Zero Games Studios
Zero Games Studios is a bootstrapped, fully-remote French game development studio offering work-for-hire services (full development, porting, outsourcing) in Unity and Unreal Engine, while also self-publishing original IPs such as Super World War and Hot Lap Racing for global publishers and studios.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersParis, France
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Zero Games Studios does
Zero Games Studios is an independent French game development studio founded in 2013 and headquartered (since 2015) as a fully remote organization. The studio operates a hybrid business model combining professional services work-for-hire (full game development, co-development, porting across PC, Mac, Linux, consoles, mobile, and VR, plus dev/art/design outsourcing) with self-publishing of original IPs such as Hot Lap Racing and Super World War. Its technical core is dual-engine expertise in Unity 3D and Unreal Engine, augmented by proprietary middleware including an internal Strategy Game Engine and a Racing Engine co-developed with Vision Réelle, plus a custom internal level editor.
The company serves a B2B client base spanning video game publishers and studios (La Belle Games, Savage Level, Kylotonn, Sumo Digital, Behaviour Interactive, Don't Nod, Spiders), animation specialists (Menhir FX), iGaming (Honoré Gaming), simulation (RS Simulation, Aerosoft), blockchain infrastructure (IOHK), metaverse platforms (The Sandbox), and global distribution partners (Plug In Digital, Maximum Entertainment, Microïds, Quantic Dream, Tate Multimedia, Aerosoft). Self-published titles reach consumers through Steam, Nintendo Switch eShop, and Epic Games Store, with Hell Diggers distributed within The Sandbox metaverse.
Founded by Pierre-Luc Vettier (CEO) and Jean Tramier (COO/CFO), both with prior tenure at the strategy-focused studio Eugen Systems, Zero Games has grown from 7 employees in 2014 to 38 as of its 10th anniversary in 2023 and has participated in over 25 projects across 10 platforms. The company is bootstrapped with no disclosed external funding rounds, operates as a flat organization without traditional hierarchy, and is recognized for credits on multiple 2024 industry-awarded productions including Quadroïds, Lysfanga, Nightingale, and Flint: Treasure of Oblivion.
Zero Games Studios firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Zero Games Studios
- Legal name
- Zero Games Studios
- Website
- https://zerogamesstudios.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Zero Games Studios is a bootstrapped, fully-remote French game development studio offering work-for-hire services (full development, porting, outsourcing) in Unity and Unreal Engine, while also self-publishing original IPs such as Super World War and Hot Lap Racing for global publishers and studios.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Zero Games Studios industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Video Game Development Services
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (51321)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Co-Development, Porting & Remaster Studios (MPAFAAAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Indie Game Studios (MPAFAAAC), Sports/Racing Game Studios (MPAFAAAJ), Strategy/4X/Management Game Studios (MPAFAAAK), Outsourcing Studios (Art/Animation/Audio/Engineering Support) (MPAFAAAN)
Keywords
Where Zero Games Studios is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Paris
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Zero Games Studios business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Work-for-hire development services: Studio operates as a third-party development studio providing game development services including full game development, co-development, porting, and art/design/programming outsourcing to publishers and other studios.
- Internal IP development and self-publishing: Studio develops and self-publishes original IPs (Super World War, Hot Lap Racing) with distribution support from partners.
- Outsourcing services: Provides dedicated artists, programmers, or designers to external clients on project basis.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels4 records
Zero Games Studios product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Zero Games Studios is an independent game development studio offering work-for-hire services including full game development, co-development, porting across platforms (consoles, PC, mobile, VR), and developer/artist/designer outsourcing. The studio specializes in Unity and Unreal Engine development for PC, Mac, Linux, consoles, and VR, and also self-publishes original IPs such as Super World War, Hot Lap Racing, Hell Diggers, and Clockfall.
Product overview
Zero Games Studios is an independent game development studio founded in 2013, operating as a work-for-hire/third-party development studio. The company offers a portfolio of game development services including full game development, porting, and dev/art/design outsourcing. Their internal product lineup includes proprietary middleware (Strategy Game Engine using Unity 3D and Racing Engine co-developed with Vision Réelle), published games (Hot Lap Racing, Super World War, Hell Diggers), and upcoming titles (Hot Lap Rally, Clockfall, 4PGP). They specialize in Unity and Unreal Engine development for PC, mobile, and console platforms.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Game Development Services Work-for-hire game development offering full game development, co-development, original IP creation, and 2D/3D development across PC, Mac, Linux, consoles, and VR for publishers, studios, and brands.
- Porting Services Cross-platform game porting from consoles to PC, PC to mobile, mobile to consoles, or PC to consoles, including updated versions of older games to modern consoles. Works across multiple engines with technical expertise.
- Dev / Art / Design Outsourcing Outsourcing services providing dedicated artists, programmers, or designers to external clients on a project basis to deliver quality results.
- Hot Lap Racing Light simcade racing game for individual players, available on Nintendo Switch, Steam (PC), and Epic Games Store.
- Super World War Turn-based strategy video game for individual players, released on PC (Steam) and Nintendo Switch in August 2025.
- Clockfall Action RPG for individual players, featuring intense combat, time-looping mechanics, a hybrid Dungeon Crawler mode, and village defense phases. Currently in Early Access on Steam.
- Extreme Gear: Demolition Arena Mobile demolition derby game for individual players, originally released in 2016 with high critical acclaim.
- Hell Diggers (The Sandbox experience) Hack n' Slash game for individual players within The Sandbox metaverse, published by The Sandbox.
- 4PGP Fast arcade racer (a love letter to 90s arcade racing games) for individual players, ported by Zero Games Studios to Nintendo Switch.
Quantifiable outcome
- 35+ successful game projects completed
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Zero Games Studios
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Zero Games Studios technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Zero Games Studios partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Vision RéellecoreRacing games expert studio, creating own productions on PC and consoles, and working as vehicle specialists in the racing games industry. Co-developed racing engine with Zero Games. Partner on Hot Lap Racing and Classic Racers Elite projects.
- Plug In DigitalcoreOne of the largest independent video game distributors helping studios and publishers distribute games on PC, consoles and mobile. Distribution partner for Super World War.
- Double JackminorStudio behind awarded game Maestro (93 Metacritic), a very successful VR game.
- Savage LevelminorFounded by industry veterans, focuses on high quality PC and console games. Partner on Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion.
- GamabilisminorIndependent studio creating smart and impactful video games.
- AerosoftminorGerman publisher and leader in simulation games segment.
- Sumo DigitalminorOne of the biggest English video games development companies.
- Quantic DreamminorFrench and Canadian based studio known for narrative games experiences. Co-publisher for Lysfanga.
- MicroïdsminorOne of the oldest French game publishing companies. Publisher for Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion.
- Tate MultimediaminorPolish-based publisher well known for action, adventure and motorbike games.
- La Belle GamesminorFounded by video games industry veterans, specialized in narrative games and experiences.
- One InnovcoreSubsidiary company of Zero Games specialized into mobile applications creation, web development and VR experiences.
- Menhir FXcorePrivileged partner studio specialized in animation, FX and cinematics.
- New TalesminorFrench independent publisher founded by experienced and talented people with its own development studio.
- Eugen SystemsminorIconic French development studio considered as one of the best strategy games development studios in the world. Several Zero Games team members are former Eugen Systems employees.
- Honoré GamingminorOffers regulated iGaming operators a high-performance software and innovative turnkey platform for sports betting industry.
- Maximum EntertainmentcoreInternational publishing and distribution partner. Publisher for Hot Lap Racing.
- Don't Nod EntertainmentminorFrench developer and publisher famous for adventure and narrative games.
- Zombie BonsaiminorCalifornia based indie development studio focusing on fun PC games.
- Lightbulb CrewminorSwedish/French developer specialized in multiplayer PC and Console games.
- Capital GamesminorZero Games is a member of Capital Games, the Parisian cluster of video games.
- Behaviour InteractiveminorCanadian based, one of the biggest independent game studios in North America. Developer of Serious Sam Shatterverse.
- The SandboxminorVirtual gaming world where players can build, own, and monetize their gaming experiences. Publisher for Hell Diggers.
- KylotonnminorRacing-specialized game development studio for consoles and PC platforms.
- Blue BansheeminorIndependent studio based in Brittany, France. Unfortunately defunct since 2025.
- Fabloo GamesminorPublisher based in Paris, France, founded in 2018 with focus on independent games on PC, consoles and mobile. Company closed in 2025.
- Gato GamesminorPublished MMORTS games such as Battle Dawn franchise. Ceased all operations since 2024.
- SpidersminorSpecialized in RPG games for PC and consoles. Studio was member of Nacon group and closed in 2026.
- Hatinh InteractiveminorPublisher founded by video games industry veterans focused on independent games. Company ceased its activities in 2022.
- 2TainmentminorBased in Germany, publishing independent games on PC and consoles. Defunct since 2026.
- Sand DoorminorAwarded independent video game development studio which stopped its activities in 2025.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Zero Games Studios competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Savage Level: French studio founded by industry veterans working on high quality PC and console titles; co-developed Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion with Zero Games. Comparable in size, French base and co-development model.
- Room 8 Group: Global co-development, art production and QA outsourcing partner for AAA publishers. Comparable as a co-development and outsourcing competitor serving publishers across PC and console.
- Kylotonn: Paris-based game studio specialized in racing and motorsport titles (WRC series). Directly comparable as a French co-development/porting partner with deep racing expertise, and listed in Zero Games' partner network.
- Lightbulb Crew: Swedish/French developer specialized in multiplayer PC and console games. Listed as a Zero Games co-development partner; comparable as a similarly sized European co-development/outsourcing studio.
- Streamline Studios: Independent co-development and porting studio with operations in Europe and Latin America. Direct peer in the work-for-hire co-development, porting and outsourcing segment where Zero Games competes.
- Vision Réelle: Racing-focused co-development partner with whom Zero Games built its proprietary Racing Engine. Closely comparable in scale, French footprint, and racing niche expertise, serving as both peer and partner.
- Menhir FX: French animation, FX and cinematics studio marked as a 'privileged partner' of Zero Games. Comparable as a specialized French outsourcing service provider to game publishers.
Broad incumbents
- Behaviour Interactive: One of the largest independent studios in North America (Dead by Daylight, Serious Sam). Listed as a Zero Games partner and a broad incumbent competing for large co-development and service contracts.
- Sumo Digital: One of the largest UK-based co-development studios, now part of Tencent. Listed as a Zero Games partner and a direct competitor for publisher work-for-hire mandates, but operates at vastly greater scale.
- Don't Nod Entertainment: Larger French developer/publisher famous for narrative games; listed as a Zero Games partner. Comparable as a French game developer engaging in co-development, but operates at significantly larger scale and is publicly listed.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Zero Games Studios social profiles
Digital presenceZero Games Studios financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Zero Games Studios leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Zero Games Studios subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Zero Games Studios funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Zero Games Studios 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 Zero Games Studios
What does Zero Games Studios do?
Zero Games Studios is an independent game development studio offering work-for-hire services including full game development, co-development, porting across platforms (consoles, PC, mobile, VR), and developer/artist/designer outsourcing. The studio specializes in Unity and Unreal Engine development for PC, Mac, Linux, consoles, and VR, and also self-publishes original IPs such as Super World War, Hot Lap Racing, Hell Diggers, and Clockfall.
Is Zero Games Studios a public or private company?
Zero Games Studios is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Zero Games Studios founded?
Zero Games Studios was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Zero Games Studios based?
Zero Games Studios is headquartered in Paris, France, in the Europe region.
How does Zero Games Studios make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Work-for-hire development services are the primary driver. The others are internal IP development and self-publishing and outsourcing services.
Who are Zero Games Studios's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Savage Level, Room 8 Group, Kylotonn, Lightbulb Crew, Streamline Studios, Vision Réelle and Menhir FX. Broad incumbents are Behaviour Interactive, Sumo Digital and Don't Nod Entertainment.
Does Zero Games Studios have an API?
No public API is recorded for Zero Games Studios.
What industry is Zero Games Studios in?
Zero Games Studios's product category is Video Game Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAAAM, Co-Development, Porting & Remaster Studios, with a secondary code of MPAFAAAC, Indie Game Studios. Its NAICS code is 51321.