Hitcents is a video game publisher and mobile app and games studio, headquartered in Bowling Green, Kentucky. They are the creators of the cross-platform gaming series Draw A Stickman. In 2014, Hitcents partnered with actor Tom Hanks to develop the Hanx Writer.[1] Founded in 1999 as a software company by twin brothers Chris and Clinton Mills, the company has offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | January 4, 1999 |
| Founder | Chris Mills Clinton Mills |
| Headquarters | Bowling Green, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Divisions | Game Development and Publishing, Web Development, IT |
| Website | hitcents |
History
editAs high school sophomores, Chris and Clinton Mills started Hitcents as an internet advertising company. The company name referred to the policy of paying clients on a cents-per-hit basis. Hitcents was acquired by Houchens Industries in 2003. The company expanded from its headquarters in Bowling Green, Kentucky to San Francisco in April, 2014 and Los Angeles in 2015.
The business includes mobile game and application development, e-commerce, technology, marketing, creative design, software development, production, automation, self-service checkout, and enterprise resource planning.
In 2007, Hitcents was ranked No. 191 on Inc. magazine's list of the top 500 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., after growing 1,099.8% over 3 years. Clinton and Chris Mills were also ranked in the top 5 CEOs under 30.[2] In 2013, the company moved from its offices at Western Kentucky University into a building called "The Wrap" in Bowling Green, which was developed by the Mills family's real estate business.[3] Hitcents was named one of the best places to work in Kentucky for 2014.[4]
After contractors on the building said the family's real estate business owed them more than $2 million, the county took over the project and the company moved out in August 2015.[5]
Mobile application development
editHitcents develops mobile applications for both in-house and client projects. These applications vary in genre: from mobile games to enterprise-level business applications.
Draw a Stickman series
editHitcents created the series Draw a Stickman.[6] The idea started as a simple website, DrawAStickman.com. After it was a critical and commercial success, the game was later developed into a full series of mobile and PC games. Draw a Stickman: Epic was released in October 2012, a mobile application for iOS, Android, Kindle, Windows 7 and 8 phones, and later into full desktop versions for Windows 8, Linux, Mac OS X and Steam.
A player creates a stick figure, which becomes the main character of the game. Throughout the game, the player guides the stick figure through multiple levels, utilizing various pencils to draw elements, tools, and weapons to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
In July 2015, Hitcents launched a sequel to Draw A Stickman: Epic, Draw A Stickman: Epic 2.[7]
A 3rd game titled Draw a Stickman: Epic 3 was released on mobile in May 2020 with a console & PC port in March 2023.
Battlepillars
editHitcents created Battlepillars, a tug-of-war real-time strategy game for iOS, Android, and PC. The game was launched on October 2, 2013. Battlepillars allows players to strategically build and command caterpillars, which are then sent to battle an enemy caterpillar army and various bosses. The game allows users to build each caterpillar in their army using specialized segments that offer various powers and abilities.
Battlepillars was one of the first mobile cross-platform multiplayer games, allowing Android user to play against iOS users through Google Play.[8] Battlepillars was Hitcents' first free-to-play mobile game.
Hanx Writer
editHitcents created Hanx Writer, a mobile app in collaboration with Tom Hanks.[9][10][11] Inspired by Tom Hanks' appreciation for classic typewriters, the Hanx Writer App reflects the look, feel, and sound of old-fashioned word-processing.
Hanx Writer was released on August 14, 2014. Hanx Writer reached the No. 1 ranking on the iTunes App Store during its launch week, where it held the top spot in both the Productivity section and the Overall section.[12][13]
Rigged
editOn September 16, 2016, Hitcents launched Rigged, a mobile game about gerrymandering, in partnership with Fusion.[14] The game play was centered around educating players about the practice of gerrymandering in the United States.
The Godfather: Family Dynasty
editOn February 9, 2017, Hitcents launched an officially-licensed, free-to-play, mobile strategy game based on The Godfather.[15]
The game received mostly positive reception. The game was praised for its art style, gameplay, and multiplayer functionality. However, it was criticized for being unoriginal and for its repetitive gameplay.[15][16][17][18]
NBA Life
editOn March 30, 2017, Hitcents launched NBA Life, a free-to-play mobile strategy and simulation game where one plays as a new NBA player on a team of one's choice. A player improves an avatar's body and skills so the player can compete with AI versions of real-life players. Players can join with other players in crews for various rewards. After joining a crew, the player can face off with other crews in the crew tournament system.[19]
The game received very positive reviews. Reviewers praised the game for its gameplay and aesthetic. Many reviewers also appreciated that the in-game NBA player avatar can be female.[19][20][21]
Video game publishing
editHitcents is a video game publisher. In 2018, they published two games developed by other indie video game studios.[22]
A Robot Named Fight
editHitcents published A Robot Named Fight, a 2D action figure game developed by Matt Bitner Games.[23] The game was released on April 26, 2018, for the Nintendo Switch platform. In A Robot Named Fight players are robots tasked with defeating Megabeast while exploring a labyrinth where you can discover artifacts and power-ups.
Don't Sink
editHitcents published Don't Sink for the Nintendo Switch platform on January 3, 2019.[24] Studio Eris developed the game in cooperation with Hitcents. Don't Sink is an adventure, pirate-themed role-playing video game where players explore the high seas, islands, and grow a pirate empire.[22] Players must balance adventure with physical needs for the pirate crew, governing islands and expanding their empire.
Games developed
edit| Title | Year | Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Draw a Stickman | 2011 | iOS, Google Play, Amazon |
| Draw a Stickman - Episode 2 | 2012 | iOS, Google Play |
| Draw a Stickman: EPIC | iOS, Google Play, Steam, Amazon, Windows & Windows Phone, Mac, Kindle, Xbox One | |
| Battlepillars | 2013 | iOS, Google Play, Amazon Store, Steam, Windows & Windows Phone |
| The Harlem Shake | iOS | |
| Hanx Writer | 2014 | iOS |
| Krampus In Wreck The Halls | Google Play | |
| San Francisco | Google Play | |
| Poisonous Creatures | Google Play | |
| Charlie Charlie | 2015 | iOS, Google Play |
| Draw a Stickman: EPIC 2 | iOS, Google Play, Steam, Nintendo Switch, Amazon, Windows & Windows Phone | |
| Draw a Stickman: Sketchbook | iOS, Google Play, Amazon | |
| Tac - Tic Tac Toe Reimagined | iOS | |
| Sparkle Corgi Goes Cave Diving | Google Play, iOS | |
| Godfather: Family Dynasty | 2017 | Google Play, iOS, Amazon |
Games published
edit| Title | Year | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| A Robot Named Fight | 2018 | Nintendo Switch |
| Don't Sink | 2019 | Nintendo Switch |
| Duke of Defense | 2019 | Nintendo Switch |
| Get To The Orange Door | 2019 | Steam, TBA |
| Forgotton Anne | 2019 | iOS, Google Play |
| Rashlander | 2019 | Steam |
| Ministry of Broadcast | 2020 | Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch |
| Draw a Stickman: EPIC 3 | 2020 | Steam, iOS, Google Play |
| Shores Unknown | 2021 | Steam, Nintendo Switch, TBA |
| Inspector Waffles | 2021 | Steam, Nintendo Switch, TBA |
| Aquamarine | 2021 | Steam, TBA |
| Kokopa's Atlas | TBA | Steam, TBA |
Services
editHitcents web development services include web design, programming and maintenance, administrative access, eCommerce, data transfer and website hosting. Hitcents web department has been recognized over the years with numerous awards for their website work including Marcom Awards,[25] Davey Awards[26] and Communicator Awards.[27]
Other services include consulting, data backup, hardware purchasing, virtual private network setup, secure DSL, kiosk development, computer networking and high-speed Internet access.
Awards
edit2011
- Davey Award- Draw A Stickman- GOLD
- Dope Award- Draw A Stickman- SITE OF THE MONTH
- Design Licks- Draw A Stickman- SITE OF THE DAY
- FWA Award- Draw A Stickman- SITE OF THE DAY
- AWWWARD's- Draw A Stickman- SITE OF THE DAY
- Design Taxi- Draw A Stickman- SITE OF THE DAY
2012
- Interactive Media Award (IMA)- Draw A Stickman- BEST IN CLASS
- Hermes Creative Award- Connected Nation Corporate- GOLD
- Hermes Creative Award- Draw A Stickman- PLATINUM
- Horizon Interactive Award- Draw A Stickman- BEST IN CATEGORY
- Webby Award- Draw A Stickman- Viral Marketing- PEOPLE'S VOICE
- Webby Award- Draw A Stickman- Best Use of Motion Graphics- PEOPLE'S VOICE
- Webby Award- Draw A Stickman- Best Use of Motion Graphics- WEBBY
- The Web Award- Draw A Stickman- GAME SITE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
- W3 Award- Draw A Stickman- Animation- GOLD
- W3 Award- Draw A Stickman- Self Promotion- GOLD
- Innovation Award- BG Chamber of Commerce- Hitcents- AWARD
- Davey Award- BART- Animation- SILVER
2013
- Webby Award- Draw A Stickman: Epic- Mobile Sites & Apps/Games- WEBBY WINNER
- Webby Award- Draw A Stickman: Epic- PEOPLE'S VOICE
- Webby Award- One Direction Scrapbook App- HONORABLE MENTION
- W3 Award- Tampico Website- AWARD
- Manny Award- Draw A Stickman- AWARD
- Lovie Award- Draw A Stickman: EPIC- Games- GOLD
- Lovie Award- Draw A Stickman: EPIC- Tablet Games- SILVER
- Lovie Award- Draw A Stickman: EPIC- Tablet Games- PEOPLE'S LOVIE
2014
- Webby Award- Hanx Writer- HONORABLE MENTION
2015
- W3 Award- Hanx Writer- Mobile App: Entertainment- GOLD
- W3 Award- Hanx Writer- Best Visual Design: Aesthetic- SILVER
- W3 Award- Draw A Stickman: EPIC 2- Mobile App: Innovative & Experimental- SILVER
2016
- Webby Award- Draw a Stickman: Epic 2- Mobile Games- HONOREE
References
edit- ^ "From Tom Hanks, an app ode to the typewriter". USA Today. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
- ^ Cetawayo, Ameerah. "BG's Hitcents ranked among fastest-growing companies in nation". Bowling Green Daily News. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
- ^ Robyn L. Minor (August 2, 2013). "Hitcents employees set up shop in wrap". Bowling Green Daily News. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
- ^ "Best Places to Work KY" (PDF). Kentucky Chamber. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 2, 2016. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
- ^ Wes Swietek (August 15, 2015). "Hitcents leaving building: Tech firm's proposal to pay reduced rent until October was declined". Bowling Green Daily News. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
- ^ "Draw a Stickman: Episode 2". www.drawastickman.com. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
- ^ "Kentucky's Hitcents wants to fire your imagination with Draw a Stickman: Epic 2". Venture Beat. July 9, 2015. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
- ^ "GDC 2014 - Battlepillars Cross-Platform Multiplayer". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
- ^ della Cava, Marco. "From Tom Hanks, an app ode to the typewriter". USA Today. Retrieved August 15, 2014.
- ^ Kastrenakes, Jacob (August 14, 2014). "Tom Hanks just released a typewriter app for iPad". The Verge. Retrieved August 15, 2014.
- ^ Spangler, Todd (August 14, 2014). "Tom Hanks Launches Free Manual-Typewriter iPad App". Variety. Retrieved August 15, 2014.
- ^ Perez, Sarah. "Tom Hanks' Typewriter App Shoots To The Top Of The App Store". TechCrunch. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
- ^ Dockterman, Eliana. "Tom Hanks' Typewriter App Is No. 1 in the App Store". Time. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
- ^ "Rigged mobile game lets you gerrymander political districts to steal elections". VentureBeat. September 16, 2016. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
- ^ a b "Hitcents launches The Godfather: Family Dynasty mobile game - GamesBeat". VentureBeat.com. February 9, 2017. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
- ^ Ahaskar, Abhijit (February 14, 2017). "Game Review: The Godfather turns out to be a boring strategy game". Livemint.com. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
- ^ Tiny Little Games (February 17, 2017). "The Godfather Family Dynasty Android iOS Game Review". Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2018 – via YouTube.
- ^ Keating, Lauren (February 9, 2017). "'The Godfather: Family Dynasty' Mobile Game Is A Hit For Mobster Fans". TechTimes.com. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
- ^ a b "Hitcents launches NBA Life mobile game to celebrate a star's lifestyle - GamesBeat". VentureBeat.com. March 30, 2017. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
- ^ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hitcents.nbalife [dead link]
- ^ "Archived copy". iTunes. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ a b EdEN, Owner (September 25, 2018). "[PS4Blog.net Interview] Hitcents On Don't Sink". PS4Blog.net. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
- ^ "A Robot Named Fight". www.nintendo.com. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
- ^ "Don't Sink". www.nintendo.com. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
- ^ "2012 Platinum Winners". Marcom Awards. Archived from the original on December 27, 2013. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
- ^ "Davey Awards | Winners List". Davey Awards.
- ^ "Communicator Awards | Winner's List". Communicator Awards.