LAWRENCE, Kan., October 10, 2011 -- Fourfire, an independent developer, announced its formation today. The new studio will be dedicated to producing innovative and genre-defining iOS and handheld games. Founded in Jayhawk country Lawrence, KS by Creative Director Matt Cox, Fourfire’s first title “Sticky Bees” will feature the studio’s vision to bring simple, addictive and unique gameplay that satisfies both the casual crowd and the hardcore gamer. Fourfire is now in alpha phase on their inaugural title.

Cox left the games industry in 2009 to pursue non-gaming opportunities.  With those efforts now in full swing, he is re-entering the gaming industry with the same passion he had working as a designer on Scribblenauts and the Destroy All Humans franchise. "I want to take risks with genre-defining ideas. I love designing gameplay that can be fun in small spurts, but has the depth to hook my more hardcore gamer instincts."

Not just about the fun, the company plans to always donate a portion of its profits to a variety of non-profit organizations including Charity:Water, an organization dedicated to building water wells for the one billion humans who don’t have access to clean water.

“Although we love games, we realize it’s a first world luxury.  So if we could create games that are fun while helping to bring healing and hope in the real world, that would be the best type of ‘success’ to us,” says Cox.

Fourfire will capitalize on the strengths and decision-making freedom of a small team of four. “With the iPhone - and other popular handheld devices - the industry has witnessed a dramatic shift with how small teams can make quality titles with the right idea, execution and positioning,” says Cox. “We are a team of four gamers with the fire to make great games for everyone that have significance beyond the screen.”

Fourfire will release more details on “Sticky Bees” ( www.stickybees.com) in the near future. Target release is late November. Their web site ( www.fourfire.net) will be the first step in establishing Fourfire’s presence in the gaming world.

“We’re excited for Sticky Bees,” says Cox. “We think it will surprise all types of gamers.”