu1VziShzDg |title=WTF Is... - The Last Federation? |first=John |last=Bain |publisher=[[TotalBiscuit]] |date=Apr 21, 2014 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNuDlpOrU8s |title=The Co-Optional Podcast Animated: The Biscuit Federation Pt. 1 |first=John |last=Bain |publisher=[[This is Polaris]] |date=June 3, 2014 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNuDlpOrU8s |title=The Co-Optional Podcast Animated: Biscuit Federation Pt. 2 |first=John |last=Bain |publisher=[[This is Polaris]] |date=June 17, 2014 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> This title did well enough to get two expansions by the end of 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://indiegamereviewer.com/review-the-last-federation-from-arcen/ |title=Review: The Last Federation 3.0 + The Lost Technologies DLC |first=Happy |last=Wulf |publisher=[[Game Revolution]] |date=December 9, 2015 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> ''The Last Federation'' put the company in a "relatively cash-rich position," after which a major project by the name of ''[[Stars Beyond Reach]]'' was undertaken.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spacesector.com/blog/2015/06/stars-beyond-reach-interview-with-arcen-games/|title=Stars Beyond Reach – Interview with Arcen Games|first=Edward |last=Varfalvy |work=[[Space Sector]]|date=June 18, 2015|accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> In October 2016, after an 18-month development cycle with the company's largest-yet team of staff and contractors, and with funds dwindling as long-term sales from other titles tapered, ''Stars Beyond Reach'' was put on indefinite hold.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-01-29-arcen-games-forced-to-cut-staff |title=Arcen Games cuts staff following sales slump |first=James |last=Grant |work=[[gamesindustry.biz]] |date=January 29, 2016 |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref>.
In April 2014, Arcen released ''[[The Last Federation]]'', a space-themed strategy/simulation game.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu1VziShzDg |title=WTF Is... - The Last Federation? |first=John |last=Bain |publisher=[[TotalBiscuit]] |date=Apr 21, 2014 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNuDlpOrU8s |title=The Co-Optional Podcast Animated: The Biscuit Federation Pt. 1 |first=John |last=Bain |publisher=[[This is Polaris]] |date=June 3, 2014 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNuDlpOrU8s |title=The Co-Optional Podcast Animated: Biscuit Federation Pt. 2 |first=John |last=Bain |publisher=[[This is Polaris]] |date=June 17, 2014 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> This title did well enough to get two expansions by the end of 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://indiegamereviewer.com/review-the-last-federation-from-arcen/ |title=Review: The Last Federation 3.0 + The Lost Technologies DLC |first=Happy |last=Wulf |publisher=[[Game Revolution]] |date=December 9, 2015 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> ''The Last Federation'' put the company in a "relatively cash-rich position," after which a major project by the name of ''[[Stars Beyond Reach]]'' was undertaken.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spacesector.com/blog/2015/06/stars-beyond-reach-interview-with-arcen-games/|title=Stars Beyond Reach – Interview with Arcen Games|first=Edward |last=Varfalvy |work=[[Space Sector]]|date=June 18, 2015|accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> In October 2016, after an 18-month development cycle with the company's largest-yet team of staff and contractors, and with funds dwindling as long-term sales from other titles tapered, ''Stars Beyond Reach'' was put on indefinite hold.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-01-29-arcen-games-forced-to-cut-staff |title=Arcen Games cuts staff following sales slump |first=James |last=Grant |work=[[gamesindustry.biz]] |date=January 29, 2016 |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref>.


Arcen then rapidly developed and released the [[SHMUP]] [[roguelite]] ''[[Starward Rogue]]'' for January 2016,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://hardcoregamer.com/2016/02/15/review-starward-rogue/190393/ |title=Review: Starward Rogue |first=James |last=Cunningham |publisher=[[Hardcore Gamer]] |date=February 15, 2016 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> but the title was a commercial failure that led to the layoff of all but three of their staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/arcen-lays-off-nearly-all-staff-despite-successful-starward-rogue-launch/|title=Arcen lays off nearly all staff despite successful Starward Rogue launch|first=Andy|last=Chalk|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=January 29, 2016|accessdate=January 29, 2016}}</ref>. In August 2016, they released and then pulled from sale a 3D dino-vs-robots game, ''[[In Case of Emergency, Release Raptor]]'' due to overwhelmingly poor sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/08/30/in-case-of-emergency-release-raptor-pulled-from-sale/|title=In Case Of Emergency, Release Raptor Pulled From Sale|first=Graham|last=Smith|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=August 30, 2016|accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> In January 2018, a mostly-independent group of former contractors dubbed the "Extended Team"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/01/28/starward-rogue-augmented-expansion-released/|title=Starward Rogue's Augmented expansion buffs up the shmuppy roguelike|first=Dominic |last=Tarason |work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=January 28, 2018|accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> finished their work on a "labor of love" expansion for Starward Rogue, which was also well-received without generating much income.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bagogames.com/starward-rogue-augmented-dlc-review/|title=Starward Rogue AuGMENTED Review – A Roguelite to Really RogueLIKE|first=M. Charles |last=Barnhart |work=[[BagoGames]]|date=January 25, 2018|accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref>
Arcen then rapidly developed and released the [[SHMUP]] [[roguelite]] ''[[Starward Rogue]]'' for January 2016,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://hardcoregamer.com/2016/02/15/review-starward-rogue/190393/ |title=Review: Starward Rogue |first=James |last=Cunningham |publisher=[[Hardcore Gamer]] |date=February 15, 2016 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> but the title was a commercial failure that led to the layoff of all but three of their staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/arcen-lays-off-nearly-all-staff-despite-successful-starward-rogue-launch/|title=Arcen lays off nearly all staff despite successful Starward Rogue launch|first=Andy|last=Chalk|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=January 29, 2016|accessdate=January 29, 2016}}</ref>. In August 2016, they released and then pulled from sale a 3D dino-vs-robots game, ''[[In Case of Emergency, Release Raptor]]'' due to overwhelmingly poor sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/08/30/in-case-of-emergency-release-raptor-pulled-from-sale/|title=In Case Of Emergency, Release Raptor Pulled From Sale|first=Graham|last=Smith|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=August 30, 2016|accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> In January 2018, a mostly-independent group of former contractors dubbed the "Extended Team"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/01/28/starward-rogue-augmented-expansion-released/|title=Starward Rogue's Augmented expansion buffs up the shmuppy roguelike|first=Dominic |last=Tarason |work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=January 28, 2018|accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> finished their work on a "labor of love" expansion for Starward Rogue, which was also well-received without generating much income.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bagogames.com/starward-rogue-augmented-dlc-review/|title=Starward Rogue AuGMENTED Review – A Roguelite to Really RogueLIKE|first=M. Charles |last=Barnhart |work=[[BagoGames]]|date=January 25, 2018|accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref>


After one failed kickstarter in late 2016, a followup successful kickstarter the next month,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/12/20/ai-war-2-kickstarter-successful/|title=AI War 2 aims for Oct 2017 after Kickstarter success|first=Alice|last=O'Connor|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=December 20, 2016|accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> and then an extended period of early access starting in October 2018,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://pixeljudge.com/news/ai-war-2-early-access-release-and-why-arcen-are-a-model-indie-dev/ |title=AI War 2 Early Access Release and Why Arcen Are a Model Indie Dev |first=Stephen |last=Haselden |publisher=[[PixelJudge]] |date=October 18, 2018 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> Arcen Games released ''AI War 2'' in October 2019<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.strategygamer.com/reviews/ai-war-2/|title=AI WAR 2 REVIEW|date=2019-10-22|first=Alexander |last=Williams |publisher=Strategy Gamer |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> to positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/ai-war-2|title=AI War 2 For PC Reviews|publisher=Metacritic |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> The first expansion for ''AI War 2'' was released in February 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.strategygamer.com/reviews/ai-war-2-the-spire-rises-expansion/|title=AI War 2: The Spire Rises Review|first=Alexander |last=Williams |work=[[StrategyGamer]]|date=March 11, 2020|accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref>
After one failed kickstarter in late 2016, a followup successful kickstarter the next month,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/12/20/ai-war-2-kickstarter-successful/|title=AI War 2 aims for Oct 2017 after Kickstarter success|first=Alice|last=O'Connor|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=December 20, 2016|accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> and then an extended period of early access starting in October 2018,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://pixeljudge.com/news/ai-war-2-early-access-release-and-why-arcen-are-a-model-indie-dev/ |title=AI War 2 Early Access Release and Why Arcen Are a Model Indie Dev |first=Stephen |last=Haselden |publisher=[[PixelJudge]] |date=October 18, 2018 |accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref> Arcen Games released ''AI War 2'' in October 2019<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.strategygamer.com/reviews/ai-war-2/|title=AI WAR 2 REVIEW|date=2019-10-22|first=Alexander |last=Williams |publisher=Strategy Gamer |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> to positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/ai-war-2|title=AI War 2 For PC Reviews|publisher=Metacritic |accessdate=April 13, 2020}}</ref> The first expansion for ''AI War 2'' was released in February 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.strategygamer.com/reviews/ai-war-2-the-spire-rises-expansion/|title=AI War 2: The Spire Rises Review|first=Alexander |last=Williams |work=[[StrategyGamer]]|date=March 11, 2020|accessdate=April 17, 2020}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 02:36, 28 August 2020

Arcen Games
Company typeLLC
IndustryVideo games
Founded2009
HeadquartersUnited States
Key people
  • Chris McElligott Park
  • Pablo Vega
  • Keith LaMothe
  • Daniette Shinkle
ProductsAI War: Fleet Command
Tidalis
A Valley Without Wind 1&2
Shattered Haven
Skyward Collapse
Bionic Dues
The Last Federation
Stars Beyond Reach
Starward Rogue
In Case of Emergency, Release Raptor
AI War 2
Number of employees
1 (2019)[1] 3 (2016)[2][3] 6 (2015)[4] 2 (2009)[5]
Websitewww.arcengames.com

Arcen Games is a small video game company founded in 2009 by Chris McElligott Park, known as Christopher M. Park prior to remarriage in 2020.[6] The company launched their first product, AI War: Fleet Command, in mid 2009 for Windows PCs.[7]

The company became one of the early notable examples of heavy procedural generation in almost all their games.[8] They are also known for taking unusual gameplay ideas in an idiosyncratic range of genres,[9] and exploring to the extreme ends of each idea.[10] Most of Arcen's titles include some form of overarching goals with a lot of freedom as to how the player goes about reaching said goals.[11] The company founder has a stated aversion to being stuck into any one genre.[12]

Arcen Games is best known for its real time strategy game AI War: Fleet Command,[13] which had six DLC expansions released between 2010 to 2014.[14] Arcen released the puzzle game Tidalis in July 2010,[15][16] 2D side scrolling game A Valley Without Wind in April 2012,[17], its divergent sequel A Valley Without Wind 2 in February 2013,[18] environmental puzzle game Shattered Haven in March 2013,[19], turn-based god game Skyward Collapse in May 2013[20] with an expansion called Nihon no Mura later that year,[21] and tactical mech game Bionic Dues in October 2013.[22]

In April 2014, Arcen released The Last Federation, a space-themed strategy/simulation game.[23][24][25] This title did well enough to get two expansions by the end of 2015.[26] The Last Federation put the company in a "relatively cash-rich position," after which a major project by the name of Stars Beyond Reach was undertaken.[27] In October 2016, after an 18-month development cycle with the company's largest-yet team of staff and contractors, and with funds dwindling as long-term sales from other titles tapered, Stars Beyond Reach was put on indefinite hold.[28].

Arcen then rapidly developed and released the SHMUP roguelite Starward Rogue for January 2016,[29] but the title was a commercial failure that led to the layoff of all but three of their staff.[30]. In August 2016, they released and then pulled from sale a 3D dino-vs-robots game, In Case of Emergency, Release Raptor due to overwhelmingly poor sales.[31] In January 2018, a mostly-independent group of former contractors dubbed the "Extended Team"[32] finished their work on a "labor of love" expansion for Starward Rogue, which was also well-received without generating much income.[33]

After one failed kickstarter in late 2016, a followup successful kickstarter the next month,[34] and then an extended period of early access starting in October 2018,[35] Arcen Games released AI War 2 in October 2019[36] to positive reviews.[37] The first expansion for AI War 2 was released in February 2020.[38]

References

  1. ^ Honaker, Rob (November 14, 2019). "Chris Park of Arcen Games Interview". eXplorminate. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  2. ^ Wawro, Alex (January 28, 2016). "Arcen to lay off 'almost all' staff after poor sales of its latest game". Gamasutra. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
  3. ^ "Sad news for Arcen Games now laying off most of their staff". Linux Game Consortium. January 29, 2016. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
  4. ^ O'Connor, Alice (April 8, 2015). "Have A Gander At Arcen's Space 4X Stars Beyond Reach". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
  5. ^ Hillier, Brenna (August 4, 2012). "Living the Dream: Arcen Games and the Indie Recipe, Pt 1". vg247. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  6. ^ "v2.012 Released! "Populous"". March 26, 2020. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
  7. ^ Love, Jason (2009). "Interview with Christopher Park - AI War Lead Designer". Co-Optimus. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
  8. ^ Sigl, Rainer (2012). ""The Process"-Footnotes: An interview with Chris Park of Arcen Games". Video Game Tourism. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
  9. ^ Pearson, Craig (April 12, 2014). "Win The Space Race: The Last Federation's Out Soon". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  10. ^ Parker, Rob (February 17, 2016). "First Person Podcast Interviews Chris Park". First Person Scholar. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  11. ^ Ellison II, Scott (April 25, 2014). "The Last Federation Review". Saving Content. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  12. ^ Cameron, Phill (February 8, 2011). "Arcen Games Talk A Valley Without Wind". Kotaku. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  13. ^ Chick, Tom (August 13, 2009). "Rush, Boom, Turtle: And Now for Something Completely Different". Crispy Gamer. Retrieved August 5, 2012.
  14. ^ Smith, Adam (August 8, 2014). "Downloadable Cunning: AI War - Destroyer Of Worlds". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  15. ^ Rick, Christophor. "Tidalis Review (PC, Mac)". Gamers Daily News. Archived from the original on August 17, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2012.
  16. ^ Reed, Kristan (August 13, 2010). "Download Games Roundup". Eurogamer. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  17. ^ Cox, Kate (April 25, 2012). "A Valley Without Wind Still Managed to Blow Me Away". Kotaku. Retrieved August 5, 2012.
  18. ^ Chick, Tom (February 19, 2013). "Valley Without Wind 2 transformed by the winds of change". Quarter To Three. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  19. ^ Porter, Matt (March 25, 2013). "Shattered Haven Review - Danger lurks everywhere". Hooked Gamers. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  20. ^ Savillo, Rob (May 29, 2013). "Skyward Collapse truly reinvents the god game (review)". VentureBeat. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  21. ^ Savage, Phil (August 9, 2013). "Skyward Collapse to get first expansion, Nihon no Mura". PC Gamer. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  22. ^ Tamburro, Paul (October 10, 2013). "Bionic Dues Review". Game Revolution. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  23. ^ Bain, John (Apr 21, 2014). "WTF Is... - The Last Federation?". TotalBiscuit. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  24. ^ Bain, John (June 3, 2014). "The Co-Optional Podcast Animated: The Biscuit Federation Pt. 1". This is Polaris. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  25. ^ Bain, John (June 17, 2014). "The Co-Optional Podcast Animated: Biscuit Federation Pt. 2". This is Polaris. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  26. ^ Wulf, Happy (December 9, 2015). "Review: The Last Federation 3.0 + The Lost Technologies DLC". Game Revolution. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  27. ^ Varfalvy, Edward (June 18, 2015). "Stars Beyond Reach – Interview with Arcen Games". Space Sector. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  28. ^ Grant, James (January 29, 2016). "Arcen Games cuts staff following sales slump". gamesindustry.biz. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
  29. ^ Cunningham, James (February 15, 2016). "Review: Starward Rogue". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  30. ^ Chalk, Andy (January 29, 2016). "Arcen lays off nearly all staff despite successful Starward Rogue launch". PC Gamer. Retrieved January 29, 2016.
  31. ^ Smith, Graham (August 30, 2016). "In Case Of Emergency, Release Raptor Pulled From Sale". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
  32. ^ Tarason, Dominic (January 28, 2018). "Starward Rogue's Augmented expansion buffs up the shmuppy roguelike". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  33. ^ Barnhart, M. Charles (January 25, 2018). "Starward Rogue AuGMENTED Review – A Roguelite to Really RogueLIKE". BagoGames. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  34. ^ O'Connor, Alice (December 20, 2016). "AI War 2 aims for Oct 2017 after Kickstarter success". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
  35. ^ Haselden, Stephen (October 18, 2018). "AI War 2 Early Access Release and Why Arcen Are a Model Indie Dev". PixelJudge. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  36. ^ Williams, Alexander (2019-10-22). "AI WAR 2 REVIEW". Strategy Gamer. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
  37. ^ "AI War 2 For PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
  38. ^ Williams, Alexander (March 11, 2020). "AI War 2: The Spire Rises Review". StrategyGamer. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
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