BonusXP
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2012
- Employees
- N/A
- Offices
- 0
About BonusXP
BonusXP was an independent American video game development studio founded in April 2012 in Allen, Texas. Established by former Ensemble Studios developers, it created original strategy games and adaptations of entertainment franchises for mobile, PC and console platforms. Its work ranged from casual mobile releases to real-time strategy, turn-based tactics and retro-style action adventures.
The studio provided full-cycle development spanning game design, prototyping, gameplay programming, art production, optimization and quality assurance. Its visual capabilities included character and environment art, concept art, pixel art and isometric presentation. Across its projects, BonusXP combined experience in strategy-game development with work designed for different platforms and audiences.
Original games and collaborations
Early releases included Monster Crew in 2012 and Cavemania in 2013. The studio subsequently developed the mobile real-time strategy game The Incorruptibles and the PC mech strategy game Servo, both released in 2015. Its collaboration with Stardock supported Servo, while a partnership with Robot Entertainment led to work on Hero Academy 2. These partnerships connected its independent development work with external publishing and development teams.
Entertainment adaptations
BonusXP developed Stranger Things: The Game, a retro-style action-adventure title released in 2017. The game received a 2018 BAFTA nomination in the Mobile Game category and was later re-released as Stranger Things: 1984.
The studio followed it with Stranger Things 3: The Game in 2019, released alongside the television series’ third season across mobile, PC and consoles. It also developed The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics, released in 2020 through a publishing partnership with En Masse Entertainment. Both Stranger Things games became launch titles for Netflix’s mobile gaming subscription service in November 2021, extending the studio’s existing collaboration with the streaming company.
BonusXP announced that it had begun ceasing operations on June 1, 2023, after 11 years of game development.
More about BonusXP
Founders and historical roles
- Dave Pottinger co-founded the studio as CEO; he had previously been lead designer on Zynga’s CastleVille.
- John Evanson co-founded it as Director of Technology, following work as a senior programmer at Robot Entertainment.
- Jason Sallenbach co-founded it as Art Director, following work as a senior character artist at id Software.
Team experience
The studio’s archived profile described its pre-shutdown team as having an average of 17 years of industry experience.
Support during the wind-down
In its June 1, 2023 announcement, BonusXP said its focus was helping team members find their next opportunities and invited employers seeking game-development talent to contact the studio.
Notable credits
8 creditsOffices
Current and former locations of BonusXP
- 401 Century Pkwy Ste 235, Allen, TX 75013-8043, United StatesAllen, Texas, United States
Allen office
Former officeOpened 2012 · Closed 2023
Historical company headquarters; closed in June 2023 following the studio's shutdown.
Open roles
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