30+ years of collective games & storytelling
A diverse bunch of unicorns making games like no one else, from our hearts and lived experiences.
History
Kind, self-aware people can develop impactful, intimate, and inspiring stories in concert with players
Chronicler was founded in 2019 by ex-Xbox and Red Hat designer Derek Reese after two decades of working in the gaming industry, swiftly joined by Valve & Microsoft veteran Rasmus Rasmussen and comics artist Joe Wills.
We're building a co-op puzzle shooter that's focused on narrative and something we call pro-social gameplay where every mechanic makes it more fun to play with your favorite people.
2019
Development began on a new type of game engine framework.
2022
Found the fun first with a Deep Rock Galactic mod.
Focus-tested using DC & Marvel comics techniques.
2023
Built paper & Unreal Engine mechanics.
Linked prototypes together to prove out a full gameplay loop, locking in an MVP game scope & budget.
2024
Now building a vertical slice & demo for marketplace traction and Seed / Publisher deals.
Financials & Outlook
How we're doing & where we're going
Chronicler is privately owned and funded by the founders Derek Reese, Rasmus Rasmussen, and Joe Wills, as well as by each team member and a group of dedicated angel investors.
Sustainability
We keep a laser focus on our target audience to make sure everything we ship serves our end goal of bringing devs and players together through stories.
Key Figures
“Financial independence means we can take more creative risks and leads to healther, longer term decision-making.”
- Derek Reese, Founder
Press
Chronicler Announces Development of First Title
An investment round led by Chris Taylor (Xbox) marks the preproduction kickoff for development of Chronicler's upcoming AA action title.
Meet Chronicler
Derek Reese:
CEO, Design Director
Founded the company writing code and now does a lot of communicating. Obsessed with accountability, visual language, and designing systems that create emergent fun. In charge of Lego licensing deals when they happen, which they definitely will someday, he swears. Film lover who wonders why anyone lets him get away with writing this stuff.
Rasmus Rasmussen:
Production Director
Wears a “job hat” collection larger than most people’s hobby lists. Makes the team run smoother than Carlos Santana’s 1999 hit song, and negotiates deadlines that make sense. Overseen the birth and death of hundreds of universes (as a Dungeon Master). Photography expert, ethical AI champion, and 50% of our in-house orchestra.
Joe Wills:
Creative Director
Breathes universe-building and comic books, sometimes in that order. Storied history of writing stories. Main expertise in drawing, side expertise in videography. Side, side expertise in team dynamics, communication, and amazing television. Sketches to stem the mountainous tide of creative ideas.
Keller McDivitt:
Audio & Systems Director
Composer, Audio & Systems Engineer. Will hype up all the cool stuff. Invents sounds and builds tech. Sometimes does movie audio. Passionate about game feel and making audio/visual harmony. Can chat synthesizers and old Harley bikes any time. The other 50% of our in-house orchestra.
Paul Foster:
Designer
Makes all the things. Enthusiastic blueprinter, writer, and TTRPG-er. Ask him about the Spira Pathfinder campaign. Has an actual degree in game design, but doesn’t use it to win arguments. Probably built the first version of the thing the team is working on.
David Laub:
Fractional CFO
Fractional CFO. Whole financial genius. Knows startups and the Seattle business ecosystem, often personally. Worked in enough distinct industries to fill several resumes. Has a recurring volunteering habit. Will happily talk world travel and social impact investing.
