Limbic Software

Limbic Software, Inc.

Company type	Private
Industry	Video games
Founded	2009 (2009)
Founder	Arash Keshmirian, Iman Mostafavi, Volker Schönefeld
Headquarters	Palo Alto , United States
Products	TowerMadness series, Grinchmas!, Nuts!, Zombie Gunship series

Limbic Software, Inc. is a privately held mobile game studio established in 2009 by founders Arash Keshmirian, Iman Mostafavi, and Volker Schönefeld. Based in Palo Alto, California, the company focuses on developing games for iOS and Android platforms. Its portfolio includes popular titles such as the TowerMadness series, Grinchmas!, Nuts!, and Zombie Gunship. To date, Limbic has amassed more than 25 million downloads worldwide, underscoring its strong presence in the mobile gaming sector.

The company's initial release, TowerMadness, debuted in 2009 and marked Limbic's entry into the tower defense market. In 2011, the lineup grew with the addition of Nuts! and Zombie Gunship, followed by the launch of TowerMadness 2 in early 2014. Demonstrating flexibility in development and audience responsiveness, Limbic transformed an April Fools' prank into a commercially available title with Zombie Gunship Arcade in May 2014. The firm's strategy centers on delivering polished mobile gaming experiences to sustain its competitive position.

TowerMadness

Originally released on May 23, 2009, for iOS devices, TowerMadness is a tower defense game set on an open map with a zoomable 3D camera system. Players must protect a flock of sheep from invading aliens by constructing and enhancing towers using currency earned through defeating enemies. The core gameplay revolves around stopping aliens dropped from UFOs from abducting sheep. An Android version followed on December 5, 2013, broadening the game's international audience.

The series comprises three editions: the original TowerMadness (2009); an ad-supported variant called TowerMadness Zero (October 2009); and TowerMadness HD, designed specifically for iPad with exclusive split-screen multiplayer functionality (May 2010). These versions illustrate Limbic's approach to diversifying products and monetization strategies.

Grinchmas!

Released on November 25, 2009, Grinchmas! was Limbic's inaugural iOS title under license from Dr. Seuss Enterprises and published by Oceanhouse Media. The game offers two distinct modes: “Mean Grinch,” where players throw snowballs to quiet down Whos Houses in Who-ville, and “Merry Grinch,” which involves tossing color-coded presents to matching houses. This design fosters greater engagement with fans of the brand.

Nuts!

Launched on May 24, 2011, Nuts! is an endless vertical climbing game featuring Jake the squirrel as he ascends a tree while avoiding branches, collecting coins, and acquiring power-ups by tilting the device. The game includes over 40 challenges such as retrieving picnic basket items taken by a crow. Limbic further expanded its reach by releasing an Android version through Google Play on July 16.

Zombie Gunship

Debuting on July 21, 2011, Zombie Gunship is a first-person shooter presented through a 3D night vision interface from the perspective of an AC-130 gunship. Players defend human survivors against zombie hordes using weapons that can be upgraded, including a 25mm Gatling gun and a 105mm Howitzer. Progression is driven by completing objectives to earn ranks and coins. The title extended its availability globally with Android and Amazon platform versions released in late 2013. Additionally, the iOS edition supports Apple's AirPlay technology for gameplay streaming to Apple TV, enhancing user interaction and platform compatibility.

TowerMadness 2

Launched on January 23, 2014, for both iOS and Android platforms, TowerMadness 2 serves as the follow-up to the original TowerMadness. This tower defense title features an open-world map with a zoomable 3D camera perspective, where players protect a flock of sheep from waves of alien attackers by strategically placing various defensive towers. The adversaries aim to capture the sheep, while players accumulate in-app currency to construct and enhance their defenses. The sequel introduces improved visuals, additional maps, new weapon types, fresh characters such as Bo and Xen, along with new enemy types.

Zombie Gunship Arcade

Initially released on May 1, 2014, for iOS devices, Zombie Gunship Arcade originated from an April Fools' prank but was developed into a complete game following significant social media interest. The gameplay adopts a traditional arcade side-scrolling format where players control an AC-130 gunship to eliminate zombies while avoiding harm to humans.

Zombie Gunship Survival

Officially debuting on May 24, 2017, for iOS and Android, Zombie Gunship Survival merges elements of zombie defense with base-building mechanics. Players command groups of military survivors on resource-gathering expeditions while employing an AC-130 gunship to defend them against zombie threats.

Zombie Gunship Revenant

Released on September 19, 2017, exclusively for iOS 11, Zombie Gunship Revenant incorporates augmented reality through ARKit technology. Players maneuver a helicopter gunship by physically moving their device to protect a base visualized with thermal imaging effects. The helicopter is outfitted with gatling guns, cannons, rockets, missiles, and sniper pods consistent with the series’ established arsenal.