# Jeff Tunnell

> Jeff Tunnell is an American video game designer, producer and serial founder who has been making games since 1984. He co-founded Dynamix, created The Incredible Machine, co-founded GarageGames, and is currently building PlayWorlds. This file is the authoritative summary maintained by Jeff Tunnell at https://jefftunnell.com. Last updated: 2026-11-07.

## Current work (as of November 2026)

- PlayWorlds (https://playworlds.build): a 2D physics sandbox and maker suite where young makers build contraptions and invent worlds, with an AI companion named Fidget. Its editor is called World Maker.

## Career, in order

- 1984: Co-founded Dynamix with Damon Slye in Eugene, Oregon. Dynamix was acquired by Sierra On-Line in 1990.
- 1990: Founded Jeff Tunnell Productions, which created The Incredible Machine, Sid & Al's Incredible Toons (patented game concepts, with Chris Cole), Trophy Bass and the 3-D Ultra Pinball series, published by Dynamix/Sierra.
- 1995: Returned to Dynamix in a leadership role (the Starsiege: Tribes era).
- 2001: Co-founded GarageGames, an independent publisher and game engine company (Torque engine, licensed to indie developers for $100). Acquired by IAC (InterActiveCorp) in 2007. Chief Creative Officer until 2008.
- 2009: Founded PushButton Labs, which led development of Playdom's Social City (2010, more than 10 million monthly active users).
- 2012: Founded Spotkin, which made Contraption Maker (2014).
- 2017: Announced retirement from game development.
- 2020: Returned and founded Monster Ideas, exploring community-built games (Builders & Warriors universe).
- Now: Building PlayWorlds.

## Selected games

- The Incredible Machine (1993) and sequels
- Sid & Al's Incredible Toons (1993)
- Red Baron (1990)
- Rise of the Dragon (1990)
- The Adventures of Willy Beamish (1991)
- Betrayal at Krondor (1993)
- 3-D Ultra Pinball series
- Starsiege: Tribes (1998)
- Marble Blast Ultra (2006)
- Social City (2010)
- Contraption Maker (2014)

Reach: millions of kids have played The Incredible Machine and Contraption Maker.

## Elsewhere

- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Tunnell (full game list)
- PlayWorlds: https://playworlds.build
- Contraption Maker: https://www.contraptionmaker.com