Firefly Games
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2015
- Employees
- 11-50
- Offices
- 2
About Firefly Games
Firefly Games is a mobile game developer and publisher focused on mid-core and hardcore free-to-play entertainment. Founded in January 2015 by Michael Zhang and Justin K.J. Lin, the company connects Eastern and Western mobile gaming markets through game development, publishing and adaptations of established entertainment properties. Its work spans iOS and Android, with selected projects also reaching PC and Nintendo Switch.
The company’s early business centered on sourcing successful Asian mobile games and adapting them for Western audiences. This involved culturalization alongside changes to monetization, game economies and live event systems. Early releases included Rush of Heroes, the Western adaptation of I am MT2, and the fantasy kingdom-building RPG Dungeon Crash. Its broader portfolio includes tactical strategy, action role-playing, naval combat and casual puzzle games.
Licensed entertainment and development
Firefly expanded into licensed mobile games through collaborations with entertainment companies. It co-developed and published DreamWorks Universe of Legends in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal, bringing together characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and How to Train Your Dragon. Its subsequent projects included the official Terminator: Dark Fate mobile game with Skydance Media and LOL Surprise! Room Makeover using MGA Entertainment’s brand.
The company also co-developed Zombie Rollerz: Pinball Heroes with Zing Games, combining pinball mechanics with roguelike action role-playing across Apple Arcade, PC and Nintendo Switch. These projects reflect a portfolio extending beyond its original mobile publishing model into collaborative development and cross-platform releases.
Publishing and ongoing operations
Firefly supports production with localization, technical operations, third-party mobile SDK integration, performance marketing and player community management. Its publishing capabilities encompass distribution, user acquisition, economy balancing and ongoing live operations. The company works across North American, European and Asian markets, combining regional game sourcing with adaptations for international audiences.
In 2022, Firefly extended its activities into Web3 and metaverse entertainment through the formation of MetaWorld Entertainment with The Sandbox and Com2uS.
More about Firefly Games
Leadership and background
Michael Zhang is identified as CEO. Before founding Firefly, Zhang served as CEO of ZQGame US, while co-founder Justin K.J. Lin served as its vice president of operations. These are historical roles at a separate company.
Financing milestones
- In February 2015, Firefly announced an $8 million Series A led by Skyocean International Holdings, Ceyuan Ventures and Guangzhou WinHi.
- In August 2016, it secured a $10 million Series B led by China Construction Bank International and Credit China, at a reported $100 million valuation.
Working model
The report describes the Los Angeles operation as supporting hybrid and remote work. This is a company-described operating practice rather than an independent assessment of employee experience.
Notable credits
8 creditsOffices
Where Firefly Games is based
- 11835 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064Los Angeles, California, United States
Los Angeles office
HeadquartersAbout this office
Global headquarters responsible for executive leadership, corporate strategy, business development, entertainment licensing, North American publishing and marketing. The report also associates the office with 1990 S Bundy Drive, Suite 510, without establishing separate concurrent premises.
- Shanghai, China
Shanghai office
About this office
Asian regional development and LiveOps center operated through 上海领玩网络科技有限公司. Handles technical operations, internal development and art, Asian game sourcing, culturalization and mainland Chinese operations. The operational office is adjacent to Caoyang Road Metro Station in Putuo District; the report distinguishes its Jiading registered addresses.
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