Taking Names and Making Games.
Akupara Games is a (mostly) LA-based independent publisher that champions distinctive games and the people who make them. We show up ethically, sustainably, and for the long haul.
We aim to be the industry’s most trusted independent label and thought leader, where the “Akupara” name serves as a global signal for games with soul, craft, and enduring impact.
As a fully remote company, we proudly boast employees and clients from across the globe!
Our Beliefs
1:1s / Office Hours
Regular, structured time for support, feedback, and problem-solving at every level.No-Crunch Culture
Enforced boundaries to prevent burnout and to protect work/life balance.Employment Surveys & Incident Reports
Formal mechanisms to surface issues safely and act on feedback.Promote From Within
Clear growth paths and recognition for long-term contribution.Training Resources
Ongoing access to education and knowledge through Udemy, GDC Vault, Lunch n Learns.Operational Excellence
Shared decision-making paired with ownership of outcomes.Accessibility
Embedded accessibility requirements in contracts and development processes, along with subject matter experts consulting.Sensitivity
Ensuring respectful, informed representation in content and communication, along with subject matter experts consulting.Charitable & Educational Outreach
Ongoing support for organizations like Extra Life, Girls Make Games, WIGI, social impact, schools, and indie education initiatives.Customized Accommodations
Flexible, individualized support for employees and partners.Visibility
Normalizing inclusion and identity respect across all touchpoints.Open Door Policy & Ease of Access
We remain reachable, responsive, and human.Standardized Processes & Documentation
Clear, repeatable, templatized workflows and internal wikis.Continuous Improvement
Honest reflection to ensure we’re always better than we were before.Analytics-Informed Decision Making
Data used to reinforce (not replace) our curatorial voice.
Benefits and Perks
Flexible Schedules & Remote Workplace
Trust-based work structures that prioritize outcomes over hours.Employer-Matched 401(k)
Long-term financial investment in employee stability and future security.Bonuses
Shared success through performance- and company-aligned bonus structures.Healthcare
Comprehensive coverage that supports physical and mental wellbeing.Parental Leave
Policies that support families and life changes without career penalty.Professional Development Friday
Dedicated time for learning, experimentation, and skill growth.Paid Flights & Event Accommodations
Paid flights, hotels and meals for anyone who attends events to represent Akupara in an official capacity.Company-Wide Playtests
All active employees are invited to play builds and give directed feedback on upcoming in-development titles.People & Culture Team
Internal special interest group responsible for driving company-wide culture building, DEI and charitable activities.Team-Driven Game Scouting
All Akuparans are encouraged to help shape the future of our portfolio of published titles.Annual In-Person Company Retreat
Every year, Akupara hosts an in-person company retreat in Los Angeles called “Shellout!”Employee Referrals
Finder's fee for internal hires made through personal network.PTO & Sick Leave
3 weeks of PTO to eligible to employees working 20 to 40 hours/week.Paid Holidays
9 paid holidays with the ability to take floating to support international employees.Comped Meals
Meal credits for birthdays, OT and participation in monthly activities.Phantom Equity
Participation in payouts for major financial moments for the company.Company Merch
Regular gifts of company and game-branded physical merchandise.Commitment to Growing of Perks
Continuous improvement of team benefits is a core motivation of the business.Our Team of Experts
David Logan
CEO
(he/they)
Alyssa Kollgaard
COO
(any/all)
Buddy Sola
Head of Marketing
(he/him)
Vicky Wei
Head of Finance
(she/her)
Enrique Otheo
Senior Development Producer
(he/him)
Jessica Flor
Senior Marketing Producer
(she/they)
Tanya Courtney
Senior Marketing Producer
(she/he/they)
Richard Suchit
Senior Marketing Producer
(he/him)
Harri Staub
Hybrid Producer
(she/her)
Rachel Heleva
Marketing Producer/Scout
(she/her)
James Sabol
Development Producer
(he/him)
Xavier Stambaugh
Marketing Lead
(he/him)
Joseph Shockley
Community Manager
(he/him)
Luis Illingworth
Video Editor
(he/him)
Mike Shanks
Lead Artist
(he/him)
Andrew Montemayor
2D Artist & Animator
(he/him)
Catton Arthur
Senior Composer & SFX Artist
(he/they)
Andrew Marrero
Senior Programmer
(he/him)
Jaden Davis
Programmer
(he/him)
Saran Krishnaraja
Programmer
(he/him)
Miles Gomez
Programmer
(he/him)
Advisors
Estevão Arantes
Founder at Automata & Ex Head of Technology at Akupara Games
Howard Roeske
Lead Software Engineer at Kittehface Games & Technical Director at Akupara Games
Jared Yeager
Head of Developer Relations at Oncade & Partner at Indie Fund
Matthew Smith
Senior Director of Business Development at MeshyAI
Yoonsang David Yu
Marketing Lead at ModRetro & Co-Founder at Akupara Games
Kellee Santiago
Executive Vice President Game Development at E-Line Media & Partner at Indie Fund
