Hitcents
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games, Mobile applications, Software development |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Chris Mills, Clinton Mills |
| Fate | Ceased game development operations as of 2023–2024 |
| Headquarters | Bowling Green , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Chris Mills, Clinton Mills (founders) |
| Products | Draw A Stickman series, Hanx Writer, Battlepillars, NBA Life, The Godfather: Family Dynasty, Rigged |
| Parent | Houchens Industries (acquired in 2003) |
| Website | hitcents |
Hitcents is a video game publisher and mobile application developer based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Renowned for the multi-platform Draw A Stickman franchise, the company collaborated with actor Tom Hanks in 2014 to create the Hanx Writer. Established in 1999 by twin siblings Chris and Clinton Mills, Hitcents also maintains offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
History
The origins of Hitcents trace back to high school, when Chris and Clinton Mills launched it as an internet advertising firm named after its cents-per-hit revenue model. In 2003, Houchens Industries acquired the company, which later expanded its footprint from Bowling Green to San Francisco in 2014 and subsequently to Los Angeles in 2015.
Hitcents’ portfolio encompasses mobile game and app creation, e-commerce, technology solutions, marketing services, creative design, software engineering, video production, automation systems, self-checkout technology, and enterprise resource planning.
In 2007, Hitcents achieved the No. 191 spot on Inc. magazine’s list of the 500 fastest-growing private firms in the United States, reflecting a growth rate of 1,099.8% over three years. The Mills twins were recognized among the top five CEOs under 30. By 2013, the company relocated to "The Wrap," a property developed by their family’s real estate enterprise in Bowling Green. The following year, Hitcents earned distinction as one of Kentucky’s premier workplaces.
Following contractor claims that the family’s real estate business owed more than $2 million, local authorities assumed control of "The Wrap," prompting Hitcents to leave the premises in August 2015.
As of 2023–2024, Hitcents has ceased its game development operations and is no longer pursuing new gaming projects, according to a statement from a company representative on their official Discord channel.
Mobile application development
Hitcents produces mobile apps for both proprietary initiatives and external clients, covering a spectrum from mobile games to enterprise-level business software.
Draw a Stickman series
The Draw a Stickman series originated from the popular website DrawAStickman.com and was developed by Hitcents into a franchise spanning mobile devices and PCs. The first major release, Draw a Stickman: Epic, launched in October 2012 on platforms including iOS, Android, Kindle, Windows Phone, and later expanded to desktop systems such as Windows 8, Linux, Mac OS X, and Steam.
In this series, players design their own stick figure hero and navigate through levels by drawing various tools and weapons that assist in solving puzzles and overcoming challenges.
July 2015 saw the release of Draw a Stickman: Epic 2, followed by Draw a Stickman: Epic 3 which initially appeared on mobile devices in May 2020 before being ported to consoles and PC in March 2023.
Battlepillars
Hitcents developed Battlepillars, a real-time strategy tug-of-war game launched on October 2, 2013 for iOS, Android, and PC platforms. The gameplay involves assembling and commanding armies of caterpillar segments with distinct abilities to confront enemies and bosses.
Notably, Battlepillars was one of the earliest cross-platform multiplayer games on mobile devices, allowing Android users to compete against iOS players through Google Play. This title marked Hitcents’ initial venture into free-to-play mobile gaming.
Hanx Writer
In partnership with Tom Hanks, Hitcents developed Hanx Writer, a mobile application designed to replicate the appearance and auditory experience of vintage typewriters. Launched on August 14, 2014, the app swiftly ascended to the top position on the iTunes App Store’s Productivity and Overall rankings during its initial week.
Rigged
On September 16, 2016, Hitcents introduced Rigged, a mobile game centered around the concept of gerrymandering, created in collaboration with Fusion. The gameplay aimed to inform users about the practice of gerrymandering in the United States through interactive engagement.
The Godfather: Family Dynasty
Hitcents released an officially licensed, free-to-play mobile strategy title based on The Godfather on February 9, 2017. While the game received commendations for its visual design, gameplay mechanics, and multiplayer functionality, it also attracted criticism for lacking originality and featuring repetitive elements.
NBA Life
On March 30, 2017, Hitcents launched NBA Life, a free-to-play mobile strategy and simulation game that allows players to create and develop their own NBA character. Users can form crews to participate in tournaments and earn rewards. The game was well-received for its gameplay quality, visual appeal, and inclusion of female player avatars.
Video game publishing
As a video game publisher, Hitcents distributes titles created by independent developers. In 2018, they published two such games.
A Robot Named Fight
Hitcents released A Robot Named Fight, a 2D action game developed by Matt Bitner Games, on April 26, 2018, for the Nintendo Switch platform. The game features robotic heroes combating the Megabeast while navigating labyrinthine environments to locate artifacts and power-ups.
Don't Sink
Developed by Studio Eris in partnership with Hitcents, Don't Sink debuted on January 3, 2019, for Nintendo Switch. This pirate-themed role-playing adventure involves exploring oceans and islands, managing pirate crew requirements, governing territories, and expanding a pirate empire.
Games developed
| Title | Year | Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Draw a Stickman | 2011 | iOS, Google Play, Amazon |
| Draw a Stickman - Episode 2 | 2012 | iOS, Google Play |
| Draw a Stickman: EPIC | iOS, Google Play, Steam, Amazon, Windows & Windows Phone, Mac, Kindle, Xbox One | |
| Battlepillars | 2013 | iOS, Google Play, Amazon Store, Steam, Windows & Windows Phone |
| The Harlem Shake | iOS | |
| Hanx Writer | 2014 | iOS |
| Krampus In Wreck The Halls | Google Play | |
| San Francisco | Google Play | |
| Poisonous Creatures | Google Play | |
| Charlie Charlie | 2015 | iOS, Google Play |
| Draw a Stickman: EPIC 2 | iOS, Google Play, Steam, Nintendo Switch, Amazon, Windows, Windows Phone, PlayStation 4 & Xbox One | |
| Draw a Stickman: Sketchbook | iOS, Google Play, Amazon | |
| Tac - Tic Tac Toe Reimagined | iOS | |
| Sparkle Corgi Goes Cave Diving | Google Play, iOS | |
| Godfather: Family Dynasty | 2017 | Google Play, iOS, Amazon |
Games published
| Title | Release Year | Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|
| A Robot Named Fight | 2018 | Nintendo Switch |
| Don't Sink | 2019 | Nintendo Switch |
| Duke of Defense | 2019 | Nintendo Switch |
| Get To The Orange Door | 2019 | Steam (upcoming) |
| Forgotton Anne | 2019 | iOS, Google Play |
| Rashlander | 2019 | Steam |
| Ministry of Broadcast | 2020 | Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch |
| Draw a Stickman: EPIC 3 | 2020 | Steam, iOS, Google Play |
| Shores Unknown | 2021 | Steam, Nintendo Switch (upcoming) |
| Inspector Waffles | 2021 | Steam, Nintendo Switch (upcoming) |
| Aquamarine | 2021 | Steam (upcoming) |
| Kokopa's Atlas | To Be Announced | Steam (upcoming) |
Services
Hitcents provides a comprehensive suite of web development offerings, including web design, software programming, ongoing site maintenance, administrative control access, eCommerce solutions, data transfer services, and website hosting. The web division has been recognized with numerous industry accolades such as Marcom Awards, Davey Awards, and Communicator Awards for its exceptional projects.
Moreover, the company extends its expertise to consulting services, data backup solutions, hardware acquisition, virtual private network configuration, secure DSL connectivity, kiosk application development, computer networking infrastructure, and high-speed Internet access provisioning.
Awards
2011
- Davey Award – Draw A Stickman – GOLD
- Dope Award – Draw A Stickman – SITE OF THE MONTH
- Design Licks – Draw A Stickman – SITE OF THE DAY
- FWA Award – Draw A Stickman – SITE OF THE DAY
- AWWWARD's – Draw A Stickman – SITE OF THE DAY
- Design Taxi – Draw A Stickman – SITE OF THE DAY
2012
- Interactive Media Award (IMA) – Draw A Stickman – BEST IN CLASS
- Hermes Creative Award – Connected Nation Corporate – GOLD
- Hermes Creative Award – Draw A Stickman – PLATINUM
- Horizon Interactive Award – Draw A Stickman – BEST IN CATEGORY
- Webby Award – Draw A Stickman Viral Marketing – PEOPLE'S VOICE
- Webby Award – Draw A Stickman Best Use of Motion Graphics – PEOPLE'S VOICE and WEBBY WINNER
- The Web Award – Draw A Stickman GAME SITE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
- W3 Award – Draw A Stickman Animation and Self Promotion – GOLD
- Innovation Award – BG Chamber of Commerce – Hitcents
- Davey Award – BART Animation – SILVER
2013
- Webby Award – Draw A Stickman: Epic Mobile Sites & Apps/Games – WEBBY WINNER and PEOPLE'S VOICE
- Webby Award – One Direction Scrapbook App – HONORABLE MENTION
- W3 Award – Tampico Website
- Manny Award – Draw A Stickman
- Lovie Award – Draw A Stickman: EPIC Games GOLD; Tablet Games SILVER and PEOPLE'S LOVIE
2014
- Webby Award – Hanx Writer HONORABLE MENTION
2015
- W3 Award – Hanx Writer Mobile App: Entertainment GOLD; Best Visual Design: Aesthetic SILVER
- W3 Award – Draw A Stickman: EPIC 2 Mobile App: Innovative & Experimental SILVER
2016
- Webby Award – Draw a Stickman: Epic 2 Mobile Games HONOREE
External links
- 2000 establishments in Kentucky
- American companies established in 2000
- Software companies based in Kentucky
- Video game publishers
- Video game development companies
- Video game companies of the United States
- Video game companies established in 2000
- Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Privately held companies based in Kentucky