Artix Entertainment
| File:Artix Entertainment Logo.jpg | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | October 15, 2002 |
| Founder | Adam Bohn |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
Key people | Adam Bohn (CEO) |
| Products | |
| Website | artix |
Artix Entertainment, LLC is an independent developer and publisher of video games, established by Adam Bohn in October 2002. The company is renowned for its browser-based role-playing games such as AdventureQuest, DragonFable, MechQuest, and AdventureQuest Worlds, which were initially created using Adobe Flash. Following the discontinuation of Adobe Flash Player in 2021, Artix introduced a dedicated PC launcher to continue supporting its flagship titles with regular content updates.
The firm broadened its platform reach by launching its first mobile game for iOS and Android devices in March 2011, and later ventured into 3D gaming with the October 2016 release of AdventureQuest 3D, developed utilizing the Unity engine.
AdventureQuest
The inaugural game from Artix, AdventureQuest, debuted in 2002 as a single-player online RPG set within the world known as "Lore." Gameplay revolves around turn-based battles, undertaking quests, and character development through earning gold and experience points. Players begin by choosing among initial classes—Fighter, Mage, or Rogue—and can progress to advanced roles such as Knights or Paladins.
This title operates on a free-to-play basis with optional paid upgrades called "Guardians" that provide exclusive perks. Additionally, players may purchase Z-tokens with real currency to acquire special in-game items. By 2008, AdventureQuest was attracting 6.5 million monthly users and had partnered with over 90 sponsors for Z-token transactions, demonstrating strong engagement and monetization success.
DragonFable
Building on the success of AdventureQuest, Artix developed ArchKnight in 2005, which evolved into DragonFable, released in June 2006. Serving as a prequel to AdventureQuest, it includes crossover events and features younger versions of established characters. Like its predecessor, it follows a free-to-play model supplemented by an optional one-time purchase that unlocks exclusive features via the "Dragon Amulet."
MechQuest
Launched in late 2007, MechQuest represents Artix Entertainment's third major title and marks a transition into science fiction-themed RPG gameplay while retaining mechanics similar to AdventureQuest. Players control customizable mechs engaging in turn-based combat that incorporates cooldown periods, upgrades, and weapon slots. The game also offers enhanced anime-inspired animations and exploration elements including shops and NPC interactions. It maintains a free-to-play structure with additional content accessible through one-time purchases.
AdventureQuest Worlds
Released in October 2008, AdventureQuest Worlds is Artix Entertainment's first MMORPG, combining aspects from its earlier games. It utilizes simplified 2D animation techniques to reduce server strain and shifts to a subscription-based revenue model offering monthly or yearly memberships instead of one-time payments. Gameplay features real-time combat, extensive player customization options, diverse character classes, and cooperative group battles. The game regularly hosts special events such as collaborative wars and live occasions featuring guest appearances by notable personalities including Voltaire, George Lowe, Jonathan Coulton, among others—boosting player involvement and brand presence.
EpicDuel
In December 2009, Artix Entertainment introduced a public beta for the science fiction MMORPG EpicDuel, which it acquired from Epic Inventions LLC. The game focuses heavily on player versus player combat and saw its official release in August 2010.
HeroSmash
HeroSmash, a superhero-themed MMORPG developed using the AdventureQuest Worlds engine, began alpha testing in December 2010 and progressed to beta in 2011. Initially called SuperHeroQuest, the title was changed due to trademark conflicts with DC Comics and Marvel. Development ceased in 2014 because of insufficient player engagement, although servers remained operational until financial limitations forced closure after Adobe Flash Player was discontinued.
AdventureQuest 3D
Artix Entertainment started working on its first three-dimensional game, AdventureQuest 3D, around 2012. A Kickstarter campaign ran from November 2015 through early 2016. The game entered open beta in October 2016, supporting full cross-platform gameplay on both PC and mobile devices, featuring real-time group combat.
Originally accessible via Unity Web Player within browsers, the title transitioned to Steam for Mac and Windows in March 2016 due to diminishing browser support. The mobile version launched later that October.
In August 2019, AdventureQuest 3D hosted an in-game concert featuring nu metal band Korn, which included themed challenges and exclusive items. This virtual concert series continued with performances by Alice In Chains in November 2019 and Breaking Benjamin in February 2020.
OverSoul
OverSoul is a game combining Player versus player and Player versus environment elements, centered around character possession and battles using skill cards. Designed by Artix Entertainment artist Milton Pool (also known as Nulgath), it underwent alpha testing from September 13 to October 31, 2012. The game remains in beta and is available for all players.
AdventureQuest Battle Gems
Artix Entertainment’s first significant mobile release, Battle Gems, debuted on iOS on March 18, 2014, followed by Android and Facebook launches in May. The gameplay resembles Candy Crush, where players swipe matching gems to attack monsters. It features over 150 animated monsters, more than 450 quests, alongside a wide selection of weapons, armor, and pets. A one-time Founder status upgrade can be purchased to grant unlimited turns, infinite energy, a permanent +30% gold bonus, access to Skeleton Keys, and exclusive Dragon Knight equipment. Linking a master account unlocks the Dragon Knight class in AdventureQuest Worlds.
AdventureQuest Dragons
Created in collaboration with French developer "Orteil," known for Cookie Clicker, AdventureQuest Dragons launched on Google Play and the App Store in December 2014, with a web version following in early 2015. This idle game tasks players with tapping Dragon Eggs to hatch them while gathering gems to upgrade and evolve dragons. Featuring twelve distinct dragon species each with unique art and storylines, dragons are unlocked using Dragon Keys obtained through gameplay or purchase. The Founder Status upgrade provides permanent benefits, extra Dragon Keys, and exclusive items usable in AdventureQuest Worlds.
Revenue
Artix Entertainment generates most of its income through either single payments or subscription models, exemplified by titles like AdventureQuest Worlds and HeroSmash, which grant access to additional content. A majority of their games incorporate secondary currencies—microtransactions—that players can acquire either by spending real money or completing promotional offers, and these currencies are then used to purchase various in-game items.
In October 2010, the company broadened its commercial approach by introducing HeroMart, an e-commerce platform for selling branded merchandise.
AExtras
AExtras was launched as a mechanism allowing players to earn secondary currencies via third-party offers, initially available in AdventureQuest Worlds and later extended to other major games. By December 2010, this system was largely discontinued except within the Master Account System, where it served to promote account linking and consolidate reward distribution.
Other media
In November 2010, Artix Entertainment expanded its offerings by releasing its debut novel, The Dragon's Secret, written by player Lyra Trice Solis.
Additionally, the company created three animated shorts to complement game narratives and boost marketing efforts: Artix Vs. the Undead for DragonFable, Death from Above supporting MechQuest, and Nulgath vs. Dage, a cutscene featured in the PvP card game OverSoul. These productions play a key role in strengthening brand presence and maintaining player engagement.