Challenge Games

About Challenge Games

Challenge Games was an Austin, Texas-based social gaming company established in 2007. The company was founded by Andrew Busey, who also served as its CEO. Busey brought extensive experience to the venture, having previously pioneered web technologies like the first web-based chat system, iChat, and co-founding Pluck, a social media platform acquired by DemandMedia. His background also includes early work on the Mosaic web browser and authoring the first major published book on developing multiplayer games, demonstrating a long-standing connection to both game development and web innovation.

The firm secured $14.5 million in venture capital funding from notable investors including Sequoia Capital and Globespan Capital Partners. Challenge Games focused on creating immersive web-based games built on a virtual goods business model, where revenue is generated from players purchasing digital items to enhance their gameplay. Their games were designed for quick, accessible sessions, typically lasting around 15 minutes. Among its most popular titles were "Warstorm," a collectible card game, and "Ponzi," a tycoon-style game. Other games developed by the company included "Duels" and "Baseball Boss".

In June 2010, social gaming giant Zynga acquired Challenge Games for an undisclosed amount. Following the acquisition, the entire 35-employee team was integrated into Zynga, and the studio was rebranded as Zynga Austin. Andrew Busey transitioned into a new role as the General Manager and Vice President of the Austin studio. The acquisition was part of Zynga's broader strategy to expand its studio operations and talent pool, adding to its locations in San Francisco, Baltimore, Los Angeles, and overseas.