Jackbox Games has been a staple in the party game genre for the past 10 years, with titles like Quiplash and Drawful becoming fan favorites. Mike Bilder, the CEO of Jackbox Games, sat down with Nintendo Life to discuss the journey of the company and how the games came to be.
The success of Jackbox games can be attributed to the decision to allow players to use their phones as controllers, eliminating the need for additional controllers and making it easier for people to join in on the fun. This decision was made as the company saw a resurgence in couch play and family gaming with the popularity of the Nintendo Wii in the mid-2000s.
As the company transitioned from mobile products to premium marketplace games, they faced challenges in adapting their games to different consoles. The introduction of indie self-publishing by major console companies like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo opened up new opportunities for Jackbox Games.
One of the key games that helped solidify Jackbox’s success was Quiplash. This game, which started as a simple prototype based on the Fibbage engine, quickly became a fan favorite for its accessibility and humor. The decision to allow audience participation through Twitch streaming further boosted the game’s popularity.
Another unique feature of Jackbox games is the ability to print custom t-shirts based on in-game creations. This idea was born out of a funny pitch by interns, and now has become a revenue stream for the company. Despite the success of the t-shirts, not all designs make the cut, and some end up in the trash.
When asked about his favorite game, Mike Bilder mentioned Fibbage as his go-to game. He also debunked the myth that as the CEO, he has an advantage in the games, stating that he doesn’t have any insider knowledge of the questions.
Overall, Jackbox Games has carved out a niche in the party game market with its unique approach to gameplay and audience interaction. With new games like Jackbox Naughty Pack and Jackbox Survey Scramble out now, the company continues to innovate and entertain players worldwide.
