# Panic

> American software company and video game publisher

**Wikidata**: [Q7131061](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7131061)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_Inc.)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/panic

## Summary
Panic is an American software company and video game publisher based in Portland, Oregon, known for creating tools like Coda and Transmit, as well as publishing acclaimed games such as *Firewatch* and developing the Playdate handheld console.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1997 by Steven Frank and Cabel Sasser.
- Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, United States.
- Operates as a privately held company.
- Develops both productivity software (e.g., Coda, Transmit) and video games (e.g., *Firewatch*, *Nour: Play with Your Food*).
- Created the custom operating system Playdate OS for its own handheld gaming console, Playdate.
- Maintains verified social media accounts including Twitter (@panic), Mastodon (@panic@social.panic.com), and Bluesky (panic.com).

## FAQs
### Q: What is Panic known for?
A: Panic is best known for developing popular Mac applications like Coda and Transmit, publishing successful video games such as *Firewatch*, and creating the innovative Playdate handheld game console.

### Q: When was Panic founded?
A: Panic was founded in 1997 by Steven Frank and Cabel Sasser.

### Q: Is Panic a video game developer or publisher?
A: Panic functions as both a video game developer and publisher, having developed titles like *Firewatch* and published others under its brand.

## Why It Matters
Panic has played a significant role in shaping modern software development tools and independent video game culture. Its suite of web development applications—like Coda and Transmit—has been widely adopted by developers for their intuitive design and powerful features. In the gaming world, Panic has distinguished itself through high-quality storytelling and experimental hardware innovation with the release of the Playdate console. The company’s commitment to user experience and creative freedom continues to influence both industries.

## Notable For
- Developing award-winning games like *Firewatch*.
- Creating the Playdate handheld game console and its custom OS.
- Publishing influential web development tools such as Coda and Transmit.
- Being one of the early pioneers of indie-focused digital distribution via platforms like Steam and direct downloads.

## Body
### Company Overview
Panic Inc. is an American technology company that operates primarily in two domains: software development tools and video game publishing. Established in 1997, it has built a reputation for producing clean, efficient, and visually appealing products aimed at creative professionals and gamers alike.

### Founding & Leadership
The company was co-founded by Steven Frank and Cabel Sasser. Both founders have remained active in guiding the company's vision, particularly focusing on quality over quantity in product development.

### Products and Services
#### Software Tools
- **Coda**: A web development application first released on April 23, 2007. Designed for macOS users, it combines several essential coding utilities into a single interface.
- **Transmit**: An FTP client used extensively by designers and developers for transferring files between local machines and servers.
- **Nova**: Another code editor developed specifically for macOS environments.

#### Video Games
- **Firewatch**: A narrative-driven adventure game released in 2016, which received critical acclaim for its storytelling and art direction.
- **Nour: Play with Your Food** (2023): A physics-based puzzle platformer showcasing Panic’s continued interest in experimental gameplay mechanics.

#### Hardware Innovation
In 2021, Panic launched the **Playdate**, a monochrome handheld console featuring a unique crank control mechanism. Alongside this device came the development of **Playdate OS**, a custom-built operating system tailored exclusively for the console.

### Industry Presence
Panic participates actively within the broader tech community. It maintains profiles across major platforms—including GitHub (username: panicinc)—and engages regularly with fans and customers through blogs, forums, and social networks.

### Social Media Reach
As of recent reports:
- Over 58,000 followers on Twitter/X as of early 2023.
- Approximately 7,700 followers on Mastodon by mid-2024.

These figures reflect ongoing engagement with both professional peers and consumer audiences interested in design-oriented software and indie gaming.

### Official Channels
- Website: [https://panic.com](https://panic.com)
- Blog: [https://panic.com/blog](https://panic.com/blog)
- Support and contact information also available through official site navigation.

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Panic",
  "description": "American software company and video game publisher",
  "url": "https://panic.com",
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## References

1. [Panic - Shockingly Good Software.](https://www.panic.com/)
2. National Software Reference Library
3. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
4. [Source](https://panic.com/)
5. [Internet Domains Wikibase](https://domains.wikibase.cloud/entity/Q120414)
6. Video Games Chronicle