The Behemoth
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2003
- Employees
- 11-50
- Offices
- 1
About The Behemoth
The Behemoth is an independent video game developer and publisher based in San Diego, California. Founded in 2003, the privately held studio develops and publishes its own games for console and PC. Its work combines hand-drawn 2D animation, arcade-inspired action, quirky humor and physical comedy, with cooperative multiplayer design central to several of its best-known releases.
The company grew out of the original Alien Hominid, a Flash game created by animator Dan Paladin and programmer Tom Fulp in 2002. Producer John Baez subsequently approached Paladin about adapting it into a full console game. The Behemoth released that console edition in 2004 for GameCube and PlayStation 2, establishing the foundation for its development and publishing business.
Games and creative direction
The studio's breakthrough came with Castle Crashers, released on Xbox Live Arcade in August 2008. Its cooperative beat-'em-up gameplay and distinctive visual style helped make it a major commercial milestone for the company, with millions of copies sold. Later original releases expanded into different genres while retaining the studio's recognizable art and humor: BattleBlock Theater introduced cooperative puzzle-platforming, while Pit People explored turn-based strategy.
The Behemoth returned to its first franchise with Alien Hominid Invasion in 2023, alongside a modern release of Alien Hominid HD. In 2024, it released BEHEMOTH, a fast-paced action runner featuring its chicken mascot.
Development and publishing
The studio operates as a fully self-funded developer and publisher, maintaining financial and creative autonomy. Its internal capabilities span game design, engineering, art direction, animation, audio production, testing, console certification and digital publishing across major console platforms and Steam.
As of November 2026, its development activity includes continued support for existing games, the Painter Boss Paradise expansion for Castle Crashers, work on a BattleBlock Theater quality-of-life remaster and an unannounced project referred to as “Game 7.”
More about The Behemoth
Leadership and founders
- John Baez is co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer.
- Dan Paladin is co-founder, Art Director and Chief Financial Officer.
- Tom Fulp is co-founder, Programmer and Corporate Secretary.
- Fellow founders Brandon LaCava and Nick Dryburgh departed during the company's early years.
Production approach
The studio's technical capabilities include proprietary C++ engine architecture and multiplatform porting. Its animation approach includes hand-drawn character art and keyframe animation.
Community activity
The studio engages players through community initiatives, online tournaments and direct merchandise distribution. Its 2026 convention activity includes PAX West and SAGA Barcelona Game Fest.
Notable credits
10 creditsOffices
Where The Behemoth is based
- 9850 Distribution Ave, San Diego, CA 92121, United StatesSan Diego, California, United States
The Behemoth Main Studio
HeadquartersOverall company headquarters housing development, art, engineering, administration and merchandise fulfillment operations.
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