growing since 2015
LBC Studios is an independent mobile gaming studio and publisher based in Vancouver, BC. LBC was co-founded in 2015 by Solon Bucholtz and Dennis Molloy, who hail from Langley, British Columbia. (Guess what LBC stands for?)
LBC has grown to more than 40 talented team members, working on four unique mobile gaming titles.
Driven by core values of accountability, growth, honesty, and passion, LBC continues to innovate what it means to be a thriving indie gaming studio in both Vancouver and on the world stage.
LBC Leadership
LBC’s story is one of timing, vision, opportunity, and thinking big. CEO Solon Bucholtz recognized, “the free-to-play mobile game market was growing in dollar volume and while there were a few cannabis games on the market in 2015, there was a clear appetite for more high quality content.
When I co-founded LBC Studios with my partner Dennis, we set out to be the first mobile game studio to approach legal cannabis-themed content in a high quality, authentic and meaningful way. We challenged ourselves to do this in a way that promoted the culture and community while creating a game that was fun and profitable, so we could also support the professional and personal growth of our team members. We couldn’t think of anywhere else this could be achieved but Vancouver, as both a tech hub and ground zero for much of the Canadian cannabis legalization movement.
What makes LBC’s success story unique among Vancouver startups is that neither co-founder had prior experience in game development. While both were successful entrepreneurs the duo relied on their talent for asking the right questions to the right people, to secure support from investors, leading mentors and experts, to grow their napkin-idea into a multi-million dollar studio.
But grit isn’t enough to succeed in one of the most financially competitive industries. LBC also faced a huge hurdle unique to their games—getting published on the major platforms amongst harsh stigma against cannabis. They had to innovate with marketing, from keywords to creative ads that saw them break barriers as the first cannabis-themed app to be featured in a number of advertising spaces. Their work paid off, with Bucholtz revealing, “Hempire’s more than just a game. It’s a community that’s known as a safe place to form life-long friendships and learn more about cannabis, especially for players who live in countries where it’s still socially unacceptable or illegal. On top of that – we achieved our goal of becoming the highest rated simulation game, and building a reputation as a game for the people. This is particularly remarkable because we are the only successful cannabis-game competing without an established IP, which speaks to our ability to identify stories, characters and mechanics that appeal to our target audience.”
Their efforts culminated in LBC Studios placing 3rd in the 2019 Startup 50 ranking of Canada’s Top New Growth Companies, with two-year revenue growth of over 5200%. However Bucholtz is proudest of LBC’s culture. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to define a company culture that values work/life balance, and fosters integrity and accountability while having fun. Our team embodies these values daily and I couldn’t be more proud of the journey we share as we continue to grow together.”
2021
LBC Studios places 10th in Canada’s Best Workplaces
LBC Studios Sponsors YWCA Wall for Women
LBC Studios named one of the Best Workplaces for Mental Wellness
LBC Studios named one of the Best Workplaces for Inclusion
LBC Studios named one of the Best Workplaces for Technology
LBC Studios named one of the Best Workplaces for Youth
LBC Studios named one of the Best Workplaces in British Columbia
LBC Studios participates in Extra Life 2021 in support of BC Children’s Hospital
LBC Studios sponsors families for the holiday season through in YWCA’s Presents of Peace
2019
Ranked #3 on the 2019 Startup50
Mobile game creates a ‘Hempire’ for the international cannabis community
LBC Studios CEO on growing to a 30-person team from Hempire’s success
Growing Hempire and Cannabis Infused Community Management
Gaming and Ganja: Top cannabis games for smart phones
Vancouver indie game studios get creative to battle influx of alien invaders