1939 Games is an independent game studio in Reykjavík, Iceland, best known for KARDS, a World‑War‑II–themed free‑to‑play digital collectible card game that blends CCG mechanics with strategy elements inspired by historical battlefield tactics[6][5].
High-Level Overview
- Mission (investment firm template adapted — for a company): 1939 Games aims to create WWII‑inspired gaming experiences that combine collectible‑card mechanics with authentic military tactics and accessible multiplayer gameplay[6][5].- Investment philosophy / Key sectors / Impact on startup ecosystem (not applicable): 1939 Games is a product studio rather than an investment firm; it does not publicly present an investment mandate[5].- What product it builds: The studio’s flagship product is KARDS, a multiplatform digital collectible card game (desktop and mobile) that uses historical military units as inspiration for cards and battlefield mechanics[6][5].- Who it serves: KARDS targets CCG players and strategy gamers who enjoy historical/WWII themes and competitive 1v1 multiplayer matches[6][1].- What problem it solves: It fills a niche for players seeking a card game that integrates realistic WWII unit types and strategy—offering an alternative to fantasy or purely abstract CCGs[5][6].- Growth momentum: KARDS has shipped on Steam and received attention in gaming databases and industry trackers; the studio is small (under ~25 employees in third‑party profiles) and was founded in 2015 by experienced industry veterans, indicating steady indie‑studio growth rather than rapid VC‑style scaling[3][4][1].
Origin Story
- Founding year and founders: 1939 Games was founded in 2015 by brothers Guðmundur and Ívar Kristjánsson, both game‑industry veterans with prior experience at CCP and decades of combined experience[6][5].- How the idea emerged: The founders shared a passion for collectible card games and WWII history; unable to find an existing game that merged those interests, they decided to build KARDS themselves[5].- Early traction / pivotal moments: The developer positioned KARDS as a free‑to‑play CCG on Steam and secured coverage in industry databases; the team’s CCP pedigree and the game’s positive reception (noted Metacritic and community attention in aggregator profiles) represent early credibility and traction[1][6].
Core Differentiators
- Historical theme and authenticity: Uses WWII military units and tactics as core inspirations for card design and gameplay, differentiating it from fantasy or generic CCGs[5].- Hybrid gameplay design: Combines collectible card mechanics with strategy elements (ground/air/sea dynamics and battlefield tactics) to create a tactical CCG experience[6][1].- Team pedigree: Founded and led by industry veterans (ex‑CCP staff), bringing AAA/online‑game experience to an indie CCG project[6][5].- Multiplatform focus and free‑to‑play model: Built for desktop and mobile with a free‑to‑play entry point to attract a broad player base[6].- Small‑studio agility: As an indie with a compact team, the studio can iterate quickly on gameplay and community features compared with larger publishers (third‑party profiles list sub‑25 staff)[4][3].
Role in the Broader Tech & Gaming Landscape
- Trend alignment: Rides the long‑running trends of digital CCGs, live‑service monetization, and demand for historically themed strategy titles[6][1].- Timing and market forces: The steady popularity of online competitive card games and the accessibility of multi‑platform distribution (Steam + mobile) favor niche, well‑executed CCGs that can build engaged communities[6][1].- Influence: By blending authentic WWII aesthetics with card mechanics, 1939 Games demonstrates how historical settings can be applied to competitive digital card design, potentially inspiring other niche historical or tactical CCGs[5][1].
Quick Take & Future Outlook
- What’s next: Continued development and live‑service support for KARDS (balance, new content, platforms) and potential further WWII‑themed projects from the founding team are the most likely near‑term moves given the studio’s stated focus[6][5].- Trends that will shape their journey: Player retention strategies for free‑to‑play CCGs, cross‑platform mobile adoption, and community‑driven esports/competitive scenes will determine growth potential[6][1].- How their influence might evolve: If KARDS sustains an active playerbase and regular content cadence, 1939 Games could become a recognized indie specialist in historically themed strategy games, leveraging its founders’ veteran networks to partner, publish, or expand into adjacent formats[5][6].
Quick caveat: Public information on 1939 Games is limited to company statements and industry listings; financials and detailed player metrics are available only through third‑party estimates (company profile sites) rather than public filings[3][2].
