FACTSHEET
Developer:
prettysmart games
Based in Seattle, Washington
Founding Date:
December 18th, 2012
Website:
prettysmartgames.com
Press / Business contact:
info @ prettysmartgames.com
Releases:
Code Romantic
Fantom Feast
Stores:
Steam, Itchio
DESCRIPTION
Prettysmart games is an indie studio specializing in narrative-rich titles on desktop and mobile. Our brand is cute, clever, and creative. Our mission is to empower our players and make the world a better place through our games and stories. Sometimes uplifting, sometimes deeply personal, and sometimes scary, all our projects seek to impact our players on an emotional level.
HISTORY
Prettysmart games is the creative studio of Miko Charbonneau. She began telling stories at the age of five and hasn't stopped since, working on a long series of webcomics, novels, software and games. After earning her Ph.D in Computer Science on dance game interfaces, she joined Microsoft where she worked on HoloLens, the Photos app, and Minecraft. After working at a couple smaller studios, Miko switched to full-time indie development and game dev streaming at https://www.twitch.tv/drmikachu. Miko functions as Creative Director, Developer, Writer, Producer, Art Director, Marketer, and whatever else needs to be done to make the magic happen.
Almost every project is a collaboration with Dale Lemieux, who functions as Lead Developer and Designer in most cases. Dale has been making games since high school, and has spent many years working in tech and the game industry as a Unity Engineer.
Prettysmart has released over 30 apps, games, and game jam projects since the end of 2012. With only two permanent members and a group of trusted collaborators, we create consistently due to our strong belief in good tools, scoping to make reasonable deadlines, and a positive and respectful culture.
SELECTED PROJECTS
Fantom Feast (Press Kit)
Top Dog: Lucky’s Charm
Shark Bait
See our page on previous games for more information.
AWARDS
“1st Place Enter the (Mulit-User) Dungeon Game Jam” - Mythari Park
“3rd Place $101 Adventure Challenge” - Queen of the Sea
Chosen for multiple Steam and in-person events, such as Toronto Comic Arts Festival, The Big Adventure Event, Game Devs of Color Expo
SELECTED PRESS
“What is a hand-drawn game?” - Polygon article featuring Code Romantic
“Video-game art design shines at VALA display” - Redmond Reporter Prettysmart co-curated the show and provided multiple pieces from the game Code Romantic.
“‘We Just Need More Flavor’: An Afternoon With Game Developers of Color” - Kotaku Interview with Miko and summary of Code Romantic.
“A Game About Waiting For Your Grandmother To Die” - Kotaku Review of hospice.