# Bonfire Studios

> Video game studio based in Orange County, California

**Wikidata**: [Q56517074](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56517074)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bonfire-studios-q56517074

## Summary  
Bonfire Studios is a video game development studio based in Irvine, Orange County, California, founded in 2016 by industry veteran Rob Pardo. As a software development organization, it specializes in creating video games, operating within the broader video game industry. The studio is recognized for its verified social media presence and foundational role in interactive entertainment.  

## Key Facts  
- **Founded:** 2016 (source: *The New York Times* article, 2016-09-12).  
- **Founder/CEO:** Rob Pardo (notable for prior work as lead designer of *World of Warcraft*).  
- **Headquarters:** Irvine, Orange County, California.  
- **Industry:** Video game industry.  
- **Social Media:**  
  - Twitter: `@bonfirestudios` (verified, created 2016-06-16, 7,792 followers as of 2020-04-19; 8,432 followers as of 2021-01-07).  
  - Facebook: `@bonfirestudios`.  
  - Instagram: `@bonfire.studios`.  
  - LinkedIn: `bonfire-studios-inc`.  
- **Identifiers:**  
  - Crunchbase: `bonfire-studios`.  
  - Wikidata: Described as "video game studio based in Orange County, California".  
- **Website:** http://www.bonfirestudios.com.  

## FAQs  
### Q: When was Bonfire Studios founded?  
**A:** The studio was founded in 2016, as reported by *The New York Times*.  

### Q: Who leads Bonfire Studios?  
**A:** Rob Pardo serves as CEO, having established the studio after his tenure as lead designer of *World of Warcraft*.  

### Q: Where is Bonfire Studios located?  
**A:** The studio is headquartered in Irvine, Orange County, California.  

### Q: What social media platforms does Bonfire Studios use?  
**A:** The studio maintains verified profiles on Twitter (`@bonfirestudios`), Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  

### Q: How is Bonfire Studios classified?  
**A:** It is categorized as a video game developer, a subclass of *video game company* and *organization*.  

## Why It Matters  
Bonfire Studios represents a venture by a seasoned industry professional (Rob Pardo) to contribute original content to the gaming sector. As a development-focused entity, it plays a role in advancing interactive entertainment, leveraging its base in a tech-driven region (Orange County) to foster innovation. Its verified online presence and Crunchbase listing underscore its legitimacy and engagement with both the gaming community and industry stakeholders.  

## Notable For  
- **Founding by Rob Pardo:** Established by a high-profile game designer with a proven track record (*World of Warcraft*).  
- **Verified Social Media:** Maintains authenticated profiles across major platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).  
- **Crunchbase Listing:** Documented in Crunchbase as `bonfire-studios`, enhancing visibility in the tech and gaming startup ecosystem.  
- **Specific Inception Date:** Founded in 2016, contextualized by media coverage in *The New York Times*.  

## Body  

### History and Founding  
Bonfire Studios was founded in **2016** by **Rob Pardo**, a veteran game designer known for his role as lead designer of *World of Warcraft*. The studio’s inception was documented in a *New York Times* article (2016-09-12), highlighting Pardo’s transition to independent game development.  

### Leadership and Structure  
- **CEO:** Rob Pardo, whose industry experience includes leadership roles at Blizzard Entertainment.  
- **Classification:** Operates as a **video game developer**, distinct from publishers, focusing on game creation rather than distribution.  

### Online Presence  
- **Twitter:** Verified account (`@bonfirestudios`) launched on 2016-06-16, with follower metrics tracked over time (7,792 in 2020; 8,432 in 2021).  
- **Additional Platforms:** Active profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, facilitating community engagement and industry networking.  

### Industry Context  
- **Geographic Hub:** Based in **Irvine, Orange County, California**, a region associated with technology and entertainment innovation.  
- **Sector Role:** Contributes to the **video game industry** through software development, aligning with the broader scope of interactive entertainment production.  

### Related Identifiers and Data  
- **Crunchbase:** Listed under `bonfire-studios`, providing public-facing information on the studio’s operations and structure.  
- **Wikidata:** Described succinctly as a "video game studio based in Orange County, California," emphasizing its core identity and location.  

### Cultural and Operational Notes  
- **Website:** Primary digital footprint at **http://www.bonfirestudios.com**, serving as a central resource for updates and projects.  
- **Foundational Year Context:** The 2016 founding aligns with a period of growth in independent game development, reflecting broader industry trends toward studio autonomy and creative-driven projects.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/12/technology/a-new-phase-for-world-of-warcrafts-lead-designer-his-own-start-up.html?_r=3)