Trends
Dec 3, 2025
Game Development in Arizona: Studios, Careers, and Industry Growth
Discover the top game development companies in Arizona, what they make, career paths, locations, and how to get hired. Photo by:
Top Game Development Companies in Arizona: Full Breakdown and Career Guide
Ten years back, California, Texas, and Washington were the places to be for game development in the U.S. Now, Arizona has quietly grown its own game industry.
Indie studios, mobile developers, educational game creators, and even AAA racing developers are setting up shop in cities such as Phoenix, Tempe, and Gilbert.
If you're job hunting, searching for an outsourcing studio, or a student wanting to check out the industry, this list gives you a complete view of who's making games in Arizona and what's coming up in the business.
Why Arizona Is Becoming a Game Development Hub
Arizona's game development scene is growing for a few key reasons:
It's cheaper to live here than in California.
The tech workforce is getting bigger.
More companies are open to remote work since 2020.
Universities now have game dev programs.
Studios are working on different kinds of games (mobile, PC, VR, educational).
Because of this, Arizona is a good place for both big game companies and smaller indie developers with fresh ideas.
Top Game Development Companies in Arizona
Here's a look at the top studios in the state right now, including what they do best and the platforms they create for.
Studio Name | City | What They Make | Notable Info |
|---|---|---|---|
Rainbow Studios | Phoenix | Console & PC racing games | Known for MX vs ATV series; one of Arizona’s most established game studios. |
2XL Games | Phoenix | Racing and mobile action games | Founded by former Rainbow developers; focuses on high-polish racing experiences. |
E-Line Media | Tempe | Educational & narrative games | Published award-winning titles like Never Alone; strong social-impact focus. |
Grumpyface Studios | Phoenix | Mobile games | Worked on multiple Cartoon Network and Adult Swim IPs. |
Industry Games | Gilbert | PC & multiplayer titles | Indie-to-mid-tier studio experimenting with live service systems. |
Quest Online | Phoenix | Online & RPG projects | Known for developing persistent online worlds. |
Into The Lab Mobile | Phoenix | Mobile games | Smaller but active in rapid-release casual and mid-core titles. |
Future Is Games | Phoenix | Creative & educational games | Focuses on cultural storytelling and learning-driven gameplay. |
What Type of Jobs Do These Arizona Studios Hire For?
Studios usually hire for these positions:
Gameplay programmers (familiar with Unity, Unreal, or mobile engines)
3D artists and animators
Modelers for characters, vehicles, and environments
Technical artists and VFX specialists
UI/UX designers for mobile and PC
Game designers and narrative writers
Sound designers, audio engineers, and voice directors
QA testers and live service support staff
Plus, since remote work became popular, a lot of Arizona studios are open to hiring people from all over the U.S.
Which Arizona Studio Should You Target Based on Your Skills?
If You’re Into… | Best Studio Match |
|---|---|
Racing physics, vehicle handling, AAA PC/console | Rainbow Studios or 2XL Games |
Educational tech, storytelling, casual indie work | E-Line Media or Future Is Games |
Cartoon-style mobile games, branded IP | Grumpyface Studios |
Live service systems and multiplayer | Industry Games or Quest Online |
Networking and Game Dev Community in Arizona
Arizona is also home to game jams, Arizona Game Developers Association meetups, university indie showcases, and local Unreal and Unity user groups.
If you want to move here or get into the game industry, these events are helpful. Most jobs come from networking, not just applying online.
Arizona isn't trying to be the next San Francisco, and that's what makes it great. The state's game industry has a good mix of affordability, creativity, and studios that try new things instead of just copying what's popular.
If you're a developer, freelancer, or a business looking for game partners, Arizona is a state you should keep an eye on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these companies hiring entry-level developers?
Some are, but competition is high. Portfolios matter more than degrees.
Can you work remotely for Arizona game companies?
Yes. Many teams hire remote or hybrid talent.
Does Arizona have AAA studios?
Rainbow Studios is the closest to legacy AAA scale, but the market leans mid-size and indie.
