5th Cell
Encyclopedia
5TH Cell is an independently owned video game developer
founded in 2003 as 5TH Cell Media, LLC. by Joseph M. Tringali, Jeremiah Slaczka
and Brett Caird and currently develops video games for the Nintendo DS
and Wii
.
and Brett Caird, the company started out developing mobile games working with such publishers as THQ Wireless
, JAMDAT Mobile (now EA Mobile
) and UIEvolution (a former subsidiary of Square Enix
).
On August 2, 2004 THQ Wireless announced it would publish 5TH Cell's first three original mobile games: Siege, SEAL Team 6 and lastly Mini Poccha.
In 2006, 5TH Cell transitioned into Nintendo DS
and Casual game
development. While they have worked with licenses and work for hire in its past, its core focus has moved completely onto building innovative, original video games.
In an IGN
interview with Michael Thomsen, Jeremiah Slaczka, the company's Creative Director
, was asked "What kinds of games do you ultimately want to be known for?". He responded by saying:
On April 21, 2006, IGN revealed 5TH Cell's first Nintendo DS game Drawn to Life
, an original title.
On June 1, 2006, 5TH Cell announced its partnership with Merscom to publish D.N.A a PC casual game
and also an original title.
On May 9, 2007 THQ
announced it would publish Drawn to Life
an Action-Adventure
/Platformer hybrid with the unique twist of the player drawing the hero and the world itself using the DS's touchpad.
THQ released the game worldwide in 2007 and 2008. According to Next-Gen.biz from the game's launch (September 2007) until March 1, 2008 (6 months) the game had sold 820,000 units worldwide and was ranked 61st of the top 100 selling video games of the last 12 months.
On April 2, 2008, THQ announced it was publishing 5TH Cell's next Nintendo DS game Lock's Quest
an original Action-Strategy game where the player first builds defenses and then battle against an invading clockwork army all racing against the clock.
On December 5, 2008, 5TH Cell unveiled its next Nintendo DS game, on IGN.com, Scribblenauts
an Emergent
/Action
Puzzle
game where the player can write anything they can think of to help them solve the puzzle.
On May 1, 2009, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced it would be publishing Scribblenauts.
On September 15, 2009, Scribblenauts was released in North America, with its Australian release being on September 30 and European release on October 9. According to the NPD Group
, Scribblenauts sold 194,000 units in the United States during September 2009, following Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story and Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days in top Nintendo DS sales.
Super Scribblenauts was then released in Europe on the DS on October 29th 2010, North America on the 12th October and Australia on the 27th of October.
Video game developer
A video game developer is a software developer that creates video games. A developer may specialize in a certain video game console, such as Nintendo's Wii, Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3, or may develop for a variety of systems, including personal computers.Most developers also...
founded in 2003 as 5TH Cell Media, LLC. by Joseph M. Tringali, Jeremiah Slaczka
Jeremiah Slaczka
Jeremiah Slaczka, also known by his nickname Miah, is a video game designer/creative director and co-founder of 5TH Cell, a video game developer in Bellevue, Washington...
and Brett Caird and currently develops video games for the Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
and Wii
Wii
The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others...
.
Overview
Founded on August 28, 2003 by Joseph M. Tringali, Jeremiah SlaczkaJeremiah Slaczka
Jeremiah Slaczka, also known by his nickname Miah, is a video game designer/creative director and co-founder of 5TH Cell, a video game developer in Bellevue, Washington...
and Brett Caird, the company started out developing mobile games working with such publishers as THQ Wireless
THQ
THQ Inc. is an American developer and publisher of video games. Founded in 1989 in the United States, the company develops products for video game consoles, handheld game systems, as well as for personal computers and wireless devices...
, JAMDAT Mobile (now EA Mobile
Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts, Inc. is a major American developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video games. Founded and incorporated on May 28, 1982 by Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer games industry and was notable for promoting the designers and programmers...
) and UIEvolution (a former subsidiary of Square Enix
Square Enix
is a Japanese video game and publishing company best known for its console role-playing game franchises, which include the Final Fantasy series, the Dragon Quest series, and the action-RPG Kingdom Hearts series...
).
On August 2, 2004 THQ Wireless announced it would publish 5TH Cell's first three original mobile games: Siege, SEAL Team 6 and lastly Mini Poccha.
In 2006, 5TH Cell transitioned into Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
and Casual game
Casual game
A casual game is a video game targeted at or used by a mass audience of casual gamers. Casual games can have any type of gameplay, and fit in any genre. They are typically distinguished by their simple rules and lack of commitment required in contrast to more complex hardcore games...
development. While they have worked with licenses and work for hire in its past, its core focus has moved completely onto building innovative, original video games.
In an IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
interview with Michael Thomsen, Jeremiah Slaczka, the company's Creative Director
Creative Director
A creative director is a position often found within the graphic design, film, music, fashion, advertising, media or entertainment industries, but may be useful in other creative organizations such as web development and software development firms as well....
, was asked "What kinds of games do you ultimately want to be known for?". He responded by saying:
On April 21, 2006, IGN revealed 5TH Cell's first Nintendo DS game Drawn to Life
Drawn to Life
Drawn to Life is an action-adventure/platform game for the Nintendo DS developed by 5th Cell and published by THQ. In the game, players create their own playable characters, level objects and accessories by drawing them using the DS's stylus and touch screen.Drawn to Life requires the player to...
, an original title.
On June 1, 2006, 5TH Cell announced its partnership with Merscom to publish D.N.A a PC casual game
Casual game
A casual game is a video game targeted at or used by a mass audience of casual gamers. Casual games can have any type of gameplay, and fit in any genre. They are typically distinguished by their simple rules and lack of commitment required in contrast to more complex hardcore games...
and also an original title.
On May 9, 2007 THQ
THQ
THQ Inc. is an American developer and publisher of video games. Founded in 1989 in the United States, the company develops products for video game consoles, handheld game systems, as well as for personal computers and wireless devices...
announced it would publish Drawn to Life
Drawn to Life
Drawn to Life is an action-adventure/platform game for the Nintendo DS developed by 5th Cell and published by THQ. In the game, players create their own playable characters, level objects and accessories by drawing them using the DS's stylus and touch screen.Drawn to Life requires the player to...
an Action-Adventure
Action-adventure
Action-adventure may refer to:*A genre that can include:** action-adventure game*** action game*** adventure game** action *** action film** adventure *** adventure film*** adventure novel...
/Platformer hybrid with the unique twist of the player drawing the hero and the world itself using the DS's touchpad.
THQ released the game worldwide in 2007 and 2008. According to Next-Gen.biz from the game's launch (September 2007) until March 1, 2008 (6 months) the game had sold 820,000 units worldwide and was ranked 61st of the top 100 selling video games of the last 12 months.
On April 2, 2008, THQ announced it was publishing 5TH Cell's next Nintendo DS game Lock's Quest
Lock's Quest
Lock's Quest is a real-time strategy video game developed by 5th Cell and published by THQ. This is 5th Cell's second Nintendo DS game. It was released in North America on September 8, 2008, in Europe on September 26, 2008 and in Australia on September 25, 2008.-Gameplay:Lock's Quest is a real-time...
an original Action-Strategy game where the player first builds defenses and then battle against an invading clockwork army all racing against the clock.
On December 5, 2008, 5TH Cell unveiled its next Nintendo DS game, on IGN.com, Scribblenauts
Scribblenauts
Scribblenauts is an emergent puzzle action video game developed by 5th Cell for the Nintendo DS published by WB Games. The game was released September 15, 2009 in North America, September 30, 2009 in Australia, and October 9, 2009 in Europe. Konami released the game in Japan under the name on...
an Emergent
Emergent gameplay
Emergent gameplay refers to complex situations in video games, board games, or table top role-playing games that emerge from the interaction of relatively simple game mechanics....
/Action
Action game
Action game is a video game genre that emphasizes physical challenges, including hand–eye coordination and reaction-time. The genre includes diverse subgenres such as fighting games, shooter games, and platform games, which are widely considered the most important action games, though some...
Puzzle
Puzzle
A puzzle is a problem or enigma that tests the ingenuity of the solver. In a basic puzzle, one is intended to put together pieces in a logical way in order to come up with the desired solution...
game where the player can write anything they can think of to help them solve the puzzle.
On May 1, 2009, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced it would be publishing Scribblenauts.
On September 15, 2009, Scribblenauts was released in North America, with its Australian release being on September 30 and European release on October 9. According to the NPD Group
NPD Group
The NPD Group, Inc. is a leading North American market research company. The NPD Group consistently ranks among the top 25 market research companies in the independent Honomichl Top 50 report, which the media and the research industry acknowledge as a credible source of information on the market...
, Scribblenauts sold 194,000 units in the United States during September 2009, following Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story and Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days in top Nintendo DS sales.
Super Scribblenauts was then released in Europe on the DS on October 29th 2010, North America on the 12th October and Australia on the 27th of October.
Original titles
- 2003 | SEAL Team 6 (Mobile) - Published by THQ WirelessTHQTHQ Inc. is an American developer and publisher of video games. Founded in 1989 in the United States, the company develops products for video game consoles, handheld game systems, as well as for personal computers and wireless devices...
- 2003 | Siege (Mobile) - Published by THQ Wireless
- 2003 | Mini Poccha (Mobile) - Published by THQ Wireless
- 2006 | D.N.A. (PC) - Published by Merscom
- 2007 | Drawn to LifeDrawn to LifeDrawn to Life is an action-adventure/platform game for the Nintendo DS developed by 5th Cell and published by THQ. In the game, players create their own playable characters, level objects and accessories by drawing them using the DS's stylus and touch screen.Drawn to Life requires the player to...
(DS) - Published by THQTHQTHQ Inc. is an American developer and publisher of video games. Founded in 1989 in the United States, the company develops products for video game consoles, handheld game systems, as well as for personal computers and wireless devices... - 2008 | Lock's QuestLock's QuestLock's Quest is a real-time strategy video game developed by 5th Cell and published by THQ. This is 5th Cell's second Nintendo DS game. It was released in North America on September 8, 2008, in Europe on September 26, 2008 and in Australia on September 25, 2008.-Gameplay:Lock's Quest is a real-time...
(DS) - Published by THQ - 2009 | Drawn to Life: The Next ChapterDrawn to Life: The Next ChapterDrawn to Life: The Next Chapter is the title of two sequels of the video game Drawn to Life, published by THQ. One of the games was developed by 5th Cell for the Nintendo DS, while the other was created by Planet Moon Studios for the Wii....
(DS) - Published by THQ - 2009 | ScribblenautsScribblenautsScribblenauts is an emergent puzzle action video game developed by 5th Cell for the Nintendo DS published by WB Games. The game was released September 15, 2009 in North America, September 30, 2009 in Australia, and October 9, 2009 in Europe. Konami released the game in Japan under the name on...
(DS) - Published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment - 2010 | Super ScribblenautsSuper ScribblenautsSuper Scribblenauts is an emergent action puzzle game developed by 5th Cell and published by WB Games for the Nintendo DS handheld game console. The game was released in October 12, 2010...
(DS) - Published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment - 2012 | HybridHybrid (video game)Hybrid is an upcoming downloadable third-person shooter video game set for release in 2012 for the Xbox Live Arcade. It is currently under development by Bellevue, Washington-based 5th Cell, the creative studio behind the Scribblenauts series, Drawn to Life series, and Lock's Quest...
(Xbox Live Arcade) - 2011 | Scribblenauts Remix (iOS) - Published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Licensed titles
- 2004 | Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate EventsLemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate EventsLemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is a 2004 black comedy film directed by Brad Silberling. It is an adaptation of the The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room, and The Wide Window, being the first three books in A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket...
(Mobile) - Published by EA MobileElectronic ArtsElectronic Arts, Inc. is a major American developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video games. Founded and incorporated on May 28, 1982 by Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer games industry and was notable for promoting the designers and programmers... - 2005 | Darts Pro! (Mobile) - Published by THQ WirelessTHQTHQ Inc. is an American developer and publisher of video games. Founded in 1989 in the United States, the company develops products for video game consoles, handheld game systems, as well as for personal computers and wireless devices...
- 2005 | Ministry of Sound: Club ManagerMinistry of SoundMinistry of Sound London, commonly referred to as simply Ministry of Sound or MoS, is a nightclub based in London, United Kingdom and an associated record label. It was ranked fourth in the 2010 DJ Magazine top 100 clubs poll 2010. As well as the nightclub in London, there is another in Egypt and...
(Mobile) - Published by THQ Wireless - 2006 | Pat Sajak's Lucky LettersPat SajakPat Sajak is a television personality, former weatherman, actor and talk show host, best known as the host of the American television game show Wheel of Fortune.-Early life:...
(Mobile) - Developed for UIEvolution (an ex-subsidiary of Square EnixSquare Enixis a Japanese video game and publishing company best known for its console role-playing game franchises, which include the Final Fantasy series, the Dragon Quest series, and the action-RPG Kingdom Hearts series...
) - 2006 | Moto GP Manager (Mobile) - Published by THQ Wireless
- 2006 | Full Spectrum Warrior: MobileFull Spectrum WarriorFull Spectrum Warrior is a real-time tactics videogame. It was developed by the Institute for Creative Technologies in association with Pandemic Studios and published by THQ. It was released on June 1, 2004 for the Xbox, September 21, 2004 for Windows and on March 23, 2005 for the PlayStation 2...
(Mobile) - Published by THQ Wireless
Spin-off titles
These are titles directly based on 5TH Cell's original games that were not developed by 5TH Cell themselves.- 2008 | Drawn to Life: SpongeBob SquarePants EditionDrawn to Life: Spongebob Squarepants EditionDrawn to Life: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition is a video game for the Nintendo DS. It is a spin-off of 5th Cell's 2007 DS hit Drawn to Life, and is based on the Nickelodeon animated comedy series SpongeBob SquarePants, specifically the episode "Frankendoodle". The game was developed by a Japanese...
(DS) - Developed by AltronAltronAltron is a Japanese video game developer and publisher located in: Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan. It was found in: 1983...
, Published by THQ - 2009 | Drawn to Life: The Next ChapterDrawn to Life: The Next ChapterDrawn to Life: The Next Chapter is the title of two sequels of the video game Drawn to Life, published by THQ. One of the games was developed by 5th Cell for the Nintendo DS, while the other was created by Planet Moon Studios for the Wii....
(Wii) - Developed by Planet Moon StudiosPlanet Moon StudiosPlanet Moon Studios is a game development studio based in San Francisco, California founded by ex-Shiny Entertainment developers Nick Bruty and Bob Stevenson in 1997...
, Published by THQ