What Does Manifesto Games Do?

Total employees33
HeadquartersNew York
Founded2005

Manifesto Games was an American digital distribution service for independently developed personal computer games, launched in 2005 by Greg Costikyan and Johnny L. Wilson. It aimed to provide a viable alternative for indie developers to get their games to market, championing DRM-free titles and a curated selection. The platform sought to empower small studios by offering them a direct sales channel and fostering a community around unique and innovative games. While it ceased active operations around 2008-2009, Manifesto Games is remembered for its early advocacy for independent developers in the digital space, predating or running concurrently with the rise of larger platforms like Steam for indie titles.

Where Is Manifesto Games's Headquarters?

HQ Function

The New York headquarters served as the central operational base, managing platform development, game curation, developer relations, marketing, sales, and business administration.

Notable Features:

As a startup of its time, specific architectural details are not widely documented; the focus would have been on functional office space suitable for a small, agile tech company.

Work Culture:

The work culture was likely dynamic, passionate, and mission-driven, reflecting the founders' strong advocacy for independent game developers. It would have fostered an entrepreneurial spirit, collaboration, and a commitment to disrupting traditional game publishing models.

HQ Significance:

Being located in New York City provided access to a vibrant tech and media ecosystem. The headquarters was significant as the operational core of an early effort to build a dedicated digital marketplace for independent games.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters' operations embodied the company's core values of supporting indie creators, fostering innovation in gaming, and promoting accessibility to diverse game titles.

Location:

As a digital distribution platform, Manifesto Games had a global reach, allowing customers from around the world with internet access to purchase and download independent PC games. It supported indie developers internationally by providing them a direct sales channel to a worldwide audience, transcending geographical retail limitations.

Street Address:

[Specific street address not publicly available from its operational period]

City:

New York

State/Province:

NY

Country:

USA

Where Else Does Manifesto Games Operate Around the World?

No additional office locations available.

Buying Intent Signals for Manifesto Games

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Manifesto Games? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Manifesto Games' leadership includes:

Greg Costikyan - CEO & Co-Founder
Johnny L. Wilson - President & Co-Founder

Who's Investing in Manifesto Games?

Manifesto Games has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Primarily self-funded or supported by undisclosed angel investors. Specific external investor details are not widely public.

What Leadership Changes Has Manifesto Games Seen Recently?

Hire0
Exits0

Manifesto Games ceased active operations circa 2008-2009. Consequently, there have been no executive new hires or exits in the last 12 months or in recent years. The founders moved on to other ventures after its operational period.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byManifesto Games?

Discover the tools Manifesto Games uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Manifesto Games Email Formats and Examples

As Manifesto Games is no longer operational, active email formats do not exist. During its operation, common email patterns for tech companies included [first_initial][last]@[domain] or [first].[last]@[domain]. The domain 'manifestogames.com' is no longer active.

Likely formats during operation: jdoe@manifestogames.com (e.g., [first_initial][last]) or john.doe@manifestogames.com (e.g., [first].[last])

Format

gcostikyan@manifestogames.com (speculative example based on common formats; non-functional)

Example

0%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Manifesto Games?

Game Developer (formerly Gamasutra)October 26, 2005

Manifesto Games News: Costikyan Launches Manifesto Games, Independent Provocateur

Industry veteran Greg Costikyan announced the launch of Manifesto Games, a new online distribution portal aimed at providing independent game developers with a direct channel to consumers, emphasizing fair terms and a curated selection of titles....more

Rock Paper ShotgunAugust 20, 2007

Manifesto Games News: Manifesto Games: No DRM, No Cry

Rock Paper Shotgun highlighted Manifesto Games' strong stance on offering DRM-free games, a significant differentiator at the time, appealing to both developers and players frustrated with restrictive digital rights management practices....more

KotakuDecember 3, 2008

Manifesto Games News: Greg Costikyan On The Imminent Death of Manifesto Games

Greg Costikyan discussed the challenges faced by Manifesto Games and its likely wind-down, citing difficulties in competing with larger platforms and securing sufficient traction in the evolving digital distribution landscape for indie games....more

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