LUTZ, Fla. – Once visitors to Artix Entertainment’s Lutz headquarters walk past security – two sword-wielding suits of armor stationed in the lobby – it’s obvious this isn’t your typical workplace.
- 100 million free user accounts for Artix games
- Popular titles include Adventure Quest, Dragon Fable
- 1s multi-platform game, Adventure Quest 3D, recently released
“One of our developers is just live spawning monsters for us to battle,” Paladin and CEO Adam Bohn said before demonstrating the company’s first multi-platform game, "Adventure Quest 3D."
Bohn said he founded the video game developer 16 years ago at his dining room table – he just didn’t know it at the time. He got friends together to fulfill his dream of creating a video game, and Artix evolved from there.
"It wasn't really intended to start a company or create a company or make money," Bohn said. "But we had so many players join that we couldn't afford to pay the server bills."
Among its most popular titles: "Adventure Quest", "Adventure Quest Worlds", and "Dragon Fable." The company’s also released its first multi-platform game, "Adventure Quest 3D."
"Our games are designed for players of all ages. They're pretty funny. We are constantly listening to player feedback,” Bohn said.
Artix’s 30 employees are also constantly updating the games.
Since the company was founded, Bohn said 100 million users have created free accounts. Players can then pay for various upgrades, like different outfits for characters.
The company’s also gained attention within the industry. Bohn said he turned down a $64 million buyout bid in 2008, and that there are a number of reasons why the company has stayed in Pasco since its founding.
"The living conditions are nice, all the stores are moving in, the taxes are great,” Bohn said. "They have a good plan for recruiting and bringing people in and giving incentives. We're in the right place to grow this company."