Human Head Studios

Human Head Studios was an independent American video game developer founded in Madison, Wisconsin, in October 1997. Its work ranged from original action games and first-person shooters to contract development, mobile titles and tabletop games. Across its history, the studio combined game design and technical engineering with concept artwork, 3D modeling, character animation and sound design.

The studio debuted with Rune in 2000, building a Viking-themed third-person combat game on Epic Games’ Unreal Engine. Its original game portfolio subsequently included Dead Man’s Hand, Prey, Lost Within, Survived By, The Quiet Man and Rune II. These projects spanned PC, console and mobile development, reflecting a production history that extended beyond a single franchise or platform.

Original development and collaboration

Released in 2006, Prey became one of Human Head’s most prominent projects. Published by 2K Games and executive-produced by 3D Realms, it combined first-person action with unusual approaches to movement and level traversal. Human Head later developed the proposed open-world science-fiction sequel Prey 2 for Bethesda Softworks. Bethesda cancelled that project in 2014 following disagreements over development milestones, a setback that placed financial pressure on the studio.

Alongside its original productions, Human Head operated as a co-development and work-for-hire partner. Its contributions included engineering, artwork and multiplayer systems for releases such as Brink, BioShock Infinite, Defiance, Batman: Arkham Origins and Just Cause 3. This contract work helped sustain the company between its own releases.

Human Head also established an Adventure Games Division in 2002, extending its creative work into tabletop role-playing games and card games. That activity included Redhurst Academy of Magic and the Gothica series.

The studio released Rune II on November 12, 2019, and announced its permanent closure the following day because of economic challenges. Its development staff transitioned to the newly established Roundhouse Studios under Bethesda Softworks, ending Human Head’s 22-year run as an independent developer.