Hitcents
{{Short description|American video game publisher and developer}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox company
| name =
| logo = Hitcents Logo.jpg
| logo_size =
| logo_caption =
| type = Private
| industry = Video games
| founded = {{Start date and age|1999|01|04}}
| founder = Chris Mills
Clinton Mills
| hq_location = Bowling Green, Kentucky, U.S.
| divisions = Game Development and Publishing, Web Development, IT
| website = {{URL|hitcents.com}}
}}
Hitcents is a video game publisher and mobile app and games studio, headquartered in Bowling Green, Kentucky. They are the creators of the cross-platform gaming series Draw A Stickman. In 2014, Hitcents partnered with actor Tom Hanks to develop the Hanx Writer.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2014/08/14/tom-hanks-hanx-writer-typewriter-app/13580367/|title=From Tom Hanks, an app ode to the typewriter|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en}} Founded in 1999 as a software company by twin brothers Chris and Clinton Mills, the company has offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
History
As high school sophomores, Chris and Clinton Mills started Hitcents as an internet advertising company. The company name referred to the policy of paying clients on a cents-per-hit basis. Hitcents was acquired by Houchens Industries in 2003.
The company expanded from its headquarters in Bowling Green, Kentucky to San Francisco in April, 2014 and Los Angeles in 2015.
The business includes mobile game and application development, e-commerce, technology, marketing, creative design, software development, production, automation, self-service checkout, and enterprise resource planning.
In 2007, Hitcents was ranked No. 191 on Inc. magazine's list of the top 500 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., after growing 1,099.8% over 3 years. Clinton and Chris Mills were also ranked in the top 5 CEOs under 30.{{Cite news|url=http://www.bgdailynews.com/news/bg-s-hitcents-ranked-among-fastest-growing-companies-in-nation/article_eb59e43a-c357-5fb1-b988-08b903dc1469.html|title=BG's Hitcents ranked among fastest-growing companies in nation|last=Cetawayo|first=Ameerah|newspaper=Bowling Green Daily News|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en}}
In 2013, the company moved from its offices at Western Kentucky University into a building called "The Wrap" in Bowling Green, which was developed by the Mills family's real estate business.{{cite news |title= Hitcents employees set up shop in wrap |url= http://www.bgdailynews.com/news/local/hitcents-employees-set-up-shop-in-wrap/article_fa78acf8-7892-5a2e-bfaa-0eb529946e7b.html |author= Robyn L. Minor |access-date= October 26, 2021 |work= Bowling Green Daily News |date=August 2, 2013 }}
Hitcents was named one of the best places to work in Kentucky for 2014.{{cite web|title=Best Places to Work KY|url=http://www.bestplacestoworkky.com/UserFiles/File/2014/2014%20BPWK%20Press%20release-winners.pdf|publisher=Kentucky Chamber|access-date=February 10, 2014|archive-date=April 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402102301/http://bestplacestoworkky.com/UserFiles/File/2014/2014%20BPWK%20Press%20release-winners.pdf|url-status=dead}}
After contractors on the building said the family's real estate business owed them more than $2 million, the county took over the project and the company moved out in August 2015.{{cite news |title= Hitcents leaving building: Tech firm's proposal to pay reduced rent until October was declined |url= https://www.bgdailynews.com/news/hitcents-leaving-building/article_dd9fac92-c44d-5d58-9958-698c1a26d7e4.html |author= Wes Swietek |access-date= October 26, 2021 |work= Bowling Green Daily News |date=August 15, 2015 }}
Hitcents, as of today, no longer has a game department, and they are not working on game projects, this was announced around 2023–2024 by one of the Hitcents moderators through the official Hitcents Discord Server.
Mobile application development
Hitcents develops mobile applications for both in-house and client projects. These applications vary in genre: from mobile games to enterprise-level business applications.
=Draw a Stickman series=
Hitcents created the series Draw a Stickman.{{cite web|url=http://www.drawastickman.com/|title=Draw a Stickman: Episode 2|website=www.drawastickman.com|language=en|access-date=2017-02-07}} The idea started as a simple website, DrawAStickman.com. After it was a critical and commercial success, the game was later developed into a full series of mobile and PC games. Draw a Stickman: Epic was released in October 2012, a mobile application for iOS, Android, Kindle, Windows 7 and 8 phones, and later into full desktop versions for Windows 8, Linux, Mac OS X and Steam.
A player creates a stick figure, which becomes the main character of the game. Throughout the game, the player guides the stick figure through multiple levels, utilizing various pencils to draw elements, tools, and weapons to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
In July 2015, Hitcents launched a sequel to Draw A Stickman: Epic, Draw A Stickman: Epic 2.{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/07/09/kentuckys-hitcents-wants-to-fire-your-imagination-with-draw-a-stickman-epic-2/|title=Kentucky's Hitcents wants to fire your imagination with Draw a Stickman: Epic 2|website=Venture Beat|access-date=2017-02-07|date=July 9, 2015}}
A 3rd game titled Draw a Stickman: Epic 3 was released on mobile in May 2020 with a console & PC port in March 2023.
=Battlepillars=
Hitcents created Battlepillars, a tug-of-war real-time strategy game for iOS, Android, and PC. The game was launched on October 2, 2013. Battlepillars allows players to strategically build and command caterpillars, which are then sent to battle an enemy caterpillar army and various bosses. The game allows users to build each caterpillar in their army using specialized segments that offer various powers and abilities.
Battlepillars was one of the first mobile cross-platform multiplayer games, allowing Android user to play against iOS users through Google Play.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj62_Ps5MG0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/Pj62_Ps5MG0 |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=GDC 2014 - Battlepillars Cross-Platform Multiplayer|website=YouTube|access-date=23 August 2014}}{{cbignore}} Battlepillars was Hitcents' first free-to-play mobile game.
=Hanx Writer=
Hitcents created Hanx Writer, a mobile app in collaboration with Tom Hanks.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2014/08/14/tom-hanks-hanx-writer-typewriter-app/13580367/|title=From Tom Hanks, an app ode to the typewriter|website=USA Today|last1=della Cava|first1=Marco|access-date=15 August 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/8/14/6002055/hanx-writer-ipad-app-released-by-tom-hanks|title=Tom Hanks just released a typewriter app for iPad|website=The Verge|last1=Kastrenakes|first1=Jacob|access-date=15 August 2014|date=August 14, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/tom-hanks-launches-free-manual-typewriter-ipad-app-1201282936/|title=Tom Hanks Launches Free Manual-Typewriter iPad App|website=Variety|last1=Spangler|first1=Todd|access-date=15 August 2014|date=August 14, 2014}} Inspired by Tom Hanks' appreciation for classic typewriters, the Hanx Writer App reflects the look, feel, and sound of old-fashioned word-processing.
Hanx Writer was released on August 14, 2014. Hanx Writer reached the No. 1 ranking on the iTunes App Store during its launch week, where it held the top spot in both the Productivity section and the Overall section.{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/08/18/tom-hanks-typewriter-app-shoots-to-the-top-of-the-app-store/|title=Tom Hanks' Typewriter App Shoots To The Top Of The App Store|website=TechCrunch|last1=Perez|first1=Sarah|access-date=23 August 2014}}{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3139360/tom-hanks-typewriter-app-is-no-1-in-the-app-store/|title=Tom Hanks' Typewriter App Is No. 1 in the App Store|magazine=Time|last1=Dockterman|first1=Eliana|access-date=23 August 2014}}
=''Rigged''=
On September 16, 2016, Hitcents launched Rigged, a mobile game about gerrymandering, in partnership with Fusion.{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/09/16/rigged-mobile-game-lets-you-gerrymander-political-districts-to-steal-elections/|title=Rigged mobile game lets you gerrymander political districts to steal elections|website=VentureBeat|access-date=2017-02-07|date=September 16, 2016}} The game play was centered around educating players about the practice of gerrymandering in the United States.
=''The Godfather: Family Dynasty''=
On February 9, 2017, Hitcents launched an officially-licensed, free-to-play, mobile strategy game based on The Godfather.{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/02/09/hitcents-launches-the-godfather-family-dynasty-mobile-game/|title=Hitcents launches The Godfather: Family Dynasty mobile game - GamesBeat|website=VentureBeat.com|access-date=January 25, 2018|date=February 9, 2017}}
The game received mostly positive reception. The game was praised for its art style, gameplay, and multiplayer functionality. However, it was criticized for being unoriginal and for its repetitive gameplay.{{cite web|url=http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/ZOdWWUC7TLCY99KdrhKjQL/Game-Review--The-Godfather-turns-out-to-be-a-boring-strateg.html|title=Game Review: The Godfather turns out to be a boring strategy game|first=Abhijit|last=Ahaskar|date=February 14, 2017|website=Livemint.com|access-date=January 25, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPFh-GrYD6g |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/xPFh-GrYD6g |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=The Godfather Family Dynasty Android iOS Game Review|last=Tiny Little Games|date=February 17, 2017|access-date=January 25, 2018|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/195907/20170209/godfather-family-dynasty-mobile-game-hit-mobster-fans.htm|title='The Godfather: Family Dynasty' Mobile Game Is A Hit For Mobster Fans|first=Lauren|last=Keating|date=February 9, 2017|website=TechTimes.com|access-date=January 25, 2018}}
=''NBA Life''=
On March 30, 2017, Hitcents launched NBA Life, a free-to-play mobile strategy and simulation game where one plays as a new NBA player on a team of one's choice. A player improves an avatar's body and skills so the player can compete with AI versions of real-life players. Players can join with other players in crews for various rewards. After joining a crew, the player can face off with other crews in the crew tournament system.{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/03/30/hitcents-launches-nba-life-mobile-game-to-celebrate-a-stars-lifestyle/|title=Hitcents launches NBA Life mobile game to celebrate a star's lifestyle - GamesBeat|website=VentureBeat.com|access-date=January 25, 2018|date=March 30, 2017}}
The game received very positive reviews. Reviewers praised the game for its gameplay and aesthetic. Many reviewers also appreciated that the in-game NBA player avatar can be female.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hitcents.nbalife {{dead link|date=November 2021}}{{Cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nba-life/id1113653225?mt=8 |title=Archived copy |website=iTunes |access-date=May 4, 2017 |archive-date=July 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704160627/https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nba-life/id1113653225?mt=8 |url-status=dead }}
Video game publishing
Hitcents is a video game publisher. In 2018, they published two games developed by other indie video game studios.{{cite web|url=https://www.ps4blog.net/2018/09/ps4blog-net-interview-hitcents-on-dont-sink/|title=[PS4Blog.net Interview] Hitcents On Don't Sink|last=EdEN|first=Owner|date=2018-09-25|website=PS4Blog.net|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-14}}
= A Robot Named Fight =
Hitcents published A Robot Named Fight, a 2D action figure game developed by Matt Bitner Games.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/a-robot-named-fight-switch|title=A Robot Named Fight|website=www.nintendo.com|language=en-us|access-date=2019-02-14}} The game was released on April 26, 2018, for the Nintendo Switch platform. In A Robot Named Fight players are robots tasked with defeating Megabeast while exploring a labyrinth where you can discover artifacts and power-ups.
= Don't Sink =
Hitcents published Don't Sink for the Nintendo Switch platform on January 3, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/dont-sink-switch|title=Don't Sink|website=www.nintendo.com|language=en-us|access-date=2019-02-14}} Studio Eris developed the game in cooperation with Hitcents. Don't Sink is an adventure, pirate-themed role-playing video game where players explore the high seas, islands, and grow a pirate empire. Players must balance adventure with physical needs for the pirate crew, governing islands and expanding their empire.
Games developed
| class="wikitable" |
| scope="col"| Title
! scope="col"|Year ! scope="col"|Platform(s) |
|---|
| Draw a Stickman
| 2011 | iOS, Google Play, Amazon |
| Draw a Stickman - Episode 2
| rowspan="2" scope="row" | 2012 | iOS, Google Play |
| Draw a Stickman: EPIC
| iOS, Google Play, Steam, Amazon, Windows & Windows Phone, Mac, Kindle, Xbox One |
| Battlepillars
| rowspan="2" scope="row" | 2013 | iOS, Google Play, Amazon Store, Steam, Windows & Windows Phone |
| The Harlem Shake
| iOS |
| Hanx Writer
| rowspan="4" scope="row" | 2014 | iOS |
| Krampus In Wreck The Halls
| Google Play |
| San Francisco
| Google Play |
| Poisonous Creatures
| Google Play |
| Charlie Charlie
| rowspan="5" scope="row" | 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
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Title !Year !Platform |
| 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, TBA |
| 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, TBA |
| Inspector Waffles
|2021 |Steam, Nintendo Switch, TBA |
| Aquamarine
|2021 |Steam, TBA |
| Kokopa's Atlas
|TBA |Steam, TBA |
Services
Hitcents web development services include web design, programming and maintenance, administrative access, eCommerce, data transfer and website hosting. Hitcents web department has been recognized over the years with numerous awards for their website work including Marcom Awards,{{cite web|title=2012 Platinum Winners|url=http://www.marcomawards.com/entries/winners-browse/2012/1|publisher=Marcom Awards|access-date=February 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227192022/http://www.marcomawards.com/entries/winners-browse/2012/1|archive-date=December 27, 2013|url-status=dead}} Davey Awards{{cite web|url=http://www.daveyawards.com/winners/list/?l=H&event=&category=4&award=G|publisher=Davey Awards|title=Davey Awards | Winners List}} and Communicator Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.communicatorawards.com/winners/list/?l=H&event=7&category=8&award=E|publisher=Communicator Awards|title=Communicator Awards | Winner's List}}
Other services include consulting, data backup, hardware purchasing, virtual private network setup, secure DSL, kiosk development, computer networking and high-speed Internet access.
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
- Webby Award- Draw A Stickman- Best Use of Motion Graphics- WEBBY
- The Web Award- Draw A Stickman- GAME SITE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
- W3 Award- Draw A Stickman- Animation- GOLD
- W3 Award- Draw A Stickman- Self Promotion- GOLD
- Innovation Award- BG Chamber of Commerce- Hitcents- AWARD
- Davey Award- BART- Animation- SILVER
2013
- Webby Award- Draw A Stickman: Epic- Mobile Sites & Apps/Games- WEBBY WINNER
- Webby Award- Draw A Stickman: Epic- PEOPLE'S VOICE
- Webby Award- One Direction Scrapbook App- HONORABLE MENTION
- W3 Award- Tampico Website- AWARD
- Manny Award- Draw A Stickman- AWARD
- Lovie Award- Draw A Stickman: EPIC- Games- GOLD
- Lovie Award- Draw A Stickman: EPIC- Tablet Games- SILVER
- Lovie Award- Draw A Stickman: EPIC- Tablet Games- PEOPLE'S LOVIE
2014
- Webby Award- Hanx Writer- HONORABLE MENTION
2015
- W3 Award- Hanx Writer- Mobile App: Entertainment- GOLD
- W3 Award- Hanx Writer- 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
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.hitcents.com Hitcents]
Category:2000 establishments in Kentucky
Category:American companies established in 2000
Category:Software companies based in Kentucky
Category:Video game publishers
Category:Video game development companies
Category:Video game companies of the United States
Category:Video game companies established in 2000