Thought Pennies

Thought Pennies is an independent game-development studio focused on narrative-first role-playing games for PC and console. Founded in 2020, the studio builds RPG experiences around emotional character arcs, meaningful player choices, interlocking systems, and social storytelling.

The team brings together experienced RPG and narrative-development talent whose previous work spans major western role-playing games. Its approach combines character-led writing and worldbuilding with technically ambitious gameplay systems designed to support persistent, community-driven campaigns.

Development capabilities

Thought Pennies provides full-lifecycle game development, including:

• Game design, narrative writing, and worldbuilding
• Systems, tools, and engine programming
• Real-time visual effects, look development, and lighting
• Pipeline automation and performance optimization

The studio works primarily in Unreal Engine 5, with technical experience across C++, Python, HLSL, Unreal Blueprints, and procedural workflows. Its VFX practice uses tools including Niagara, Cascade, and EmberGen to create real-time effects suited to responsive gameplay environments.

RPG development focus

The studio’s production philosophy centers on high-craft RPG systems rather than large, hierarchical development structures. Thought Pennies operates as a fully remote team and uses automation and pipeline tools to support collaboration across its North American workforce.

From 2021 to 2024, the studio developed an unannounced multiplayer PvE social RPG set in the Warhammer: Age of Sigmar universe with Nexon and Games Workshop. The project was cancelled after Nexon ended funding in late 2024, following earlier and later staff reductions. Thought Pennies remains an active independent company and continues to maintain recruitment channels for future development opportunities.