tinyBuild

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Independent video game publisher and developer focused on distinctive indie and own-IP games.

Last updated August 22, 2026

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Overview

tinyBuild is an American video game publisher and developer headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. Established in 2011 by Alex Nichiporchik and Tom Brien, the company began as a vehicle for turning Brien's browser game No Time to Explain into a commercial release. Its early experience with crowdfunding, platform distribution and the difficulties of working with an external publisher shaped a business that combined development, publishing and long-term relationships with independent studios. No Time to Explain was initially supported by a Kickstarter campaign that exceeded its target. After an intended Russian publishing and Steam arrangement failed, tinyBuild released the game independently. The title later became one of the early games accepted through Steam Greenlight in 2013, helping the company recover its development costs and gain visibility. Rather than remaining solely a developer, tinyBuild used this momentum to invest in and publish SpeedRunners, developed with DoubleDutch Games. The success of SpeedRunners attracted additional developers and gradually moved tinyBuild toward a publisher-led model. The company recruited video game journalist Mike Rose in 2014 to strengthen its publishing activities. During the late 2010s and early 2020s, tinyBuild expanded through outside investment, internal studio formation, acquisitions and investments in development teams. It raised seed funding from Makers Fund in 2018 and a larger Series A round in 2019. Its portfolio and corporate footprint grew around properties such as Hello Neighbor, Secret Neighbor, Guts and Glory, Cartel Tycoon, Not For Broadcast, Happy's Humble Burger Farm and other independently developed games. The company also acquired or established studios including HakJak Studios, Eerie Guest Studios, We're Five Games, Hungry Couch, Moon Moose, Animal, Versus Evil, Red Cerberus, DeMagic Games, Konfa Games, Scythe Studios and NotGames. In 2022 it acquired rights to much of Bossa Studios' game catalogue, including Surgeon Simulator and I Am Bread. The company became publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market in March 2021 under the symbol TBLD. Its expansion strategy emphasized closer, longer-term relationships with developers and a larger base of internally controlled intellectual property. tinyBuild also invested heavily in the Hello Neighbor franchise and relocated more than 100 people in response to the disruption caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. From 2023 onward, tinyBuild entered a retrenchment period. A weaker market for non-AAA games, reduced platform investment, underperformance at subsidiaries and delayed contracts contributed to a substantial revenue shortfall. The company stated that it would reduce its dependence on third-party publishing and concentrate more heavily on own-IP. It settled a dispute with Versus Evil, closed or sold several studios and reduced staffing. Emergency funding was secured in early 2024, while selected intellectual-property assets were sold to Atari and other buyers. Additional disposals included the Totally Reliable Delivery Service and Surgeon Simulator rights, and Red Cerberus was sold to TestFly in 2025. The resulting business is smaller and more focused than during its acquisition-led expansion, but remains active as a publicly traded independent games company.

History

tinyBuild was founded in 2011 by Alex Nichiporchik and Tom Brien. Nichiporchik, originally from Latvia, had worked in game journalism and at Spil Games before becoming interested in independent and browser games. Brien had created No Time to Explain, a Flash title that Nichiporchik believed could be expanded into a commercial product. The two formed tinyBuild to develop and distribute it. The company's first release was shaped by an unsuccessful publishing arrangement. A Kickstarter campaign exceeded its $7,000 target and raised $26,000, but an intended agreement with Buka Entertainment to publish No Time to Explain in Russia and release it on Steam collapsed. tinyBuild therefore released the game independently. It recovered development expenses but did not initially generate significant profit, and the company entered a period of inactivity. Steam Greenlight later provided a route to platform approval, and No Time to Explain became one of the early titles accepted through the program in 2013. Its successful Steam launch gave tinyBuild renewed visibility. The company then moved toward publishing. It invested in and co-developed SpeedRunners with DoubleDutch Games, and the game's reception brought further developers to tinyBuild. In December 2014, the company hired Mike Rose, strengthening its ability to identify, support and market independent projects. Over time, tinyBuild developed a model combining publishing, development, studio investment and ownership of original intellectual property. External financing accelerated the model. Makers Fund provided $3.75 million in seed funding in 2018, followed by a $15 million Series A round in 2019. In 2020, tinyBuild established HakJak Studios with developer Jed Steen and acquired the team behind Hello Neighbor from Dynamic Pixels, creating Eerie Guest Studios. The company invested more than $15 million into the Hello Neighbor franchise and invested a further $3 million in Hologryph, the team associated with Secret Neighbor. In 2021 it acquired We're Five Games, Hungry Couch and Moon Moose, followed by Animal, Versus Evil and Red Cerberus. It also pursued a public listing and began trading on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market on March 9, 2021. Expansion continued in 2022 and early 2023. tinyBuild acquired or invested in DeMagic Games, Konfa Games, Scythe Studios and NotGames, and acquired rights to much of Bossa Studios' catalogue, including Surgeon Simulator and I Am Bread. The company also relocated more than 100 people amid the disruption caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The acquisition-led strategy came under pressure in 2023. tinyBuild reported weaker-than-expected performance, attributing the shortfall to lower platform investment in non-AAA titles, weak results from subsidiaries and delayed contracts. It announced a greater emphasis on own-IP and began reducing its exposure to third-party publishing. The company settled a dispute with Versus Evil for $3.5 million plus legal costs after allegations concerning funding and support obligations. It subsequently reduced staff, closed studios and sold NotGames while retaining the associated intellectual-property rights. In 2024, tinyBuild secured emergency funding and continued to simplify its portfolio. Moon Moose and DeMagic Games were closed, and selected properties were sold to Atari and other buyers. Red Cerberus was sold to TestFly in 2025. The company described 2025 as a return to profitability on an adjusted EBITDA basis, with improved operating cash flow and a workforce of nearly 200 people excluding Red Cerberus. tinyBuild remains an active public company focused on publishing, developing and managing independent game IP.

2025
Return to adjusted profitability
[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
The company reports positive adjusted EBITDA and stronger operating cash flow while continuing to streamline its portfolio.
2024
Emergency financing and asset disposals
[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
tinyBuild secures emergency funding and sells or closes selected businesses and intellectual-property assets.
2023
Strategic retrenchment begins
[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
After an underperformance report, tinyBuild shifts toward own-IP and begins restructuring its studio portfolio.
2022
Bossa catalogue rights acquired
[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
tinyBuild acquires rights to a substantial portion of Bossa Studios' game catalogue.
2021
Public listing on AIM
[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
Shares begin trading on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market under TBLD.
2020
Internal studio and Hello Neighbor expansion
[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
tinyBuild establishes HakJak Studios and acquires the Hello Neighbor development team, forming Eerie Guest Studios.
2018
Makers Fund provides seed financing
[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
tinyBuild raises $3.75 million in seed funding.
2014
Publishing operation expands
[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
Mike Rose joins the company as tinyBuild develops a broader independent-game publishing pipeline.
2013
No Time to Explain reaches Steam
[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
After an external publishing arrangement failed, tinyBuild independently released the game following Steam Greenlight approval.
2011
tinyBuild is founded
[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
Alex Nichiporchik and Tom Brien establish tinyBuild to commercialize and expand No Time to Explain.

Products and positioning

A creator-oriented indie publisher and developer that combines commercial publishing expertise with investment in distinctive original games, long-term studio relationships and internally controlled intellectual property.

Stealth horror game franchise
Hello Neighbor
Hello Neighbor is tinyBuild's best-known franchise and a central part of its own-IP strategy. The series combines stealth, puzzle solving and horror elements around attempts to uncover the secrets of a suspicious neighbor. tinyBuild acquired the original development team from Dynamic Pixels in 2020, established Eerie Guest Studios and invested substantially in extending the property through sequels, spin-offs and related media.
Competitive platform racing game
SpeedRunners
SpeedRunners is a fast-paced multiplayer platform game developed with DoubleDutch Games. Players race through obstacle-filled stages while using movement skills and power-ups to eliminate opponents. Its success was a major turning point for tinyBuild, helping demonstrate the company's ability to publish distinctive independent games and attracting more developers to its publishing program.
Platform game
No Time to Explain
No Time to Explain began as Tom Brien's Flash game and became tinyBuild's founding commercial project. The title uses humorous storytelling and unusual platforming mechanics, including a weapon that propels the player through levels. Its independently managed Steam release after a failed publishing arrangement established the company's initial credibility.
Asymmetric multiplayer horror game
Secret Neighbor
Secret Neighbor is a multiplayer spin-off of Hello Neighbor developed by Hologryph. It adapts the franchise's stealth and suspicion mechanics into an asymmetric format in which children cooperate to explore a house while one player secretly assumes the role of the neighbor. tinyBuild invested in the development team as part of its broader Hello Neighbor strategy.
Physics-based action game
Guts and Glory
Guts and Glory is a physics-driven obstacle-course game developed by HakJak Studios. It became one of the projects associated with tinyBuild's effort to form internal development capacity and maintain longer-term relationships with creators rather than operating only as a one-release publisher.
Strategy and management game
Cartel Tycoon
Cartel Tycoon is a strategy and management title developed by Moon Moose. It places players in control of an expanding criminal empire and emphasizes resource management, territorial growth and the consequences of unstable power structures. Moon Moose was later closed during tinyBuild's restructuring.
Narrative simulation game
Not For Broadcast
Not For Broadcast is a satirical broadcast-control game developed by NotGames. Players edit live television output, manage technical problems and shape what viewers see during an authoritarian political crisis. tinyBuild acquired NotGames in 2023, later sold the studio while retaining the game's intellectual-property rights.
Horror simulation game
Happy's Humble Burger Farm
Happy's Humble Burger Farm is a horror-themed restaurant-management game developed by Scythe Studios. It combines shift-based food preparation with exploration and unsettling narrative elements. tinyBuild acquired Scythe Studios in 2022 as part of its expansion of internally controlled development capabilities.

Controversies

2023
Versus Evil acquisition dispute
Versus Evil alleged that tinyBuild failed to make required capital contributions, withheld funding and did not provide the level of material support promised in the acquisition agreement. tinyBuild resolved the dispute for $3.5 million plus legal costs. The matter was accompanied by separate claims regarding unpaid shares and options.
Source
2023
Financial underperformance and restructuring
tinyBuild reported weaker trading, delayed contracts and poor performance at several subsidiaries. The resulting restructuring involved layoffs, studio closures and asset sales, drawing attention to the risks of the company's earlier acquisition-led expansion.
Source

2011No Time to Explain Kickstarter
Global
tinyBuild used Kickstarter to fund the expansion of No Time to Explain from a browser game into a commercial release. The campaign exceeded its stated target and helped finance development after the company was formed.
Outcome. The game was ultimately released independently and later reached Steam through Greenlight.
Source

Brand decisions

2024
Emergency financing and portfolio simplificationStrategy
Background
tinyBuild faced severe liquidity pressure after weaker trading and its restructuring program.
Action taken
The company secured emergency investor funding, closed additional studios and sold selected intellectual-property rights.
Aftermath
The business continued with a smaller studio portfolio and greater emphasis on financial discipline and owned franchises.
Emergency funding. $12.3 million (January 2024)
Source
2023
Shift toward own intellectual propertyStrategy
Background
The company cited weaker platform investment in non-AAA games, subsidiary underperformance and delayed contracts.
Action taken
tinyBuild announced that it would reduce its reliance on third-party publishing and focus more heavily on internally controlled franchises and own-IP projects.
Aftermath
The change was followed by layoffs, studio closures, sales of subsidiaries and disposals of selected game rights.
Share-price decline following the 2023 underperformance report. 78.8% decline reported after the announcement (June 2023)
Source
2023
Settlement of Versus Evil disputeM&A
Background
Versus Evil brought claims concerning post-acquisition funding and support obligations.
Action taken
tinyBuild announced a settlement involving $3.5 million plus legal costs.
Aftermath
Versus Evil was subsequently shut down, and its general manager Steve Escalante left the business.
Settlement amount. $3.5 million plus legal costs (December 2023)
Source
2021
Initial public offering on AIMOther
Background
After several years of publishing growth and external financing, tinyBuild sought access to public capital markets.
Action taken
The company listed on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market under the ticker TBLD.
Aftermath
tinyBuild became a publicly traded games company and continued its acquisition and studio-investment program.
Initial market capitalization. £340 million (March 2021)
Source

Recent events

2024
tinyBuild secures emergency funding[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
Other
The company obtained $12.3 million in emergency funding after warning that it had come close to exhausting its cash resources.
2024
tinyBuild sells selected game intellectual property[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
M&A
The company sold the Totally Reliable Delivery Service rights to Atari and later sold the Surgeon Simulator rights as part of its post-expansion restructuring.
2023
tinyBuild reports underperformance and changes strategy[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
Pricing
The company cited weak performance at subsidiaries, lower platform investment and delayed contracts, and said it would shift away from third-party publishing toward own-IP.
2023
tinyBuild restructures and closes studios[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
Bankruptcy · Leadership change
Following financial pressure, the company reduced staffing and closed several subsidiaries, including HakJak Studios and We're Five Games, while NotGames was sold with tinyBuild retaining the relevant game IP.
2023
Atari invests in tinyBuild[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
M&A
Atari invested $2 million for a reported 7.5% stake in tinyBuild.
2021
tinyBuild expands through studio acquisitions[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
M&A
The company acquired several teams with which it had previously worked, including We're Five Games, Hungry Couch and Moon Moose.
2021
tinyBuild begins trading on London's AIM[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
Other
tinyBuild became a public company on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market under the ticker TBLD.
2019
tinyBuild raises Series A funding[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
Other
tinyBuild announced a $15 million Series A financing round from an undisclosed investor.
2018
tinyBuild raises seed funding from Makers Fund[1]TinyBuilden.wikipedia.org
Other
The company obtained $3.75 million in seed funding to support its publishing and development activities.

Sources12 sources

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