Third Option Collective

NO MASTERS. ONLY MAKERS.

Who We Are

We are a worker-owned game development cooperative: building games on our time, sharing in the reward, and controlling our own future.

We're 100% remote, globally distributed, and open to anyone who shares our values of empathy, hard work, equity, and mutual respect.

Each member can leave when life calls, and active members have equal voting rights, and earn equity and profit share.

Why We Exist

Because the games industry is in chaos, and developers deserve better. We exist to welcome people who've been:

  • Terminated despite doing exceptional work
  • Told they're "overqualified"
  • Cut from profitable companies that didn't need to cut them
  • Replaced or downsized in the name of "AI efficiency"
  • Hurt by leadership that hoards power and wealth at the top
  • Ignored despite having valuable insights and ideas
  • Sick of giant, risky projects that succeed on a coin flip

What We Do

We build games intentionally and mindfully, through a systematized approach designed for repeatability and long-term sustainability.

Whenever possible, we build our own tools or use free and open-source alternatives to maintain financial independence and creative sovereignty.

How We Work

1

Apply to Join

New members are accepted by a majority of active members.

2

Earn Power Through Action

Active members earn equal voting rights and start earning equity.

3

Evaluate Pitches

Pitches are evaluated for market viability, scope, and technical capability.

4

Start Building

Projects focus on player value, shipping quickly, and reusable systems.

5

Ship It!

Games ship within 2 to 10 week periods, building bigger games over time.