Fullbright

Fullbright is an independent video game developer based in Portland, Oregon, known for first-person narrative exploration and environmental storytelling. Founded in March 2012, the studio develops original games that use spaces, atmosphere and character detail to tell stories. Its work spans domestic exploration, science-fiction narrative adventure and compact supernatural games, with an emphasis on discovering stories through interaction with an environment.

The studio began as The Fullbright Company and adopted the public name Fullbright in August 2014. Its debut, Gone Home, released in August 2013, invites players to investigate a family home in 1995 Oregon, uncovering family secrets and questions of identity through exploration. Its second major title, Tacoma, followed in August 2017, moving the studio’s narrative approach to an automated orbital transfer station.

A changing development model

Fullbright initially developed Open Roads in partnership with publisher Annapurna Interactive. Following reports in 2021 alleging harmful workplace management, Steve Gaynor stepped down as creative lead and manager. The remaining development staff separated from Fullbright in May 2023 and completed the game independently as The Open Roads Team. The released game is credited to that team.

After the separation, Gaynor continued Fullbright as a solo development label. This period introduced smaller projects and lo-fi retro aesthetics alongside the studio’s established interest in first-person storytelling. The Fullbright Presents anthology debuted with TOILET SPIDERS in November 2024, establishing a format for narrative microgames.

As of October 31, 2026, Fullbright is preparing Springs, Eternal, a compact supernatural first-person story game scheduled for November 11, 2026. Its recent direction combines short-form experimentation with the exploration-led storytelling associated with its earlier releases. Fullbright’s business centres on creating and developing its own games, encompassing game design, narrative writing and software development.