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Limited Run Games

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Limited Run Games, Inc.
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryVideo games
FoundedOctober 2015; 9 years ago (2015-10) in Cary, North Carolina, US
Founders
  • Josh Fairhurst
  • Douglas Bogart
Headquarters
Apex, North Carolina
,
US
Key people
Josh Fairhurst (CEO)
Number of employees
69[1] (2022)
Parent
DivisionsPress Run
Subsidiaries
  • Limited Run Retail, LLC
  • SuperDeluxe Games (40%)
Websitelimitedrungames.com

Limited Run Games, Inc. is an American video game distributor based in Apex, North Carolina. The company produces and sells limited quantities of physical video game copies via its website and select retail stores. Josh Fairhurst and Douglas Bogart founded Limited Run Games in October 2015 after Fairhurst wanted to preserve the digitally released games developed by his studio, Mighty Rabbit Studios, on physical media. The company's first release, Breach & Clear for the PlayStation Vita, was quickly sold out and followed up with Saturday Morning RPG. Oddworld Inhabitants approached the company to release a physical version of Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty!, which led Limited Run Games to release games by other developers. Following major expansion between 2018 and 2022, including branching out into publishing and retrogaming, the company was acquired by Embracer Group through its Embracer Freemode operative group in September 2022.

History

[edit]
Josh Fairhurst (pictured in 2019) co-founded Limited Run Games in 2015 and serves as its chief executive officer.

Limited Run Games was launched in October 2015 by chief executive officer (CEO) Josh Fairhurst and chief operating officer Douglas Bogart.[2] They had known each other since the sixth grade and Bogart was eventually hired by Fairhurst's video game development studio, Mighty Rabbit Studios, as a tester.[3] As the studio's games were only released digitally, Fairhurst believed that they would become inaccessible once digital storefronts shut down. After noticing the success of Retro City Rampage's physical releases, he conceived Limited Run Games with the intent of preserving his studio's games by releasing them on physical media.[4] At the same time, Mighty Rabbit Studios had run out of contract work and, lacking funding, was close to shutting down.[3] Fairhurst had temporarily taken up a teaching position at a community college and hoped that opening Limited Run Games would alleviate the company's struggles.[5][6] After taking a US$85,000 credit, Fairhurst worked on establishing Limited Run Games for eight months, contacting twelve different parties to make the necessary arrangements.[4][6] Sony, the producer of the PlayStation line of consoles, agreed to lower the minimum order quantity for the prospective first release, Breach & Clear for the PlayStation Vita, to 1,500, which was more financially feasible. He then brought in Bogart to market such a release and build up anticipation.[6]

Fairhurst and Bogart established Limited Run Games as a division of Mighty Rabbit Studios, then based in Cary, North Carolina.[7][8] The company released Breach & Clear alongside the launch of its website on October 29, 2015.[9][10] Limited Run Games sought to test the market response with this release, and it sold out in 108 minutes.[4] The company consequently followed up Breach & Clear with Saturday Morning RPG, also developed by Mighty Rabbit Studios.[9] During this time, the company worked with Fairhurst and Bogart as its only employees. Distribution was handled from Mighty Rabbit Studios's offices, with some of the studio's staffers helping to prepare shipments. Forgoing retail outlets allowed Limited Run Games to avoid applying for expensive content ratings from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).[7]

The first third-party game released by Limited Run Games was Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty!.[4][11] Oddworld Inhabitants, the game's publisher, had reached out to the company for the release, which drove it to release more games from external partners.[6] Limited Run Games settled on producing these games fully at its own cost and then retaining 30% of the gross income, with Bogart noting a lower cut would be unsustainable.[12] With the release of Futuridium EP Deluxe in 2016, Limited Run Games switched to using a distribution center to handle shipments.[7] The company launched 46 games in 2016.[13] Originally, Limited Run Games produced only a fixed number of copies, which it later replaced with a pre-order period to manufacture according to demand. According to Fairhurst, the limited ordering window acts as a call to action that helps the company reach a minimum order quantity.[14] Limited Run Games also began producing collector's editions.[15] As Mighty Rabbit Studios returned to contract work, the two companies were formally separated.[3] By October 2017, Limited Run Games had relocated from Cary to nearby Apex.[16]

In September 2017, the ESRB introduced a lowered fee for rating games brought from digital to physical formats. In response, the major console manufacturers introduced requirements that all games released for their platforms must carry a rating. This change forced Limited Run Games and similar companies to apply, pay, and wait for ESRB ratings for each game released. While it did not have to cancel any release, the company noted that the new requirement represented a hurdle, as it was covering the entire production cost of each game.[17] In October 2018, Limited Run Games partnered with the electronics market chain Best Buy to have limited quantities of select games, including Yooka-Laylee and Golf Story, stocked at Best Buy's stores.[18][19]

In the same month, Limited Run Games filed a lawsuit against the Spanish publisher BadLand Games. The two companies had partnered in 2017 to release a physical version of Axiom Verge for the Wii U. Fairhurst said his company had prepaid $78,000 for BadLand Games to deliver 6,000 copies by November. However, the company missed this target and ceased communications by March 2018. Two weeks after the lawsuit was filed, BadLand Games's CEO, Luis Quintans, explained his company had been liquidated and he now operated a new company, BadLand Publishing. While he planned to repay all outstanding debt, the publishing rights for Axiom Verge had reverted to its developer, Thomas Happ. Limited Run Games ultimately worked with Happ to release Axiom Verge in March 2019. As Limited Run Games had to pay for all copies anew, it invested $120,000, although Fairhurst believed that the company would recoup no more than a third of that from sales.[20]

At its first press conference, held during E3 2018, Limited Run Games announced it had begun helping other developers port and digitally release their games for the Nintendo Switch. The company had previously only released Saturday Morning RPG in this manner, chiefly to learn how to bring games to the platform. Its first such ports were Cosmic Star Heroine and Night Trap.[21][5] In 2019, Limited Run Games partnered with Disney to release collector's editions of several older Star Wars video games.[22] This marked the company's first major foray into releasing retro games, having previously focused principally on contemporary games.[23] Limited Run Games saw a significant increase in demand for its games between 2020 and 2021, the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the overall higher demand for various products during that time caused an impasse for deliveries from China, impacting Limited Run Games's manufacturing capabilities.[2][24] By September 2020, the company had released more than 500 games.[15] It grew its staff to over 50 people by October 2021, up from 20 in March 2020.[3][2]

In April 2022, Limited Run Games opened a retail store at MacGregor Village, a shopping mall in Cary. The store primarily stocks the company's releases, with 25% of its capacity reserved for other media and merchandise.[25][26] The store is operated through Limited Run Games's wholly owned subsidiary Limited Run Retail, LLC.[1] In July, the company announced the formation of SuperDeluxe Games, a joint venture with the Japanese localization company 8-4 that distributes Limited Run Games's releases in Japan.[27] Limited Run Games owns 40% of SuperDeluxe Games.[1] In August 2022, Embracer Group announced that it had agreed to acquire Limited Run Games from Fairhurst and Bogart to undisclosed terms.[28] The acquisition was completed on September 6, and Limited Run Games was incorporated into Embracer Group's newest operative group, Embracer Freemode, with Fairhurst and Bogart retaining their management roles.[1][29] According to marketing director Alena Alambeigi, the acquisition gave Limited Run Games access to the many intellectual properties owned by Embracer Group.[30] Later in September, Limited Run Games announced the launch of the book imprint Press Run, led by Jeremy Parish and Jared Petty, former editors for the video game websites USgamer and IGN, respectively.[31][32]

Bogart left Limited Run Games in May 2023.[33] In 2024, the company faced backlash for selling the 3DO version of D on CD-R discs, which are burned instead of pressed, leading to playback issues on 3DO consoles.[34][35] The company claimed it chose CD-Rs because there were "quality and reliability issues" with pressed discs and that CD-Rs offered better compatibility with the 3DO console, which was pointed out as incorrect. However, Bogart alleged that Fairhurst chose CD-Rs because they were cheaper, despite objections from staff. Bogart also shared concerns about Fairhurst's management style, including a "cut corners" culture, workplace harassment, and mismanagement.[36]

Carbon Engine

[edit]

Limited Run Games develops the Carbon Engine to bring games from older video game platforms to personal computers, newer Xbox models, the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.[2] The Carbon Engine uses emulators for each supported platform, with some developed internally and others licensed.[37] As of 2021, it supports the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Sega Genesis.[2] Limited Run Games plans to add compatibility with PlayStation and Sega CD games.[38] The first games to use the Carbon Engine were Shantae and River City Girls Zero.[37] Development of the Carbon Engine is led by Joe Modzeleski and Dimitris Giannakis.[37][38]

Games released

[edit]
Main article: List of Limited Run Games releases

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Embracer Group enters into an agreement to acquire Limited Run Games" (Press release). Embracer Group. August 18, 2022. Archived from the original on December 29, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e Sinclair, Brendan (October 27, 2021). "Limited Run sees pandemic boosting demand as it constricts supply". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d Craddock, David (March 17, 2020). "Pause Screen: Supply and Demand – Limited Run Games on Sigil and Swag". Shacknews. Archived from the original on December 16, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d Lopez, Azario (June 27, 2016). "Giving Digital Visual Novels and RPGs a Physical Home: An Interview With Limited Run Games". Operation Rainfall. Archived from the original on June 27, 2016.
  5. ^ a b Webster, Zack (September 3, 2018). "Limited Run Games Interview". RPGamer. Archived from the original on September 26, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d Morse, Blake; Burke, Greg (October 27, 2021). "Limited Run Games interview: How it all started". Shacknews. Archived from the original on June 27, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c Cunningham, James (May 1, 2016). "Getting Physical with Limited Run Games". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  8. ^ Sarkar, Samit (November 16, 2016). "Firewatch getting limited-edition physical release this year (update)". Polygon. Archived from the original on December 7, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  9. ^ a b Cunningham, James (October 7, 2015). "Limited Run Games to Offer Exactly What the Company Name Says". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on August 18, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  10. ^ Fahey, Mike (January 23, 2016). "One Day These Will Be Some Of The Rarest PlayStation Games". Kotaku. Archived from the original on July 1, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  11. ^ Frank, Allegra (March 30, 2016). "Volume, Oddworld: New 'n Tasty getting extremely limited physical prints". Polygon. Archived from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
  12. ^ Cunningham, James (April 6, 2017). "A Word With Limited Run Games: Japanese Games and Competition". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  13. ^ Cunningham, James (April 5, 2017). "A Word With Limited Run Games: New Consoles and Old". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  14. ^ Stockdale, Henry (August 12, 2020). "Feature: Keeping It Physical In A Digital Age". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on August 15, 2020. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
  15. ^ a b Wright, Steven T. (September 30, 2020). "How Nostalgia Fuels The Market For Unexpected Video Game Collectors Editions". GameSpot. Archived from the original on September 7, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  16. ^ Limited Run Games [@LimitedRunGames] (October 18, 2017). "We're in Apex now so you'll have to reach a little further" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023 – via Twitter.
  17. ^ Conditt, Jessica (November 13, 2017). "Why your favorite indie game may not get a boxed edition". Engadget. Archived from the original on November 26, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  18. ^ Romano, Sal (October 26, 2018). "Best Buy to stock select Limited Run Games titles, including Yooka-Laylee for Switch and Golf Story". Gematsu. Archived from the original on October 26, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  19. ^ Santa Maria, Alex (October 26, 2018). "Best Buy to Stock Limited Run Games Switch Releases". GameRevolution. Archived from the original on May 15, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  20. ^ Valentine, Rebekah (March 15, 2019). "The high cost of a Wii U retail release". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on January 28, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  21. ^ Fuller, Alex (June 11, 2018). "Limited Run Games Makes Many Announcements". RPGamer. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  22. ^ Sarkar, Samit (June 10, 2019). "Star Wars, Monkey Island, and other LucasArts classics getting collector's editions". Polygon. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  23. ^ Cunningham, James (March 5, 2020). "PAX East 2020: Limited Run Games Chats About Future Sega CD Releases, LucasArts". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on March 13, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  24. ^ Morse, Blake; Burke, Greg (October 27, 2021). "Limited Run Games on making physical products during a pandemic". Shacknews. Archived from the original on August 19, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  25. ^ Leone, Matt (January 31, 2022). "Limited Run Games is opening an '80s-themed physical game store". Polygon. Archived from the original on November 26, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  26. ^ Hagues, Alana (May 17, 2022). "Video: We Take A Look At Limited Run Games' Brand New Store". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  27. ^ Gray, Kate (July 14, 2022). "SuperDeluxe Announces Reprint Of 'Sol Cresta' Physical And Collector's Edition For Japan". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on September 26, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  28. ^ Williams, Hayley (August 18, 2022). "Embracer Group Makes New Gaming Acquisitions Including Limited Run Games, Tuxedo Labs, And Tripwire". GameSpot. Archived from the original on September 26, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  29. ^ "Embracer Group Interim Report Q2, July–September 2022" (PDF). Embracer Group. November 17, 2022. p. 52. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 24, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  30. ^ Shaver, Morgan; Morse, Blake (September 23, 2022). "Limited Run Games on expanding products and Embracer acquisition". Shacknews. Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  31. ^ Dealessandri, Marie (September 29, 2022). "Limited Run launches book publishing imprint". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  32. ^ Reynolds, Ollie (September 29, 2022). "Limited Run Games Launches Book Publishing Imprint 'Press Run'". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on December 2, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  33. ^ Bogart, Douglas [@LimitedRunDoug] (May 22, 2023). "Hey Everyone! Douglas from Limited Run Games here! I just wanted to announce last week Limited Run and I have parted ways. ..." (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2023 – via Twitter.
  34. ^ Lyles, Taylor (May 3, 2024). "Limited Run Games Apologizes for CD-R Discs After Fan Outcry, Says It's Working on Pressed Disc Solution". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on May 4, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  35. ^ McFerran, Damien (May 2, 2024). "Limited Run Games Apologises For Shipping 3DO Games On CD-Rs". Time Extension. Hookshot Media. Archived from the original on May 6, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  36. ^ McFerran, Damien (October 25, 2024). "Limited Run Co-Founder Claims Selling CD-Rs To Customers Was Always The Idea". Time Extension. Hookshot Media. Archived from the original on October 26, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  37. ^ a b c Grassl, Zion (April 17, 2022). "Feature: How Limited Run's New Engine Respects The Legacy Of Classic Games". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on May 30, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  38. ^ a b Fenlon, Wes (April 7, 2022). "Limited Run Games' emulation initiative could finally open doors for untranslated Japanese games". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
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