E-Line Media

About E-Line Media

E-Line Media operates as a video game developer and publisher with a distinct focus on creating games that provide both entertainment and positive social impact. Founded in 2008 by Michael Angst and Alan Gershenfeld, the company was initially established as an impact investment vehicle for digital media before pivoting to a specialty digital publisher. The firm operates on a double-bottom-line basis, aiming for market-level financial returns alongside measurable social benefits. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, E-Line Media has positioned itself as a key player in the "games for change" movement.

The founders bring a wealth of relevant experience to the company. Michael Angst, the CEO, has a background in private equity and as an operating executive in media, education, and healthcare, with a focus on ventures that can achieve financial success while making a positive impact. President Alan Gershenfeld’s career spans over two decades at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and social entrepreneurship. His prior experience includes a senior role at Activision, where he oversaw the development of major titles like "Tony Hawk Skateboarding" and "Civilization: Call to Power", and a background in the film industry. This blend of commercial entertainment and social enterprise experience shapes the company's strategic direction.

E-Line Media's business model centers on developing and publishing its own titles, often in partnership with organizations that provide authentic perspectives and expertise. A core component of their development process is the creation of unlockable "Insights," which are short documentary-style videos that provide players with a deeper understanding of the real-world themes within the games. The company generates revenue through the sale of its games on various platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile devices. Their most notable achievement is "Never Alone" ("Kisima Ingitchuna"), a puzzle-platformer developed in collaboration with the Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC), an Alaska Native tribal organization. This game, which shares traditional Iñupiat stories, has been downloaded over 12 million times and won a BAFTA award. The financial success of "Never Alone" led to CITC becoming E-Line Media's largest shareholder, deeply integrating the two organizations. Another significant title is "Beyond Blue," an ocean exploration game created in partnership with BBC Studios and OceanX. The company has also been involved in educational initiatives like MinecraftEdu and Gamestar Mechanic.