Hitcents

Hitcents is a video game publisher and mobile app and games studio, headquartered in Bowling Green, Kentucky. They are the creators of the cross-platform gaming series Draw A Stickman. In 2014, Hitcents partnered with actor Tom Hanks to develop the Hanx Writer.[1] Founded in 1999 as a software company by twin brothers Chris and Clinton Mills, the company has grown from a small home office into a globally successful enterprise. Hitcents also has offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Hitcents
TypePrivate
IndustryVideo games
FoundedJanuary 3, 2000 (2000-01-03)
FounderChris Mills
Clinton Mills
HeadquartersBowling Green, Kentucky, U.S.
Area served
Worldwide
DivisionsGame Development and Publishing, Web Development, IT
Websitehitcents.com

History

As high school sophomores, Chris and Clinton started Hitcents, as an internet advertising company. When the company first began, Hitcents paid clients on a cents-per-hit basis, hence the company name. Hitcents was acquired by Houchens Industries in 2003. Since 2004, Hitcents has grown from three employees to over 50. The company has expanded from its headquarters in Bowling Green, Kentucky to San Francisco in April, 2014 and Los Angeles in 2015.

The scope of the business includes mobile game and application development, solutions for ecommerce, technology, marketing, creative design, software development, production, automation, self-service checkout, and enterprise resource planning.

In 2007, Hitcents was ranked #191 on Inc. Magazine's list of the top 500 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S, after growing 1,099.8% over 3 years. Clinton and Chris Mills were also ranked in the top 5 CEOs under 30.[2]

Hitcents was named one of the best places to work in Kentucky for 2014[3]

Mobile application development

Hitcents develops mobile applications for both in-house and client projects. These applications vary in genre: from mobile games to enterprise level business applications.

Draw a Stickman series

Hitcents created the internationally recognized and award-winning series, Draw a Stickman.[4] The idea started as a simple website, DrawAStickman.com. After it was a critical and commercial success, the game was later developed into a full series of mobile and PC games. Draw a Stickman: Epic was released in October 2012, a mobile application for iOS, Android, Kindle, Windows 7 and 8 phones, and later into full desktop versions for Windows 8, Linux, Mac OS X and Steam.

A key feature of the game is the ability of the player to create a stickman, which becomes the main character of the game. Throughout the game, the player guides this stickman through multiple levels, utilizing various pencils to draw elements, tools, and weapons to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.

In July 2015, Hitcents launched the sequel to Draw A Stickman: Epic, Draw A Stickman: Epic 2.[5]

Battlepillars

Hitcents created Battlepillars, a tug-of-war real-time strategy game for iOS, Android, and Steam. The game was launched on October 2, 2013. Battlepillars allows users to strategically build and command caterpillars, which are then sent to battle an enemy caterpillar army and various bosses. The game allows users to build each caterpillar in their army using specialized segments that offer various powers and abilities.

Battlepillars was one of the first mobile cross-platform multiplayer games, allowing Android user to play against iOS users through Google Play.[6] Battlepillars was Hitcents' first free-to-play mobile game.

Hanx Writer

Hitcents created Hanx Writer, a mobile app in collaboration with Tom Hanks.[7][8][9] Inspired by Tom Hanks' appreciation for classic typewriters, the Hanx Writer App reflects the look, feel, and sound of old-fashioned word-processing.

Hanx Writer was released on August 14, 2014. Hanx Writer reached the No. 1 ranking on the iTunes App Store during its launch week, where it held the top spot in both the Productivity section and the Overall section.[10][11]

Rigged

On September 16, 2016, Hitcents launched Rigged, a mobile game about gerrymandering, in partnership with Fusion.[12] The game play was centered around educating players about the practice of gerrymandering in the United States.

The Godfather: Family Dynasty

On February 9, 2017, Hitcents launched an officially licensed, free to play, mobile strategy game based on The Godfather.[13]

The game received mostly positive reception. In general, the pros were the game's art style, addictive gameplay, and multiplayer functionality. The most common cons were that the game was unoriginal and its gameplay was repetitive.[13][14][15][16]

NBA Life

On March 30, 2017, Hitcents launched NBA Life, a free to play mobile strategy and simulation game where one plays as a new NBA player on a team of one's choice. A player improves an avatar's body and skills so the player can compete with AI versions of real-life players. You can join other players in crews for various rewards. After you join a crew, you can face off with other crews in the newly released crew tournament system.[17][18]

The game received very positive reviews. Reviewers cited the highly addictive gameplay and good aesthetic. Many reviewers also appreciated that the in-game NBA player avatar can be female.[18][19][20]

Video game publishing

Hitcents is a video game publisher.  In 2018, they published two games developed by other indie video game studios.[21]

A Robot Named Fight

Hitcents published A Robot Named Fight, a 2D action figure game developed by Matt Bitner Games.[22] The game was released on April 26, 2018, for the Nintendo Switch platform.  In A Robot Named Fight players are robots tasked with defeating Megabeast while exploring a labyrinth where you can discover artifacts and power-ups.

Don't Sink

Hitcents published Don’t Sink for the Nintendo Switch platform on January 3, 2019.[23] Studio Eris developed the game in cooperation with Hitcents. Don’t Sink is an adventure, pirate-themed role-playing video game where players explore the high seas, islands, and grow a pirate empire.[21] Players must balance adventure with physical needs for the pirate crew, governing islands and expanding their empire.

Games developed
Title Year Platform(s)
Draw a Stickman 2011 IOS, Google Play, Amazon
Draw a Stickman - Episode 2 2012 IOS, Google Play
Draw a Stickman: Epic IOS, Google Play, Steam, Amazon, Windows & Windows Phone, Mac, Kindle, Xbox One
Battlepillars 2013 IOS, Google Play, Amazon Store, Steam, Windows & Windows Phone
The Harlem Shake IOS
Hanx Writer 2014 IOS
Krampus In Wreck The Halls Google Play
San Francisco Google Play
Poisonous Creatures Google Play
Charlie Charlie 2015 IOS, Google Play
Draw a Stickman: Epic 2 IOS, Google Play, Steam, Nintendo Switch, Amazon, Windows & Windows Phone
Draw a Stickman: Sketchbook IOS, Google Play, Amazon
Tac - Tic Tac Toe Reimagined IOS
Sparkle Corgi Goes Cave Diving Google Play, IOS
Godfather: Family Dynasty 2017 Google Play, IOS, Amazon

Games published
Title Year Platform
A Robot Named Fight 2018 Nintendo Switch
Don't Sink 2019 Nintendo Switch
Ministry of Broadcast 2020 Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch

Services

Website development

Hitcents web development services include graphic design, programming and maintenance, administrative access, eCommerce, data transfer and website hosting. Hitcents web department has been recognized over the years with numerous awards for their website work including Marcom Awards,[24] Davey Awards[25] and Communicator Awards.[26] Hitcents designs websites for local businesses, celebrities, and international brands such as Tampico.

Technology and software development

Hitcents technology solutions includes consulting, data backup, hardware purchasing, Virtual Private Network setup, secure DSL, kiosk development, networking and high-speed internet access.

Hitcents develops software for businesses, including a company intranet-extranet, inventory system, employee management program.

Awards

2011

  • Davey Award- Draw A Stickman- GOLD
  • Dope Award- Draw A Stickman- SITE OF THE MONTH
  • Design Licks- Draw A Stickman- SITE OF THE DAY
  • FWA Award- Draw A Stickman- SITE OF THE DAY
  • AWWWARD's- Draw A Stickman- SITE OF THE DAY
  • Design Taxi- Draw A Stickman- SITE OF THE DAY

2012

  • Interactive Media Award (IMA)- Draw A Stickman- BEST IN CLASS
  • Hermes Creative Award- Connected Nation Corporate- GOLD
  • Hermes Creative Award- Draw A Stickman- PLATINUM
  • Horizon Interactive Award- Draw A Stickman- BEST IN CATEGORY
  • Webby Award- Draw A Stickman- Viral Marketing- PEOPLE'S VOICE
  • Webby Award- Draw A Stickman- Best Use of Motion Graphics- PEOPLE'S VOICE
  • Webby Award- Draw A Stickman- Best Use of Motion Graphics- WEBBY
  • The Web Award- Draw A Stickman- GAME SITE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
  • W3 Award- Draw A Stickman- Animation- GOLD
  • W3 Award- Draw A Stickman- Self Promotion- GOLD
  • Innovation Award- BG Chamber of Commerce- Hitcents- AWARD
  • Davey Award- BART- Animation- SILVER

2013

  • Webby Award- Draw A Stickman: Epic- Mobile Sites & Apps/Games- WEBBY WINNER
  • Webby Award- Draw A Stickman: Epic- PEOPLE'S VOICE
  • Webby Award- One Direction Scrapbook App- HONORABLE MENTION
  • W3 Award- Tampico Website- AWARD
  • Manny Award- Draw A Stickman- AWARD
  • Lovie Award- Draw A Stickman: EPIC- Games- GOLD
  • Lovie Award- Draw A Stickman: EPIC- Tablet Games- SILVER
  • Lovie Award- Draw A Stickman: EPIC- Tablet Games- PEOPLE'S LOVIE

2014

  • Webby Award- Hanx Writer- HONORABLE MENTION

2015

  • W3 Award- Hanx Writer- Mobile App: Entertainment- GOLD
  • W3 Award- Hanx Writer- Best Visual Design: Aesthetic- SILVER
  • W3 Award- Draw A Stickman: EPIC 2- Mobile App: Innovative & Experimental- SILVER

2016

  • Webby Award- Draw a Stickman: Epic 2- Mobile Games- HONOREE

References
  1. "From Tom Hanks, an app ode to the typewriter". USA TODAY. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  2. [email protected], AMEERAH CETAWAYO, The Daily News. "BG's Hitcents ranked among fastest-growing companies in nation". Bowling Green Daily News. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  3. "Best Places to Work KY" (PDF). Kentucky Chamber.
  4. "Draw a Stickman: Episode 2". www.drawastickman.com. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  5. "Kentucky's Hitcents wants to fire your imagination with Draw a Stickman: Epic 2". VentureBeat. July 9, 2015. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  6. "GDC 2014 - Battlepillars Cross-Platform Multiplayer". YouTube. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  7. della Cava, Marco. "From Tom Hanks, an app ode to the typewriter". USA Today. Retrieved August 15, 2014.
  8. Kastrenakes, Jacob (August 14, 2014). "Tom Hanks just released a typewriter app for iPad". The Verge. Retrieved August 15, 2014.
  9. Spangler, Todd (August 14, 2014). "Tom Hanks Launches Free Manual-Typewriter iPad App". Variety. Retrieved August 15, 2014.
  10. Perez, Sarah. "Tom Hanks' Typewriter App Shoots To The Top Of The App Store". TechCrunch. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  11. Dockterman, Eliana. "Tom Hanks' Typewriter App Is No. 1 in the App Store". Time. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  12. "Rigged mobile game lets you gerrymander political districts to steal elections". VentureBeat. September 16, 2016. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  13. "Hitcents launches The Godfather: Family Dynasty mobile game - GamesBeat". VentureBeat.com. February 9, 2017. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  14. Ahaskar, Abhijit (February 14, 2017). "Game Review: The Godfather turns out to be a boring strategy game". Livemint.com. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  15. Tiny Little Games (February 17, 2017). "The Godfather Family Dynasty Android iOS Game Review". Retrieved January 25, 2018 – via YouTube.
  16. Keating, Lauren (February 9, 2017). "'The Godfather: Family Dynasty' Mobile Game Is A Hit For Mobster Fans". TechTimes.com. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  17. "Log In or Sign Up to View". www.Facebook.com. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  18. "Hitcents launches NBA Life mobile game to celebrate a star's lifestyle - GamesBeat". VentureBeat.com. March 30, 2017. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  19. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hitcents.nbalife
  20. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nba-life/id1113653225?mt=8
  21. EdEN, Owner (September 25, 2018). "[PS4Blog.net Interview] Hitcents On Don't Sink". PS4Blog.net. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
  22. "A Robot Named Fight". www.nintendo.com. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
  23. "Don't Sink". www.nintendo.com. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
  24. "2012 Platinum Winners". Marcom Awards. Archived from the original on December 27, 2013. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  25. "Davey Awards | Winners List". Davey Awards.
  26. "Communicator Awards | Winner's List". Communicator Awards.
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