Meteor Games
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 2007 in California, United States |
| Founder | Adam Powell, Donna Powell |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Fate | Filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations |
| Headquarters | West Hollywood , United States |
| Products | Twin Skies, Serf Wars, Island Paradise, Ranch Town, Neopets: Treasure Keepers |
Meteor Games was an independent online game development company established in 2007 in California by Neopets founders Adam Powell and Donna Powell. Based in West Hollywood, the studio specialized in combining social networking elements, browser-based casual games, and classic massively multiplayer online games. The company ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy in 2012.
History
The first major title from Meteor Games was the MMO Twin Skies, which was initially presented at the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) held in Seattle. While the game was originally intended to be a 3D experience, it was later reimagined as a 2D Flash game to better fit prevailing market demands.
Shifting its focus toward the emerging social gaming sector, Meteor Games released several titles based on their own intellectual properties, such as Island Paradise, Serf Wars, and Ranch Town. These games targeted casual players and capitalized on the founders' extensive background within the gaming industry.
Layoffs
In October 2011, Meteor Games reduced its workforce by laying off 26 employees. By the following month, only personnel responsible for maintaining existing Facebook games were retained. Ultimately, by March or April 2012, all remaining employees were dismissed following the closure of Island Paradise. CEO Zac Brandenberg, who had joined the company in 2010, left in November 2011, after which founders Adam and Donna Powell took over management duties. Adam departed around late 2010 or early 2011, leaving Donna as the sole CEO and COO.
Twin Skies
Twin Skies marked Meteor Games' inaugural project and was unveiled at the 2008 Penny Arcade Expo to favorable feedback. Initially designed as a 3D MMO, financial limitations prompted a shift to a free-to-play Flash format. This change disappointed many industry experts who had high expectations for the original concept. The gameplay aimed to blend social interaction with mini-games that impacted the MMO environment. Although beta testing was scheduled for late 2008 with a full release planned for 2009, these plans were ultimately canceled due to company downsizing.
Serf Wars
Serf Wars was a city-building title centered on constructing a fantasy kingdom but was discontinued in early 2012.
Island Paradise
Released on August 25, 2009, as a Facebook social app, Island Paradise enabled users to design tropical islands. By November of that year, it had attracted roughly 6.8 million monthly active users. The game maintained popularity for two years before being abruptly taken offline in April 2012.
Ranch Town
Ranked among the fastest-growing Facebook applications in June 2010, Ranch Town was a farming simulation set during California’s gold rush period. It was discontinued in early 2012.
Neopets: Treasure Keepers
Created in partnership with Neopets, this game expanded upon the Neopia universe through board game-inspired quests, shop management mechanics, and achievement rewards redeemable within Neopets. Facing financial difficulties and a steep decline in user engagement, Meteor Games laid off 90% of its workforce and terminated Neopets: Treasure Keepers on December 14, 2011. Upon shutdown, players were provided with codes to redeem virtual items on Neopets.
Discontinued titles
- Vikings, Pirates, and Ninjas
- My Sweet Shop
- Little Rock Pool