In the ever-evolving world of indie games, few names carry as much quiet influence as Hopoo Games. Best known for Risk of Rain and Risk of Rain 2, this small but powerful studio has carved out a reputation for crafting challenging, replayable, and deeply atmospheric experiences.
Whether you’re a long-time roguelike fan or just discovering the indie scene, learning about Hopoo Games reveals how innovation, minimalism, and community can create cult classics. In this guide, we’ll explore everything from their origins to plans, all while examining what makes this studio so unique in the gaming landscape.
Let’s dive into the world of Hopoo Games, where gameplay reigns and roguelikes get reimagined.
What is Hopoo Games?
Hopoo Games is an independent game development studio founded in 2012 by Paul Morse and Duncan Drummond, two students from the University of Washington. Their debut title, Risk of Rain, was developed during college and launched in 2013 to critical and commercial success.
Key facts:
- Founded: 2012
- Location: USA (Remote-first)
- Famous for: Risk of Rain, Risk of Rain 2
- Known for: Procedural generation, minimalist design, roguelike mechanics
What sets Hopoo Games apart is their commitment to tight gameplay loops, co-op support, and an art style that feels distinctively their own. Their games are built to challenge players while remaining accessible and endlessly replayable.
The Rise of Risk of Rain: Hopoo’s Breakthrough Hit
When Risk of Rain launched in 2013, it was a sleeper hit. Built in GameMaker and featuring pixel art with roguelike elements, the game took the indie scene by storm.
Why it worked:
- Procedural maps meant every run felt different.
- The difficulty scaled with time, a then-unique twist.
- Local and online co-op let players experience chaos together.
- A memorable soundtrack and lore-rich environment added depth.
“Hopoo Games took a simple idea and turned it into a deeply addictive experience.”
Risk of Rain not only helped define the roguelike platformer genre—it also paved the way for future titles that embraced difficulty as a feature, not a flaw.
Risk of Rain 2: The Leap to 3D
In 2020, Risk of Rain 2 was officially released after a successful early access period. What surprised fans most? The switch to 3D gameplay.
What made it stand out:
- Smooth transition from 2D to fully 3D environments
- New characters, skill systems, and enemies
- Seamless 4-player co-op
- Deep meta-progression system
- Intense boss fights and verticality in map design
Hopoo Games retained everything that made the original great while introducing new layers of complexity. Risk of Rain 2 quickly became a staple in the roguelike shooter genre, rivalling titles like Hades and Dead Cells.
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Game Design Philosophy of Hopoo Games
What makes Hopoo Games so respected isn’t just their titles—it’s their philosophy.
Challenge Without Frustration
Their games are tough, but fair. Difficulty scales over time, encouraging faster decision-making and strategy.
Replayability is Key
Procedural generation, random item drops, and character variety mean no two runs are the same.
Atmosphere & Music
From the haunting soundtrack of Risk of Rain to the minimalist UI, everything serves a purpose. They trust players to discover the story organically.
Co-op Is Never an Afterthought
Hopoo integrates multiplayer from the ground up, making it a core part of the fun—not an add-on.
LSI Keywords: procedural generation indie games, co-op roguelikes, minimalist game design
Other Hopoo Games & Collaborations
Though best known for Risk of Rain, Hopoo has dabbled in other projects:
Notable Mentions:
- Deadbolt (published by Hopoo) – A fast-paced stealth-action game by developer Hopoo-published Hopoo-published Hopoo-published Hopoo Games
- Risk of Rain Returns (2023) – A full remake of the original, with modern enhancements and multiplayer improvements
- Unnamed Projects – Rumours suggest Hopoo is working on a brand-new IP set for early access in late 2025
They’ve remained relatively low-profile, focusing on quality over quantity.
What’s Next for Hopoo Games in 2025?
Post-Acquisition Growth
In 2023, Hopoo Games was partially acquired by Gearbox Publishing. While some fans feared a loss of indie charm, the collaboration has so far expanded Hopoo’s resources without sacrificing their vision.
New IP in Development
Industry insiders suggest a sci-fi survival game with base-building elements is in early development. If true, this could mark Hopoo’s biggest genre shift yet.
Expanding the Risk of Rain Universe
Expect more updates, mods, and possibly even a spin-off or story-rich campaign expansion for Risk of Rain 2.
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Community & Modding: A Core Strength
The Hopoo Games community is one of the most active and dedicated among indie titles. Modders have extended Risk of Rain 2 with:
- New characters (e.g., Paladin, Enforcer)
- Custom maps and game modes
- Quality-of-life improvements
Why it matters:
Hopoo has never cracked down on mods—instead, they’ve embraced them. This attitude builds trust and longevity, helping their games stay relevant for years.
Example: Risk of Rain 2 modded builds have over 500,000 active users on Nexus Mods.
Hopoo Games vs Other Indie Studios
Here’s how Hopoo stacks up against other well-known indie devs:
| Studio | Known For | Multiplayer Focus | Procedural Generation | Visual Style |
| Hopoo Games | Risk of Rain series | Strong | Core feature | Minimalist |
| Motion Twin | Dead Cells | None | Yes | Pixel-art |
| Supergiant Games | Hades, Bastion | No (mostly solo) | Partial (Hades) | Hand-dran |
| Klei Entertainment | Don’t Starve, Oxygen Not Included | Medium | Yes | Cartoonish |
Hopoo stands out for combining roguelike depth with multiplayer fun—a rare and winning formula.
Should You Try Hopoo Games?
If you enjoy:
- Fast-paced action
- High replayability
- Challenging roguelikes
- Local or online co-op
… Then yes, Hopoo Games should be on your radar.
Whether it’s your first time trying Risk of Rain 2 or you’re revisiting Risk of Rain Returns, there’s always something fresh to discover—and usually, someone to share the fun with.
Read Also: Best Couch Co-Op Games on PS5 (2025) for Local Fun
Conclusion
Hopoo Games proves that small studios can make a massive impact. Their focus on tight mechanics, replayability, and player-driven storytelling continues to raise the bar in indie gaming.
In 2025, Hopoo is poised for even more growth, with new titles in the pipeline, remastered classics getting modern love, and a passionate player base fueling their evolution.
If you haven’t yet explored the unique blend of chaos and charm they offer, now’s the time to start. Hopoo Games isn’t just making games—they’re shaping indie gaming’s future.
FAQs
Who founded Hopoo Games?
Hopoo Games was founded by Paul Morse and Duncan Drummond in 2012 while they were university students.
What is Hopoo Games best known for?
They’re best known for the Risk of Rain series, especially Risk of Rain 2.
Is Hopoo Games still indie after Gearbox’s involvement?
Yes, while Gearbox assists with publishing, Hopoo retains creative control and operates independently.
Can I play Hopoo Games titles with friends?
Absolutely! Most of their titles, including Risk of Rain 2, support local and online co-op.
What is Risk of Rain Returns?
It’s a modern remake of the original Risk of Rain game, released in 2023 with improved graphics and multiplayer features.
