Hand Rock Studio

Hand Rock Studio is an independent Malta-based video game development studio creating handcrafted 2D games. Formally incorporated in 2025 as Hand Rock Studio Ltd., it works closely with London-based collaborator OutOfTheBit Ltd. while operating as a distinct Maltese company.

The studio combines traditional animation-led art with custom technical development. Its work emphasizes fluid frame-by-frame character and environmental animation, high-resolution pixel art, cinematic action-platforming, puzzle mechanics, and combat informed by retro arcade and 1990s animation traditions. Rather than relying on generic off-the-shelf packages, the team develops projects using its own code and proprietary game architecture.

Development capabilities

• Full-cycle proprietary game development
• Hand-drawn 2D art and animation production
• Custom engine programming and game systems
• Cross-platform development, porting, and maintenance for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox

Its premiere project is Nanuka: Secret of the Shattering Moon, an upcoming hand-drawn cinematic action-platformer set in a handcrafted pixel-art world. The game follows a purple-belt martial artist protagonist and is co-developed with OutOfTheBit Ltd., which is also its publisher.

Hand Rock Studio's approach brings together artistic craftsmanship and engineering, with an interest in expressive 2D animation, responsive action gameplay, and multiplatform delivery. The studio is building a local production presence in Malta while collaborating on an international independent-game project.