SUPERHOT
SUPERHOT is an independent Polish game studio (Łódź, founded 2013) that develops and sells the SUPERHOT franchise — first-person shooters built around a time-only-moves-when-you-move mechanic — across PC, console, Meta Quest, and licensed VR arcades, serving global consumer gamers and B2B entertainment operators.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersLodz, Poland
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What SUPERHOT does
SUPERHOT is an independent Polish game studio, founded in 2013 in Łódź as SUPERHOT Sp. z o.o., that builds first-person shooter games around a signature "time moves only when you move" mechanic. The franchise currently comprises three core titles — SUPERHOT (released February 2016), SUPERHOT VR (released December 2016 and rebuilt for the standalone Meta Quest in May 2019), and SUPERHOT: Mind Control Delete (2020 roguelike expansion) — plus PICOHOT (2020 pixel-art variant), a free 2013 browser prototype, and a commercially licensed VR Arcade Edition distributed through SpringboardVR to location-based entertainment venues. Technology is built on the Unity engine with custom VR implementations optimized across Meta Quest, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR headsets.
The company monetizes primarily through one-time $24.99 perpetual game licenses sold across Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop, and Meta Quest; secondary streams include B2B licensing fees from VR arcade operators and the SUPERHOT PRESENTS indie-fund initiative, which has backed at least seven external studios. The studio has remained bootstrapped since its 2014 Kickstarter (raising over $250,000 from community backers), with no publishers or institutional investors, and operates a distributed team (11-50 employees) across Poland, the UK, the Netherlands, and Australia. Over 12 million franchise units have been distributed and more than 20 million total players have engaged with the IP, with continued tail revenue from catalog sales, VR arcades, and an active community operating through Discord, the Killterest fan platform, and a dedicated streamer/creator program.
SUPERHOT firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SUPERHOT
- Legal name
- SUPERHOT Sp. z o.o.
- Website
- https://superhotgame.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- SUPERHOT is an independent Polish game studio (Łódź, founded 2013) that develops and sells the SUPERHOT franchise — first-person shooters built around a time-only-moves-when-you-move mechanic — across PC, console, Meta Quest, and licensed VR arcades, serving global consumer gamers and B2B entertainment operators.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SUPERHOT industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Independent Video Games
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (513210)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- AAA & Premium Game Studios (PC/Console) (MPAFAAAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- VR/AR/XR Game Studios (MPAFAAAE)
Keywords
Where SUPERHOT is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lodz
- HQ country
- Poland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
SUPERHOT business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Game Sales: One-time purchase revenue from selling SUPERHOT, SUPERHOT VR, and SUPERHOT: MIND CONTROL DELETE games across multiple digital storefronts and console platforms.
- VR Arcade Licensing: Commercial licensing fees from VR arcades and LBE (Location-Based Entertainment) venues deploying SUPERHOT VR: Arcade Edition through SpringboardVR distribution.
- Free Game Distribution: MIND CONTROL DELETE was given away for free to existing SUPERHOT owners on all platforms - a nearly 2 million unit free giveaway that increased community goodwill and franchise engagement.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | SUPERHOT (PC/Console) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | SUPERHOT VR (PC VR/Quest) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | SUPERHOT: MIND CONTROL DELETE |
| Licensing/ royalties | Multi-year contract | SUPERHOT VR: Arcade Edition (Commercial) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels8 records
SUPERHOT product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SUPERHOT is an independent Polish game studio that develops and publishes a portfolio of first-person shooter video games built around a proprietary 'time moves only when you move' mechanic. Its titles include the original SUPERHOT (2016), SUPERHOT VR (2016), SUPERHOT: Mind Control Delete (2020), plus a free original 7DFPS prototype and a commercially licensed SUPERHOT VR: Arcade Edition distributed to out-of-home VR venues through SpringboardVR. The studio also runs SUPERHOT PRESENTS, an indie developer funding initiative.
Product overview
SUPERHOT is a video game company offering a portfolio of distinct first-person shooter titles centered around a unique time-manipulation mechanic where time only moves when the player moves. The core products are: SUPERHOT (original FPS for PC/consoles), SUPERHOT VR (completely redesigned VR version with immersive gameplay), and SUPERHOT: Mind Control Delete (roguelike expansion with procedural generation and permadeath). Additional offerings include the free SUPERHOT Prototype (the original 2013 game jam project), SUPERHOT VR: Arcade Edition (commercial licensing for VR arcades with scoring/leaderboard features), and SUPERHOT PRESENTS (an indie game funding initiative). The games are available across multiple platforms including Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Meta Quest, and various VR headsets. SUPERHOT maintains a fiercely independent stance with no publishers or investors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Killterest: Community platform for sharing SUPERHOT gameplay moments and fan-created content.
- SUPERHOT VR: Arcade Edition
Products and services
- SUPERHOT The original first-person shooter game where time only moves when you move. Features no regenerating health bars, no conveniently placed ammo drops, and players grab weapons from fallen enemies to shoot, slice, and maneuver through slow-motion bullet sequences. Includes endless mode, challenge mode, replay editor, and extras. Sold to individual gamers across PC and console platforms at $24.99.
- SUPERHOT VR A multi-award-winning VR first-person shooter completely redesigned from the ground up for virtual reality. Features the signature time-control mechanic where time moves only when the player moves. Empowers players with superhuman reflexes in an immersive VR experience using their own body to slash, shoot, and dodge through slow-motion bullets. Sold at $24.99 across PC VR (Steam), Meta Quest Store, and PlayStation VR. Over 1 million units sold on Meta Quest alone.
- SUPERHOT: Mind Control Delete The third game in the SUPERHOT franchise featuring roguelike elements including procedural generation and permadeath. Offers more story, more signature gameplay, more levels, more enemies, and more weapons than predecessors. Immerses players in increasingly explosive slow-motion combat with more mechanics, power-ups, skills, hacks, and special techniques. Priced at $24.99 standalone or free for existing SUPERHOT owners.
- SUPERHOT VR: Arcade Edition A commercially licensed version of SUPERHOT VR specifically designed for VR Arcades and Location-Based Entertainment venues. Features points/scoring system, leaderboards, improved tutorial elements, spectator-friendly second-screen display, level selection, attract mode, and administrator panel. Supports 11 languages. Distributed through SpringboardVR for out-of-home commercial use.
- SUPERHOT Prototype The original 2013 prototype created during the 7DFPS Game Jam. Built in one week by a team with little game development experience, it became massively popular and was played by millions. The prototype is available to play for free on desktop and continues to draw around 50,000 monthly players.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 12 million games distributed across the franchise
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use SUPERHOT
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
SUPERHOT technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
SUPERHOT partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Not Enough ManaminorA potion drinking card game supported through SUPERHOT PRESENTS fund.
- Loot River (Straka Studio)minorA dungeon-shifting roguelike supported through SUPERHOT PRESENTS fund.
- T-Minus 30 (Dejobaan/Grey Alien Games)minorA speed city builder supported through SUPERHOT PRESENTS fund.
- Teenage Blob (Team Lazerbeam)minorA colourful art-punk adventure supported through SUPERHOT PRESENTS fund.
- The Procession To Calvary (Joe Richardson)minorA point-and-click adventure supported through SUPERHOT PRESENTS fund.
- Frog Detective (Grace Bruxner/Worm Club)minorSUPERHOT invested in the Frog Detective series through SUPERHOT PRESENTS fund. The game is about a frog detective solving mysteries. SUPERHOT provided funding and support but no traditional publishing services.
- Knuckle Sandwich (Andrew Brophy)minorSUPERHOT invested in Knuckle Sandwich through SUPERHOT PRESENTS fund. An RPG about a boy looking for work in a new city with distinctive style.
- SpringboardVRcoreSpringboardVR is the preferred distribution partner for licensing SUPERHOT VR: Arcade Edition to VR arcades and LBE (Location-Based Entertainment) venues. Operators can obtain commercial licenses through the SpringboardVR platform.
- Meta (Facebook)coreMeta is listed as a third party business partner involved in the distribution of SUPERHOT services, particularly for VR content on Oculus/Meta Quest platform.
- SonycoreSony is listed as a third party distribution partner for PlayStation versions of SUPERHOT games.
- HTCcoreHTC is listed as a third party distribution partner for SUPERHOT VR on Vive/VR headsets.
- NintendocoreNintendo is listed as a third party distribution partner for Nintendo Switch versions of SUPERHOT.
- ValvecoreValve/Steam is the primary distribution platform for SUPERHOT games on PC and supports all major VR headsets.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
SUPERHOT competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Polyarc: Bellevue-based indie studio that built Moss and Moss: Book II as VR-exclusive premium titles. Closely comparable as a small indie team focused on a single high-quality VR-first franchise with exclusive Meta Quest and PSVR launch alignments.
- Boneloaf: UK-based indie studio behind Gang Beasts. Comparable as a small indie team that scaled a quirky multiplayer party game across multiple platforms (PC, console) with strong streaming and word-of-mouth community engagement.
- Survios: Los Angeles VR game studio behind Creed: Rise to Glory, Sprint Vector, and rhythmic VR titles. Comparable as a developer focused on full-body VR gameplay with premium commercial positioning and LBE partnerships.
- Team Cherry: Australia-based indie studio behind Hollow Knight and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Comparable as a small indie team with a single dominant franchise and a fiercely independent, community-driven development approach.
- ThatGameCompany: US-based indie studio behind Journey, Flower, and Sky: Children of the Light. Comparable as a small-team, award-winning indie studio with a distinctive artistic mechanic and multi-platform distribution strategy.
- Resolution Games: Stockholm-based VR-first game studio (Demeo, Angry Birds VR, Cook-Out) with similar small-team dynamics and multi-platform VR distribution. Comparable in VR-first indie strategy and cross-format expansion across Quest, PSVR and PCVR.
- Supergiant Games: California-based indie studio behind Bastion, Transistor, Pyre and Hades — premium-priced indie hits with strong critical acclaim. Directly comparable in scale (small team), independence (no publishers/investors for years), and franchise-driven premium indie strategy.
- Klei Entertainment: Canadian indie studio behind Don't Starve, Mark of the Ninja, and Oxygen Not Included. Directly comparable as an established independent studio with a portfolio of premium, distinctive indie games and recurring content models.
- Beat Games: Independent Czech VR game studio behind Beat Saber, the highest-grossing VR rhythm game. Directly comparable to SUPERHOT as a small-team indie studio that achieved breakout VR success on Meta Quest and pioneered a category-defining mechanic.
Emerging players
- Ghost Ship Games: Danish indie studio behind Deep Rock Galactic. Comparable as a small indie team that built a successful co-op premium franchise with strong community engagement and continued content cadence.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SUPERHOT social profiles
Digital presenceSUPERHOT compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
SUPERHOT financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SUPERHOT leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
SUPERHOT funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SUPERHOT M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SUPERHOT
What does SUPERHOT do?
SUPERHOT is an independent Polish game studio that develops and publishes a portfolio of first-person shooter video games built around a proprietary 'time moves only when you move' mechanic. Its titles include the original SUPERHOT (2016), SUPERHOT VR (2016), SUPERHOT: Mind Control Delete (2020), plus a free original 7DFPS prototype and a commercially licensed SUPERHOT VR: Arcade Edition distributed to out-of-home VR venues through SpringboardVR. The studio also runs SUPERHOT PRESENTS, an indie developer funding initiative.
Is SUPERHOT a public or private company?
SUPERHOT is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was SUPERHOT founded?
SUPERHOT was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is SUPERHOT based?
SUPERHOT is headquartered in Lodz, Poland, in the Europe region.
How does SUPERHOT make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Game Sales are the primary driver. The others are VR Arcade Licensing and free Game Distribution.
Who are SUPERHOT's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Polyarc, Boneloaf, Survios, Team Cherry, ThatGameCompany, Resolution Games, Supergiant Games, Klei Entertainment and Beat Games. Ghost Ship Games is listed as an emerging player.
Does SUPERHOT have an API?
No public API is recorded for SUPERHOT.
What industry is SUPERHOT in?
SUPERHOT's product category is Independent Video Games. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAAAA, AAA & Premium Game Studios (PC/Console), with a secondary code of MPAFAAAE, VR/AR/XR Game Studios. Its NAICS code is 513210 and its SIC code is 7372.