Our Story
AuroraGameLab emerged from a passion for the golden age of arcade gaming and a desire to bring those timeless experiences to modern platforms. Founded in Vancouver in 2017, our studio began when three game developers realized there was a growing demand for authentic arcade-style games that captured the simplicity and addictive gameplay of classics without relying on complex mechanics or overwhelming players with features.
Our journey started in a small office where we developed our first commercial arcade game for a local entertainment venue. That project taught us valuable lessons about balancing nostalgia with contemporary expectations. Players wanted the familiar feel of arcade classics but expected smooth performance across different devices and screen sizes. This challenge became our specialty.
Over the years, we've worked with entertainment venues, independent developers, startups, and established businesses across Canada and beyond. Each project reinforced our belief that great arcade games don't need elaborate graphics or complicated systems. They need tight controls, fair difficulty progression, and gameplay that's easy to learn but challenging to master.
Today, AuroraGameLab operates as a focused team dedicated exclusively to arcade game development. We've deliberately stayed small to maintain quality control and ensure every project receives the attention it deserves. Our portfolio includes over 50 completed games ranging from simple score-attack experiences to more complex arcade adventures, all sharing our commitment to responsive gameplay and authentic retro aesthetics.
Our Methodology
Design Philosophy
We begin every project by identifying the core mechanic that will drive player engagement. Our design process focuses on creating simple inputs that produce satisfying feedback. We prototype early and test frequently, refining mechanics until they feel responsive and rewarding. Documentation ensures everyone understands the vision before development begins.
Development Process
Our development approach prioritizes performance and maintainability. We use modern frameworks optimized for 2D games and structure code to support future updates. Regular builds allow for continuous testing across different devices. We implement efficient collision detection, smooth scrolling, and responsive input handling as foundational elements.
Testing Standards
Quality assurance happens throughout development rather than just at the end. We conduct internal playtesting sessions to evaluate difficulty balance and identify frustration points. External testers provide fresh perspectives on clarity and accessibility. Performance testing ensures smooth gameplay across target platforms and devices.
Iterative Refinement
We view game development as an iterative process where feedback drives improvement. After initial implementation, we analyze player behavior and adjust difficulty curves, control sensitivity, and pacing. This refinement continues until the game feels polished and balanced. Final optimization ensures the best possible performance.
Evidence-Based Approach
Our methodology draws from decades of arcade game design principles that have proven effective across generations. We study what made classic arcade games successful and apply those lessons to contemporary development. This includes understanding input latency tolerance, visual clarity in fast-paced action, audio feedback timing, and difficulty scaling that keeps players engaged without overwhelming them.
We also incorporate modern game development practices including version control, automated testing where applicable, and analytics integration for post-launch insights. This combination of proven design principles and current technical standards allows us to create games that feel authentically retro while meeting modern quality expectations.
Our Team
A small dedicated group of professionals who share a passion for arcade gaming and technical excellence.
Kellan Rousseau
Lead Game Designer
Specializes in arcade game mechanics and difficulty balance. With backgrounds in both traditional game design and player psychology, Kellan ensures every game delivers satisfying progression and replayability. Brings 9 years of experience crafting engaging gameplay loops.
Soren Blackwood
Senior Developer
Focuses on performance optimization and cross-platform compatibility. Soren's expertise in game engines and low-level programming ensures our games run smoothly across devices. Has contributed to numerous commercial releases over 11 years in the industry.
Dashiell Montgomery
Technical Artist
Bridges the gap between art and programming, creating visual effects and animations that enhance gameplay without compromising performance. Dashiell's work ensures our games look authentic while running efficiently. Has 7 years of experience in game development.
Values & Expertise
Commitment to Quality
Every game we develop receives thorough attention to detail. We don't rush projects to meet arbitrary deadlines. Instead, we work with clients to establish realistic timelines that allow for proper testing and refinement. This approach has resulted in a portfolio of games that maintain high player satisfaction and minimal post-launch issues. Quality isn't just about bug-free code; it's about creating experiences that feel polished and professional in every aspect from controls to visual presentation.
Technical Excellence
Our expertise spans multiple game development frameworks and platforms. We stay current with industry standards while maintaining proficiency in the tools and techniques that have proven reliable. This includes optimizing for different screen resolutions, implementing responsive touch and keyboard controls, managing memory efficiently, and ensuring consistent frame rates. Our code architecture supports future expansion and maintenance, which matters for games that may receive updates or serve as foundations for sequels.
Client Collaboration
We view development as a partnership where your vision guides the process and our expertise helps realize it effectively. Regular communication keeps projects on track and ensures any concerns are addressed promptly. We provide builds at key milestones for feedback and maintain transparency about progress and challenges. This collaborative approach has led to long-term relationships with many clients who return for multiple projects or recommend our services to others in their networks.
Arcade Gaming Specialization
Unlike general game development studios, we focus exclusively on arcade-style experiences. This specialization means we understand the nuances that make arcade games engaging: the importance of immediate feedback, the challenge of balancing accessibility with difficulty, the role of scoring systems in driving competition, and the visual clarity needed for fast-paced action. Our concentrated focus allows us to deliver superior results in this specific genre compared to studios that spread their expertise across multiple game types.
Work With Us
If you're looking for a team that understands arcade game development and delivers professional results, we'd welcome the opportunity to discuss your project.
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