Funomena
Funomena is a San Francisco-based game development company known for creating experimental and engaging games like LUNA, Wattam, and Magic Beanstalk. Founded in 2013, Funomena emphasizes meaningful play and remote-friendly work culture.
Services
Funomena specializes in creating experimental, playful, and engaging games for a variety of platforms. The company focuses on creating games that evoke surprising emotions and leave enduring impressions on players. Funomena's cultural emphasis is on connecting people through meaningful and intentional play experiences. As a deliberately developmental organization, it aims to foster both personal and professional growth within the team.
Games Developed
Funomena has developed several notable games, including LUNA, LUNA: Moondust Garden, Wattam, and Stickies. LUNA is available on VR and PC platforms, featuring a unique storytelling experience. LUNA: Moondust Garden is designed for the Magic Leap platform, utilizing advanced features such as scene reconstruction and spatialized audio. Wattam, available on PC and PS4, is known for its playful and whimsical nature, winning the Grand Prix award at the Busan Indie Connect Festival. Stickies is a party game specifically designed for the Mixer streaming platform, offering round-based gameplay.
History
Funomena was founded in January 2013 and is headquartered in downtown San Francisco, CA. The company has grown to accommodate a remote-friendly work environment, with the entire team currently working remotely due to the pandemic. Over the years, Funomena has collaborated with various partners, including Jonathan Geffen from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, to conduct research and develop innovative gameplay experiences.
Research and Development
Funomena's R&D team, FunomenaLabs, focuses on pioneering projects within platforms like Roblox. One notable project is Magic Beanstalk, a collaborative gathering and building game that includes mini-games for social play but also accommodates solo players. Magic Beanstalk features Coco, a live-controlled community leader, and has been used to test social multiplayer game economies. The team also works on developing new technologies and gameplay mechanics to enhance player experiences.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Funomena has partnered with various researchers and institutions to advance game design. For example, the company worked with Jonathan Geffen from KTH Royal Institute of Technology to research co-play between parents and children. This collaboration is part of Funomena's broader mission to create games that foster meaningful connections and engaging interactions among players of all ages.