About Us - Game North Studio| Classic Arcade Game Development

Our Story

Game North Studiobegan in 2017 when a group of Canadian game developers recognized a gap in the market for quality retro-inspired arcade games. We saw many studios chasing the latest trends, but few were dedicating themselves to the authentic arcade experience that had captivated players for decades.

Our founding team brought together expertise from various areas of game development. We had programmers who understood the technical constraints that made classic arcade games compelling, designers who could distill gameplay to its essential elements, and project managers who could bridge the gap between creative vision and practical implementation.

What started as a small studio focused on web-based arcade games has grown into a comprehensive development house. We now handle projects across web, mobile, and desktop platforms, always maintaining our commitment to the core principles that make arcade games engaging: tight controls, clear objectives, and rewarding progression systems.

Our Mission

To develop arcade games that respect the heritage of classic gaming while embracing modern technical capabilities. We aim to create experiences that are accessible to new players and satisfying to arcade veterans.

Our Vision

To be recognized as a studio that understands what makes arcade games work at a fundamental level, and to apply that understanding to create games that stand alongside the classics.

Development Methodology

Our approach combines research-backed game design principles with practical development experience

Evidence-Based Design

We study what makes classic arcade games successful and apply those principles to modern contexts. This includes analyzing player psychology, control schemes, difficulty curves, and reward systems. Our design decisions are informed by both historical precedent and contemporary player research.

Iterative Development

Every game goes through multiple prototype phases before full development begins. We test core mechanics early and often, making adjustments based on actual gameplay feedback rather than theoretical assumptions. This approach helps us identify and resolve issues before they become embedded in the codebase.

Technical Excellence

We maintain high standards for code quality and performance optimization. Our games are built to run smoothly across a range of devices, from modern smartphones to older desktop computers. We use established frameworks and libraries where appropriate, but we're also comfortable writing custom solutions when needed for performance or control.

Collaborative Process

We work closely with clients throughout development, providing regular updates and incorporating feedback at key decision points. Our project management approach balances structure with flexibility, allowing us to adapt to new insights while maintaining overall project direction and timeline.

Development Team

Experienced professionals dedicated to arcade game development

Kieran Whitmore

Technical Director

Specializes in game engine architecture and performance optimization. Over 12 years of experience in game development, with particular expertise in cross-platform compatibility and rendering systems.

Saskia Beaumont

Lead Game Designer

Focuses on gameplay mechanics and player experience design. Brings extensive knowledge of arcade game history and contemporary game design patterns to create engaging core loops.

Dashiell Tremblay

Development Manager

Coordinates project timelines and client communication. Ensures development processes run smoothly and deliverables meet quality standards and project requirements.

Core Values

Respect for Classic Design

We understand that arcade games succeeded because of carefully considered design choices, not arbitrary decisions. Our work honors the principles that made these games compelling while avoiding slavish imitation. We study why specific mechanics worked in their original context and determine how to adapt them effectively for modern platforms and audiences.

Technical Competence

Quality arcade gameplay requires solid technical implementation. We prioritize consistent framerates, responsive controls, and reliable performance across target platforms. Our code is structured for maintainability and future expansion. We stay current with development tools and techniques that serve our specific needs rather than chasing trends.

Clear Communication

Game development involves numerous technical and creative decisions. We explain our reasoning clearly and listen carefully to client feedback and concerns. Our project documentation is thorough but accessible. We set realistic expectations about timelines and capabilities, preferring honest assessment over optimistic promises.

Continuous Improvement

Each project teaches us something new about game development, player behavior, or technical implementation. We document lessons learned and apply them to future work. Our team regularly reviews new development techniques and design patterns, evaluating their potential value for our specific focus on arcade game development.

Start Your Arcade Project

Whether you have a complete game concept or just an initial idea, we can help develop it into a finished arcade game. Contact us to discuss your project requirements.

Contact Game North Studio

Crafting Arcade Experiences