Top Video Game Companies in Chicago in 2026
KEY POINTS OF THE ARTICLE
- Overview of Chicago’s vibrant video game industry, home to both indie and large-scale developers.
- Whimsy Games' focus on high-quality game development across multiple platforms including mobile and VR.
- Jackbox Games’ innovation with party games and the use of smartphones as controllers.
- Wargaming Chicago-Baltimore’s success with World of Tanks and past contributions to major franchises.
- Wishbone Club’s unique reward-based gaming platform in the healthcare sector.
- High Voltage Software’s shift to virtual reality and contributions to notable game franchises.
- Iron Galaxy Studios’ expertise in porting games across various platforms.
- Babaroga’s specialization in mobile game development particularly for iOS and Android.
UPD. This article has been updated with the latest data for 2026. It reflects the most recent information on the top video game companies in Chicago, including their latest projects, achievements, and industry standings. Stay tuned for the newest developments and insights into Chicago's vibrant gaming industry.
Chicago has long been known for its vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and the video game industry is no exception. Over the past few years, Windy City has become home to a thriving community of independent game developers and a hub for some of the world's largest and most successful video game companies.
Regardless of whether you prefer action-adventure, arcade, fighting, shooter, or even racing genre, you have most likely met games with a setting that dates back to Chicago. But Chicago is not only an exciting place to display in the game, but also to develop games on android. It is also a very
prolific and active city of video game creation. There are many studios producing high-quality outsourcing gamesfor PC, consoles, and mobile devices. Chicago is incredibly productive, distinctive, and locally unique. There are so many Chicago gaming companies that it's time to get confused among them. Therefore, our task is to select the most remarkable and have them on a silver platter.
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In this article, we'll look closely at some of Chicago's top video game companies, including their history, achievements, and what sets them apart from the competition. Let's dive in!
Whimsy Games
Whimsy Games is development games android company headquartered in Chicago, with offices in the United States and Ukraine. Their ten-year history and large pool of specialists offer full-cycle game development outsource and individual game services that specialize in creating high-quality games that appeal to a wide range of players. They have a dedicated team of experienced game designers, developers, and artists, aiming to create games that are not only entertaining but also meaningful and unique. Whether you are a mobile gaming enthusiast or a console gamer, you can expect their games to be immersive and engaging. Whimsy Games' products span various mobile, desktop, console, and VR platforms. They offer individual services, including 2D and 3D art and animation outsourcing, programming, testing, game design and interface design, and gamification services by adding a game element to a non-game environment. They work with different genres, such as casual games, action, shooters, puzzles, etc. Whimsy Games' games are designed to be accessible to all ages and skill levels, making them great for hardcore gamers and those new to gaming. At Whimsy Games, their goal is not only to create innovative and high-quality games but also to impact the world positively. Their commitment to inclusivity and diversity is reflected in their games, featuring diverse characters, themes, and stories that appeal to all players. They believe games can unite people and strive to create games that entertain and inspire. Before the pandemic, Whimsy Games held numerous roadshows across America, earning a reputation as a reliable partner in gaming tasks.
Jackbox Games
Jackbox, formerly known as Jellyvision Games, is a company that creates party games for PC, consoles, mobile, and Amazon Fire TV. It is best known for the You Don't Know Jack quiz series, where players use their smartphones or tablets as controllers instead of traditional game controllers. This unique feature enhances the gaming experience and makes the game more accessible to a wider audience. Another popular game from Jackbox is Fibbage: The Hilarious Bluffing, which is available on Amazon Fire TV, Xbox One, PS3, and PS4. This game also uses phones-as-controllers technology, allowing up to 8 players to bluff and trick other players without the need for real physical controllers. This makes the game more engaging and exciting, as players can use their own devices to participate in the game.
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Wargaming Chicago-Baltimore
Wargaming Chicago-Baltimore is a video game developer based in the United States. They are known for creating the console version of the MMO series, World of Tanks. The company's subsidiary, which was formerly known as Wargaming West and Day 1 Studios and is based in Chicago, has also developed games such as F.E.A.R. 3 and Fracture. Their first project was the Xbox-exclusive computer game, MechAssault, which was published by Microsoft Game Studios in November 2002. A sequel, MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf, was released in December 2004, which was also published by Microsoft Game Studios exclusively for the Xbox console.
Wishbone Club
Wishbone Club is a unique platform designed to improve the interactions between brands and consumers by creating positive experiences. Unlike other gaming companies in Chicago, Wishbone Club specializes in reward programs for medical company products. This allows users to enjoy a fun and exciting way of taking care of their health while earning rewards.
High Voltage Software
High Voltage Software is a video game developer located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. As one of the oldest gaming companies in Chicago, it was established in 1993 and gained widespread recognition following the release of the game Hunter: The Reckoning, as well as The Conduit and its sequel for the Nintendo Wii console. Since 2016, the company has focused to develop game android, releasing games designed for virtual reality devices, developed in collaboration with the Oculus VR studio.The company's notable projects include work on Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon and Saints Row, as well as its partnership with NetherRealm on Mortal Kombat games. Damaged Core, the company's latest VR shooter, has been deemed by some as the best game for the Oculus Rift.
Galaxy Studios
Iron Galaxy Studios is an American video game company that collaborates with major developers developing android games, to offer technical advice and port games to multiple platforms. The company's first original game, Wreckateer, was launched in 2012, followed by Divekick in 2013. The studio has worked on popular game franchises such as Bioshock, Killer Instinct, Borderlands, and Destiny. They have successfully ported over 50 games to a wide range of platforms including Android and iOS, Xbox, PlayStation, Windows, Wii, Nintendo Switch, and HTC Vive, among others.
Babaroga
Babaroga is a mobile game development outsourcing studio based in Illinois. The company was founded in 2002 and has operated for almost 20 years. Babaroga specializes in creating mobile games for Android and iOS platforms. During its existence, the studio has developed licensed games for Disney Interactive, Microsoft, and Glu. One of their well-known projects is the Zombies!!! board game adaptation for Windows 7, Windows 8, and iOS.
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Conclusion
As we conclude this article on the top video game companies in Chicago, it's evident that this city is a centre for innovation and creativity in the gaming industry. From independent studios to large corporations, each of these companies brings something unique, whether it's cutting-edge technology, groundbreaking storytelling, or just plain fun gameplay. Whether you're an ardent gamer, a casual mobile player, or just interested in learning more about the video game industry, there's no shortage of options available in Chicago. So if you're looking for your next gaming experience, whether it's an addictive mobile game, a captivating story-driven game, or an immersive VR world, Chicago has got you covered. We recommend Whimsy Games, an outsourced game development studio that offers one of the most flexible approaches to cooperation and a wide range of services, from full-cycle game development to individual services for art and animation creation. Additionally, the studio provides the help of specialists who will test your game and experts who can gamify your non-game application or product.
Written by
Denys KliuchCEO
I'm a CEO and a Co-Founder of Whimsy Games. Before that, I advanced my expertise in engineering, management, traffic marketing, and analytics working for large game development studios with a $1M+ monthly income. With a clear vision of how game development should work, I run Whimsy Games, being responsible for the marketing and sales of our products and services.
