Draft:Appsomniacs
Industry | Video games |
---|---|
Founded | 2011 |
Founder | Chad Towns |
Headquarters | United States |
Key people | Chad Towns (Founder) |
Products | Mini Militia, Mini Militia Classic, Doodle Army |
Website | Official Website |
Appsomniacs LLC is an American video game development company, widely recognized for creating the popular multiplayer action game series Mini Militia. Founded by Chad Towns in 2011, the company specializes in mobile gaming and is known for producing fast-paced, engaging 2D multiplayer combat games. Appsomniacs is best known for developing Mini Militia (also referred to as Doodle Army 2: Mini Militia), which became a viral sensation, particularly in Southeast Asia, due to its addictive gameplay and easy-to-learn mechanics.
History
Appsomniacs LLC was founded by indie game developer Chad Towns, whose background in creating simple yet captivating mobile games led to the early success of the company. Their first major release, Doodle Army, was a 2D shooter that laid the groundwork for the more ambitious project that would follow—Mini Militia.
In 2015, Appsomniacs released Mini Militia, a mobile multiplayer combat game that allowed up to six players to battle in 2D environments. The game quickly garnered attention for its fast-paced action, intuitive controls, and ability to support offline LAN play. Within months of release, Mini Militia became a cultural phenomenon, particularly in countries like India and the Philippines, where it saw tens of millions of downloads on both iOS and Android platforms.
Partnership with Miniclip
In 2017, Miniclip, a global gaming company known for its browser and mobile games, acquired publishing rights for Mini Militia. Under Miniclip's stewardship, the game continued to grow, introducing new features, monetization strategies, and gameplay elements. However, many long-time fans felt that the updates altered the core experience that initially made the game popular. These changes, such as the introduction of in-app purchases and modifications to gameplay balance, were met with criticism by players, who expressed dissatisfaction across social media and gaming forums.[citation needed]
Release of Mini Militia Classic
In response to the backlash over Miniclip's version of Mini Militia, Chad Towns and Appsomniacs LLC decided to release Mini Militia Classic in 2020. This version was aimed at restoring the original gameplay experience, as it existed before the Miniclip updates. Mini Militia Classic reintroduced many of the features and mechanics that fans loved, such as the absence of forced in-app purchases and a more balanced multiplayer experience. The release was widely praised by long-time fans, many of whom felt that Mini Militia Classic was a return to form for the franchise.[citation needed]
According to Chad Towns, Mini Militia Classic was designed as a love letter to the game's original player base, with the intention of preserving the simple, fast-paced action that made Mini Militia a success. In an interview, he remarked, "We wanted to give back to the community that supported us from the start, and Mini Militia Classic is our way of doing that."[citation needed]
Gameplay
Both Mini Militia and Mini Militia Classic are 2D multiplayer action games that allow players to battle in real-time using a variety of weapons, jetpacks, and explosives. The games are known for their easy-to-learn mechanics and simple controls, making them accessible to players of all skill levels. Matches can be played online with up to six players, or via LAN connections, enabling local multiplayer without the need for an internet connection.
Mini Militia Classic returns to the gameplay model seen in the early versions of Mini Militia, prioritizing a more balanced multiplayer experience. The game is free to play, with an emphasis on skill-based progression rather than paid power-ups or enhancements.
Criticism of Miniclip Version
The version of Mini Militia managed by Miniclip received mixed reviews from players due to the introduction of features like loot boxes, premium subscriptions, and in-game purchases. Many long-term players felt that these features disrupted the competitive balance and altered the experience of the game. Complaints ranged from increased pay-to-win elements to changes in the game's physics and combat dynamics.[citation needed]
Several user reviews on platforms like the Google Play Store and Apple App Store noted that the introduction of premium content detracted from the game’s original charm, leading to a decline in the active player base. This prompted Appsomniacs LLC to address these concerns directly with the launch of Mini Militia Classic.
Reception
Mini Militia was initially lauded for its unique blend of fast-paced action and accessibility. It received millions of downloads globally, with a particularly strong fan base in countries like India, Indonesia, and Philippines. As of 2020, the game had been downloaded more than 100 million times across both Android and iOS platforms.[citation needed]
Mini Militia Classic was met with a positive response from fans who had grown frustrated with the changes introduced by Miniclip. The classic version helped rejuvenate interest in the game and was seen as a testament to Appsomniacs' dedication to their player community.
Games Developed by Appsomniacs LLC
- Doodle Army (2011)
- Mini Militia (2015)
- Mini Militia Classic (2020)