When it comes to mobile games that move fast and reward sharp reflexes, Big Run Studios stands in a league of its own. You might know them for their slick, high-energy titles like Blackout Poker, Big Cooking, and Blackout Bingo, which turn everyday games into competitive showdowns. So what fuels the creativity behind the studio’s growing catalog?

In this edition of Behind the Build, we caught up with Andrew Bell, the CEO of Big Run Studios, to learn more about his approach to crafting skill-based experiences, his thoughts on player engagement, and what keeps him pushing the boundaries of casual competitive gaming.

From early inspirations to a gameplay-first philosophy, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the creative force shaping some of Skillz’s most popular titles.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the games you have developed with Skillz technology?

My name is Andrew Bell, CEO and Co-Founder of Big Run Studios. I’m a family man with two kids, Jack (9) and Beatrice (5), and Luna the Labradoodle (12), living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

My background is entirely in video games. I started as a QA tester at 2K Sports, then worked at LucasArts where I met my co-founder Buren, and later at Zynga and Warner Bros. In 2019, we started Big Run Studios with big ideas around competitive games for new audiences. Since then, we’ve released games like Blackout Bingo, Big Cooking, Big Run Solitaire, Blackout Blackjack, Blackout Poker, and many more.

What is your personal favorite game that you have built, and why?

It’s hard not to pick Blackout Bingo, since it’s our most successful and was so fun to make with our incredible team. That said, I have a special place in my heart for Big Cooking. Our main character, Chelsea, really gets to shine in that one. I feel like it was a big swing into games people don’t normally think of as competitive.

Can you share what is next for you? Are there any new game projects currently in development?

There are two games that we launched last year, Blackout Blackjack and Blackout Poker, which are currently in the early stages of expanding their audiences and adding new features. There is another BIG project on the horizon, but everyone will have to wait and see when we drop it. It’ll be our most ambitious project yet. 

Any fun or surprising facts about your work or gaming interests?

Maybe not surprising, but I’m a video game collector with over 500 physical games and many more digital ones. Something people might find surprising is that I got my start in music and acting. My love for performance and entertainment began there, but eventually shifted to my true passion: games. I bring my passion for digital, commercial interactive art to work every day.

What other Skillz games do you play?

As you can imagine, I’ve played a lot of games. Most recently, I’ve spent a great deal of time playing Dominoes Gold. 

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Big Run Studios

A big thanks to Andrew for taking us behind the build at Big Run Studios! From blending creative instincts with competitive mechanics to crafting experiences that are both fun and fiercely engaging, it’s clear that passion fuels each of their games. As Big Run prepares for their next big launch, one thing’s certain: their next move will be anything but ordinary.