# Running with Scissors

> video game company

**Wikidata**: [Q498812](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q498812)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running_with_Scissors_(company))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/running-with-scissors

## Summary
Running with Scissors (RWS) is a privately held video game developer based in Tucson, Arizona, founded in 1996 by Vince Desi. It is best known for creating the controversial *Postal* series, which gained notoriety for its dark humor and violent content.

## Key Facts
- Founded in **1996** by **Vince Desi** in **Tucson, Arizona**.
- CEO: **Vince Desi** (since 1996).
- Notable for developing the *Postal* franchise, including *Postal* (1997), *Postal 2* (2003), and related compilations.
- Operates as a **privately held company** in the **video game industry**.
- Social media presence includes **Twitter (@RWSstudios)**, **YouTube (UCjoozf2c1N1ZRE2ecRoASjQ)**, and **Discord (977302249476861952)**.
- Official website: [runningwithscissors.com](http://runningwithscissors.com/).

## FAQs
### Q: What is Running with Scissors known for?
A: Running with Scissors is best known for developing the *Postal* series, a controversial line of video games recognized for their dark humor and violent themes.

### Q: Who founded Running with Scissors?
A: The company was founded in **1996** by **Vince Desi**, who remains its CEO.

### Q: Where is Running with Scissors located?
A: The company is headquartered in **Tucson, Arizona, USA**.

### Q: What type of games does Running with Scissors develop?
A: RWS specializes in **first-person shooter** and **action games**, often with satirical or provocative themes, such as the *Postal* series.

### Q: Is Running with Scissors a public company?
A: No, it is a **privately held company**.

## Why It Matters
Running with Scissors has carved a niche in the video game industry by pushing boundaries with its *Postal* series, which challenges conventional norms in game design and storytelling. The franchise is often cited in discussions about **video game violence, censorship, and free expression**, making RWS a notable player in debates about artistic freedom in gaming. While controversial, the company’s work has influenced indie developers and contributed to broader conversations about the role of video games as a medium for social commentary.

## Notable For
- Developing the **infamous *Postal* series**, which gained attention for its dark humor and violent gameplay.
- Being one of the few game studios to **embrace controversy** as part of its brand identity.
- Maintaining a **long-standing presence** in the industry since 1996, despite niche appeal.
- Producing **multiple compilations and expansions** for the *Postal* franchise, including *Postal 2: Complete* (2009).
- Operating as an **independent, privately held company** in a market dominated by larger publishers.

## Body
### History and Founding
Running with Scissors was established in **1996** by **Vince Desi** in **Tucson, Arizona**. Desi, who remains the CEO, founded the company to develop games with a distinct, often provocative style. The studio’s debut title, *Postal* (1997), quickly gained notoriety for its violent content and dark humor, setting the tone for the company’s future projects.

### Notable Works
- **Postal (1997)**: A top-down shooter that sparked debates about video game violence.
- **Postal 2 (2003)**: A first-person sequel that expanded the franchise’s controversial reputation.
- **Postal: Classic and Uncut (2003)**: A compilation re-releasing the original game with additional content.
- **Postal 2: Share the Pain**: A multiplayer mod for *Postal 2*.
- **Postal 2: Complete (2009)**: A compilation bundling the base game and expansions.
- **Super Postal**: A Japanese version of *Postal* featuring localized voice acting and extra levels.

### Business Structure
- **Legal Form**: Privately held company.
- **Headquarters**: Tucson, Arizona.
- **Key Personnel**:
  - **Vince Desi** (CEO, founder).
  - **Mike Jaret** (Vice President, Business Development).

### Online Presence
- **Website**: [runningwithscissors.com](http://runningwithscissors.com/)
- **Social Media**:
  - Twitter: [@RWSstudios](https://twitter.com/RWSstudios) (since 2012).
  - YouTube: [UCjoozf2c1N1ZRE2ecRoASjQ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjoozf2c1N1ZRE2ecRoASjQ) (since 2012).
  - Discord: [977302249476861952](https://discord.com/invite/rwsstudios) (verified server).
  - Instagram: [@gopostalrws](https://www.instagram.com/gopostalrws/).
- **Podcast**: *I REGRET NOTHING Podcast*.

### Industry Recognition
Running with Scissors is listed in multiple gaming databases, including:
- **MobyGames ID**: 1734.
- **IGDB ID**: running-with-scissors.
- **Steam Profile ID**: 76561198250616964.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Running with Scissors",
  "description": "A privately held video game developer known for the controversial Postal series.",
  "url": "http://runningwithscissors.com/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7380130",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running_with_Scissors_(company)"
  ],
  "additionalType": "VideoGameDeveloper",
  "founder": {
    "@type": "Person",
    "name": "Vince Desi"
  },
  "foundingDate": "1996",
  "location": {
    "@type": "Place",
    "name": "Tucson, Arizona, USA"
  }
}

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [looks bad. 2020](https://steamcommunity.com/app/1359980/discussions/0/2941369009266620245/?ctp=2#c2941369009270605728)
4. YouTube API
5. [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/rwsstudios)
6. [Running with Scissors](https://www.igdb.com/companies/running-with-scissors)
7. VideoGameGeek