Research. Design. Play.

A New Approach to Game Design.

We are an independent game studio dedicated not only to creating interesting and innovative games, but also to studying and advancing the craft of game design. We apply scientific theories and models both to the analysis of existing as well as to the development of our own game. By combining research, analysis, and practical design, we aim to create new and meaningful player experiences.

Our first game

Cycle of Cinder

Cycle of Cinder is a puzzle-driven roguelite digital card game built around careful planning rather than luck. Transform your abilities through versatile upgrades, unlock a deep metaprogression, and build unique spell loadouts that makes the game play and feel different in every run.

Competence and Experience

The Team to Make It Happen

Kevin has an M.Sc. in Business Administration, six years in Management Science and software experience in robotics, algorithms and logistics. A passionate Go player and fierce competitor, he is Managing Director at Dreamspire Games.

Jannis is a mathematician with a background in quantum physics who has taught AI and machine learning. As a lifelong gamer, he began designing games during his PhD. At Dreamspire Games, he combines research, analysis and practical game design.

Hendrik is passionate about computer graphics. He co-founded rooom AG and was CTO, leading teams and overseeing patents, R&D and funding. At Dreamspire Games, he brings expertise in 3D/VFX, software development and automation.

Michael is a programmer with nearly 15 years of experience in and beyond the games industry. A board gamer and competitive Go player, he spent years making prototypes at game jams. At Dreamspire Games, he works as a Game Developer.

Paul is a programmer and computer scientist researching tensor expressions and symbolic optimization. A gamer and aspiring developer, he supports Dreamspire Games with programming while gaining experience in game design and development.

The opportunity

The State of the Art

In recent years, a growing disconnect has become increasingly apparent between how games are produced and what players actually want. Gaming has never been bigger, with a global market generating more than $200 billion a year. Yet game development keeps becoming more expensive, without necessarily creating better experiences for players.

At the same time, small indie productions with comparatively tiny budgets continue to capture the hearts of millions.

Many game productions lose sight of the fundamental question:
What do players actually enjoy, and how can that experience be created?

This question lies at the very heart of game design. We believe that great games are not defined by how much they cost to produce, but by how deliberately their experiences are designed—and by whether those experiences are built around what makes a game fun.

revenue forecast 2025 in USD billions

Systems that create meaning

The Solution: Scientific Formalisation.

Intrinsic motivation, optimal strategies, and the interaction of mechanics have already been formalised in foundational sciences such as motivational psychology, game theory, and system dynamics.

Our approach is to take the models that have already been developed and apply them to game design. We build analytical tools that help game designers reach and thrill their target audience.

Get in touch

Let’s Dream Together.

Our models help shape our games, and our games give us a practical space to test those ideas.
We’re always interested in connecting with players, developers, researchers, and potential collaborators.
If you have feedback, ideas, or want to work with us, get in touch.
We’re a small team and always looking to improve.