Thrillhunter games
Hello,
If a friend asked me why Thrillhunter Games exists, I probably wouldn’t be able to give them a real answer—not because there isn’t one, but because the reason is highly personal, and I’m not sure I could talk about it without shedding tears. So, just be warned, for some it may be triggering.
You see, my late father, Jose Mariano Tapia, was diabetic. First, he lost a toe, then his ability to walk normally, then his sight, then one leg, then the other, and finally his life at the young age of 65.
Growing up, video games were one of the only joys I had in life. I played games like Final Fantasy IX, Tenchu, Tekken, and, in middle school, I’d skip class to play Halo with a friend—not the most prudent decision (stay in school, kids). The point is, video games were an outlet for me, even during the roughest times.
I hadn’t considered making games until I was in college, when I burned out trying to pursue a chemistry degree. At the time, I thought I could help combat the diabetes epidemic in some way, but I just didn’t have the spark or passion for chemistry that I needed to continue.
After some reflection and research in the tiny studio apartment I shared with my girlfriend, who is now my wife, I decided to pursue a degree in computer science with the hope of making video games for a living. But it wasn’t a straight road.
Making games is time-consuming and highly risky, so I thought I could build some sort of business app, make a lot of money, and focus on games later. There was also this nagging feeling that making traditional games wasn’t all that helpful to society. There are already so many ways people waste time, so I never felt especially motivated to create yet another distraction.
I tried building a business app, but I had no money, and the problem I was trying to solve was more complicated than I had anticipated. Depression took hold. Then I tried writing screenplays. But I kept feeling like I was spending time on things that might never pan out. I felt like I was just another mouth to feed.
Eventually, my brothers offered me jobs, and I accepted. I took a steady paycheck working in agriculture. But I still had the dream of making video games.
There was still one hurdle in my heart I couldn’t get past. My dad’s decline started with diabetes, and if I created a video game that was addictive and fun, I probably wouldn’t be helping people avoid that same outcome.
Then, after many months had passed and the pressure eased because I finally had a job, my dream of making games came to the foreground while I was driving, and I realized the gaming paradigm had shifted: virtual reality games were now a thing, and perhaps games could be more than just pastimes.
I could make games without feeling like I was simply wasting someone’s time. I could help people move, exercise, and stay active while still giving them an enjoyable experience.
And so, ThrillHunter Games was born.
Now, in 2026, I’ve finally created an LLC. I’m still broke, but my dream is alive and kicking.
