Reflection Games

Reflection Games is an independent American mobile game developer and publisher founded in 2021 and based in Seattle, Washington. The studio focuses on free-to-play, mid-core competitive games for iOS and Android, combining player-versus-player strategy with auto-battler mechanics. Its work spans proprietary game development, mobile software engineering, publishing, community management and ongoing live operations.

The company was established by Paul Thelen, who previously founded Big Fish Games. He assembled a team of experienced developers to pursue competitive mobile gameplay through an agile development approach. Reflection Games remains a privately held, venture-backed independent company.

From Mutant Forge to Rift Wars

The studio’s debut project began as Mutant Forge, a real-time PvP strategy battler combining tower-defense and auto-battler elements with rechargeable mutant units. Soft-launch testing and mechanical changes throughout 2024 and 2025 shaped its development. The project subsequently became Rift Wars, also titled Rift Wars™: Merge Arena, which launched globally on June 25, 2026 for iOS and Android.

In Rift Wars, players compete in draft-based, one-on-one auto-battles. During preparation, they select units, merge identical units and position squads around faction synergies. Competitive global leagues provide a progression structure for the game’s multiplayer battles. These mechanics bring drafting, squad composition and positioning together within the studio’s focus on mobile strategy.

Development and ongoing operation

Reflection Games follows a tools-first development philosophy, using iteration and testing to refine its games. Its capabilities extend beyond initial production to live service operation, seasonal events and player community management. As of November 2026, the studio continues to operate and update Rift Wars across global mobile app stores.