Mission Statement
To craft captivating interactive experiences that resonate with and celebrate people from every walk of life. Our identity as a queer-owned company drives our commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, not just within our workplace but through the games we develop. We strive to set a new standard in the gaming industry by ensuring equitable compensation and substantial benefits for our team members, who share in the success of the products they help create. Our games are designed to forge deep connections and amplify the visibility of diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people across all races and nationalities, and those from various socioeconomic backgrounds. By fostering a culture of support and inclusivity, we empower our diverse team to excel and positively impact the broader community.
We aren't just playing with algorithms and making the caffeine industry rich. As a pioneering independent game development company based in the high desert of Southern California, we have learned that life in the high desert requires resilience, planning and how to perform without getting lost on a shortcut. Our creations embody these values; They are are not just games - they are experiences that push the envelope of genre conventions by persisting through criticism, careful design, and effictive implementation of community feedback. Combining intricate algorithms, popular gaming mechanics, and optimized user experiences - we aim to level up the indie game industry. Our team of desert degenerates consists of a seasoned software engineer, a talented usability engineer, a dedicated model designer, and two ingenious playtest engineers (affectionately known as our CEO's "children"), brings passion and expertise to every project. We're more than ready to face new challenges, and bounce up and down in our ergonomic chairs at the opportunity to showcase our innovative creations.
Understanding the passion and commitment of the indie game community is fundamental to our philosophy. Every indie game developer and company recognizes that our market is driven entirely by the involvement of our players. Without our playerbase, we are nothing but a name and an overdrawn bank account. Our goal is to actively engage with and heed the advice, feedback, and suggestions of our community and playtesters. We believe that the value of our games are greatly enhanced by those who invest in them. While our interests spark the initial flame of creativity, it is the involvement and input of our community that shape and refine our titles. We don’t just create games - we create player-developer relationships, ensuring that voices are heard and valued.
Join us on this exhilarating journey where we, as a united front of developers and players, are doing so much more than just building games...
We are reshaping the world – one game at a time.
Melanie Harris - CEO & Lead Developer
At the helm of Take Five Games is Melanie Harris, a trailblazing 33-year-old transgender woman whose journey in tech is as inspiring as it is impactful. With a deep passion for software engineering, Melanie has been a professional in the field for five years, bringing a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the world of game development.
Her professional portfolio is nothing short of impressive. Having developed two groundbreaking, yet-to-be-published games, Melanie has also showcased her versatility by designing multiple websites, including an award-winning Computer Aided Dispatch system that ingeniously integrates the Google Maps API. This particular project not only demonstrated her technical prowess but also earned her first place in a Usability Engineering competition, solidifying her status as a forward-thinking developer.
Melanie's academic background is equally remarkable. She holds a degree in Computer Science from CSU Chico and is currently furthering her expertise at CSU Fullerton, pursuing a master's in Software Engineering. Her academic pursuits mirror her professional ones – driven, focused, and always ahead of the curve.
But what truly sets Melanie apart is her vision: to create an inclusive workplace that not only champions but celebrates the LGBTQ and neurodiverse communities. Her leadership at Take Five Games is a testament to this commitment, steering the company towards creating engaging experiences that resonate with a diverse audience. Her dedication to representation and inclusivity in the gaming industry is not just a professional mission; it's a personal one.
Investing in Take Five Games under Melanie Harris's leadership is not just investing in a game development company; it's supporting a movement towards a more inclusive and diverse digital world. Here, every game is a step towards change, every code a narrative of inclusion, and every product a testament to Melanie's unwavering vision.
Johnathon Shropshire - Shareholder
Johnathon Shropshire, a dedicated father of two, embodies the spirit of resilience and generosity. Balancing two jobs with remarkable finesse, he not only serves the community through his main role in the school district but also commits his spare time to volunteering as a model designer for Take Five Games, LLC. His work in the school district isn't just a job; it's a testament to his dedication to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future. Johnathon's efforts in promoting inclusivity and understanding within the school system have made him a beloved figure among colleagues and students alike.
Behind the scenes, Johnathon has been the cornerstone of support and inspiration for Take Five Games, LLC, a venture led by his best friend of over two decades. His unwavering encouragement and motivation were pivotal in bringing the dream of Take Five Games into reality. As a model designer, he blends his creative talents with a deep understanding of the gaming community, contributing significantly to the unique and engaging experiences that Take Five Games offers. Johnathon's story is not just one of hard work and dedication; it's about the power of friendship, support, and believing in someone's vision, making him an invaluable part of the Take Five Games family.
