About us

What we do

Launching Pad Games is a small independent games studio based in Wellington, New Zealand. We make fun, eclectic original games.

There is no specific genre. There are no overarching themes. Our output will continue to be extremely diverse. If there is one unifying thread, it’s an interest in exploring original narrative in video games. But beyond that, the only rule is maintaining a high level of quality across the board.

Our story

Tristan Clark (on the right) has been dreaming up game designs for as long as he can remember. He is interested in creating anything from epic story-based games to tiny puzzle titles, and everything in between.

In 2008, he had his first title published. Fashion Star (a downloadable PC game that really has all you need to know about it in the title) was released by Oberon Media. Subsequently, Tristan has sworn to never make games about clothing ever again.

Tim Knauf (on the left) knew what he wanted to do with his life when he saw his first computer game at five years old (even if it was just an ‘educational’ title). Discovering adventure games at nine only served to reinforce the dream. In 2002 he began his freeware epic. Three short (ahem) years later Nathan’s Second Chance was finished.

Tim discovered that solo game development can be a pretty lonely business. The search for a collaborator was begun.

Launching Pad Games was formed in early 2008 when Tristan and Tim finally had occasion to meet. They realised that their views on the industry were remarkably well-matched, and knew teaming up to make fun and engaging games was the right thing to do. You can see the first fruits of their labour here — but there is much, much more to come.