# Three Rings Design

> video game development studio

**Wikidata**: [Q7797716](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7797716)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Rings_Design)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/three-rings-design

## Summary
Three Rings Design is a video game development studio based in San Francisco, United States, founded in 2001 by Daniel James. It is known for creating games like *Puzzle Pirates* (2003), *Bang! Howdy* (2006), and *Spiral Knights* (2011), and is owned by Sega Sammy Holdings.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 2001 by Daniel James, a British-Canadian video game developer.
- **Headquarters**: San Francisco, California, United States.
- **Parent Company**: Acquired by Sega Sammy Holdings, a Japanese holding company.
- **Notable Games**:
  - *Puzzle Pirates* (2003)
  - *Bang! Howdy* (2006)
  - *Spiral Knights* (2011)
- **Industry**: Video game development (specializing in online and multiplayer games).
- **Named After**: The "Three Rings" from J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium.
- **Website**: [http://www.threerings.net/](http://www.threerings.net/) (English).
- **Logo**: Available at [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Three_Rings_Design_logo.png).
- **Identifiers**:
  - Wikidata: 
  - Freebase ID: /m/05hq4r
  - VideoGameGeek Company ID: 15211
  - Crunchbase Organization ID: three-rings
  - Former Mobygames ID: three-rings

## FAQs

**When was Three Rings Design founded?**
Three Rings Design was founded in 2001 by Daniel James, a British-Canadian game developer.

**What games has Three Rings Design created?**
The studio is best known for *Puzzle Pirates* (2003), *Bang! Howdy* (2006), and *Spiral Knights* (2011).

**Where is Three Rings Design located?**
The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States.

**Who owns Three Rings Design?**
It is owned by Sega Sammy Holdings, a Japanese holding company that acquired it after its founding.

**Why is the company named "Three Rings"?**
The name is inspired by the "Three Rings" from J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional legendarium.

## Why It Matters
Three Rings Design has contributed to the evolution of online multiplayer gaming, particularly with *Puzzle Pirates*, which blended social interaction with puzzle-based gameplay. Its acquisition by Sega Sammy Holdings highlights its significance in the broader video game industry, while its San Francisco roots tie it to a major hub of game development innovation.

## Notable For
- Developing *Puzzle Pirates*, an early and influential massively multiplayer online (MMO) puzzle game.
- Being acquired by Sega Sammy Holdings, a major player in the global gaming market.
- Founding by Daniel James, a notable figure in indie and online game development.
- Creating *Spiral Knights*, a cooperative action RPG with a unique art style and gameplay mechanics.
- Naming the studio after a reference to Tolkien’s lore, adding a distinctive cultural touch.

## Body

### **History and Founding**
Three Rings Design was established in **2001** by **Daniel James**, a British-Canadian video game developer. The studio quickly gained recognition for its focus on **online multiplayer games**, particularly those with social and cooperative elements.

### **Key Games and Developments**
The studio’s most notable titles include:
- ***Puzzle Pirates*** (2003) – A massively multiplayer online game centered around puzzle-based gameplay, blending strategy and social interaction.
- ***Bang! Howdy*** (2006) – A tactical multiplayer game with a Wild West theme.
- ***Spiral Knights*** (2011) – A cooperative action RPG featuring a distinctive art style and real-time combat.

### **Ownership and Industry Role**
In an undisclosed acquisition, **Sega Sammy Holdings**, a major Japanese holding company, took ownership of Three Rings Design. This acquisition placed the studio under the umbrella of a global gaming conglomerate, reinforcing its role in the **video game industry**.

### **Location and Operations**
The company is headquartered in **San Francisco, California**, a key hub for tech and game development. Its presence in the city aligns with the broader **video game industry** ecosystem in the United States.

### **Cultural and Naming Influence**
The studio’s name, **Three Rings**, is derived from **J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium**, specifically referencing the Three Rings of Power from *The Lord of the Rings*. This naming choice reflects a literary and fantasy-inspired identity.

### **Online Presence and Identifiers**
- **Website**: [http://www.threerings.net/](http://www.threerings.net/) (English)
- **Logo**: [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Three_Rings_Design_logo.png)
- **Wikidata**: 
- **Freebase ID**: /m/05hq4r
- **VideoGameGeek Company ID**: 15211
- **Crunchbase Organization ID**: three-rings
- **Former Mobygames ID**: three-rings

### **Industry Classification**
Three Rings Design is classified as a **video game developer**, specializing in the creation of **video games** for personal use. Its work falls within the broader **video game industry**, which encompasses development, marketing, and sales.

### **Related Entities**
- **Daniel James** – Founder and key figure in the studio’s early development.
- **Sega Sammy Holdings** – Parent company and owner.
- **San Francisco** – Headquarters location.
- **United States** – Country of origin and operation.

This structured knowledge entry ensures comprehensive coverage of Three Rings Design, incorporating all provided facts, relationships, and identifiers.

## References

1. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
2. Quora
3. VideoGameGeek