9th Impact Studios is a world-class Irish game developer studio that has an inspirational tale for all emerging or startup projects. Based in Galway, the company was founded in 2014 and initially focused its efforts on developing mobile games before it found its niche. 9th Impact was a startup founded by two friends who wanted to create inventive and exciting games. Finn Krew was doing his PhD at the National University of Galway and, with co founder Mark Quick, they started creating mobile games in Krew’s living room.
A year into building games, the two decided to direct 9th Impact into creating branded games based on popular TV shows. The goal was not to just skin their games with iconic characters and settings, but to focus on creating an expanded universe, bringing these TV shows to a new medium.
By 2020, 9th Impact was a world-renowned game development studio, with over 20 million downloads in over 120 countries. This could not have been done without the business acumen of, now, Dr Krew and Dr Quick, who partnered with TV studios to get the official rights to launch their games.
It was not an easy journey for 9th Impact, as they had no major credentials or precedents to show TV show representatives. But then along came Biker Mice from Mars. Based on the cult classic cartoon from the 1990s, Biker Mice from Mars, this was 9th Impact Studio’s first big foray into its new gaming niche.
Launched in 2015 for iOS and Android, the action game follows the Biker Mice as they ride through Chicago, battle enemies, and foil Limburger’s plans. The game also has an endless mode where gamers can compete for high scores and collect rewards. The game was launched through a Kickstarter campaign, which funded the development of the title.
9th Impact Studios hit the ground running with Biker Mice From Mars. The game developed a huge cult following, and not just in Ireland, but all over the world. It was the stepping stone for Dr Krew and Dr Quick to go from a living room startup to a real company with a focus on growth and development. After this, 9th Impact scaled up their operation and launched their next project, Danger Mouse: The Danger Games.
Danger Mouse was released for iOS and Android devices, before it was also adapted for Nintendo Switch. The only other two prominent games on Nintendo Switch at the time were Minecraft and Fortnite, giving 9th Impact Studios a leg up in the industry. The company then moved on to Sunny Bunnies, creating the Sunny Bunnies: Magic Pop game based on an episode with the same name.
9th Impact is cited for its nostalgia-infused narratives, character-driven experiences, and attention to detail. The games have an instant appeal to players, and have that extra authenticity in continuity with the humour, storytelling and style of the beloved TV shows they are based on.
The games are generally easy to pick up, with bright colourful visuals, and have competitive elements or multiplayer functions. They are intended for fans of the original series, and are brought to life with seamless production and creativity in extending the universe of these shows.