Space Rock Games
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2020
- Employees
- 11-50
- Offices
- 2
About Space Rock Games
Space Rock Games is an independent video game developer and Unreal Engine co-development studio founded in 2020 and based in Auckland, New Zealand. Its work combines original game development with external production services for other developers, spanning PC and console projects. The company develops its own intellectual property while providing engineering, art and animation support to international development partners.
Original games
The studio released its first commercial self-developed game, Doomsday Diner, on 23 July 2026. Co-published with UNIKAT Label and released on PC through Steam, the Unreal Engine 5 title combines a post-apocalyptic hot-dog diner simulation with physics-based cooking and combat.
Its flagship project, Criminals Within, remains in development. The third-person action-adventure game uses asymmetric cooperative play within a comedic medieval fantasy setting and is being developed in Unreal Engine 5 for PC and consoles. Together, these projects reflect the studio’s work across cooperative action, simulation and gameplay built around interacting systems.
Co-development and technical production
Space Rock Games offers both integrated co-development teams and delivery focused on individual features. Its engineering capabilities include scalable multiplayer architecture, netcode, gameplay systems and development tooling. Technical art work covers shaders, Niagara visual effects, procedural environment art and asset optimization, alongside modular rigging and technical animation.
Animation and cinematic services include in-engine sequences, motion-capture implementation, and stylized or realistic character animation. The studio also supports platform adaptation and performance optimization across PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch, as well as downloadable content, post-launch updates and engine remastering.
Its external development credits include Kyoryu, with contributions to technical animation and gameplay systems, and Nexus, a 5v5 MOBA shooter receiving engineering and systems support. This combination of original production and partner development gives the studio an operating model that encompasses both complete games and focused technical contributions to larger projects.
More about Space Rock Games
Founders and leadership
- The company was established during New Zealand’s initial COVID-19 lockdowns by five Media Design School alumni.
- The report identifies co-founder Zsombor Pirok as Managing Director, alongside co-founders Vanessa Pirok, an animator, and Kieran Dunn, creative director.
Working practices
The studio describes an employee-first approach with flexible remote working and a strict no-crunch policy intended to combat industry burnout.
Funding and recognition
The report identifies Space Rock Games as the first New Zealand video game developer to secure institutional venture capital. Its early-2022 seed investment was co-led by Hillfarrance Venture Capital and New Zealand Growth Capital Partners, with a further funding round in October 2023. The studio also received an Epic Games MegaGrant.
Notable credits
4 creditsOffices
Where Space Rock Games is based
- Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland office
- 2 Keridale Lane, Kerikeri, 0230, New ZealandKerikeri, Northland Region, New Zealand
Kerikeri office
Statutory registered office and address for service; the report does not identify this address as a production studio.
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