Introduction: From Charts to Game Development
If you’ve tuned into your car radio over the past decade, chances are you’ve heard the unmistakable sounds of Imagine Dragons. Known worldwide for chart-topping hits like Radioactive, Demons, Believer, and Thunder, the band has become one of the best-selling and most decorated acts across the globe. Their music resonates with millions, regardless of personal taste, making them a household name.
Breaking New Ground: The Band’s Unexpected Venture into Gaming
While they are primarily celebrated for their musical achievements, Imagine Dragons’ members are also passionate gamers. Surprisingly, they have rarely ventured into the world of video game creation—until now. Band manager Mac Reynolds and lead singer Dan Reynolds are determined to change that narrative.
Back in 2020, the brothers launched Night Street Games, a dedicated game development studio fueled by their lifelong love for gaming. During a recent interview at the Game Developers Conference, Reynolds shared that creating games has been a “personal dream” they’ve quietly nurtured for years.
A Lifetime of Gaming Inspiration
Growing up, Dan and Mac Reynolds bonded over countless gaming adventures. Dan recalls sneaking into the other room just to call Sierra’s helpline, reminiscing about classics from the Commodore 64 era to Sierra and LucasArts titles. He vividly remembers playing Another World and Flashback, and how GoldenEye became a pivotal moment in his gaming journey. Interestingly, Reynolds found a third-grade essay recently where he expressed his childhood dream of running a game studio, highlighting how deeply gaming has always been part of his life.
From Music to Game Development: Continuing the Passion
Although their careers took a different path, both brothers maintained their love for gaming. They continued playing, discussing, and even experimenting with game design. Mac mastered 3D modeling and animation, while Dan learned how to code. Over the years, Imagine Dragons have collaborated with major game titles—writing songs for Starfield, performing Zelda music at The Game Awards, composing for Arcane, and even creating a small game published on itch.io.
The Birth of Last Flag: A Capture the Flag Reimagining
Given their shared passion, it’s no surprise that the brothers decided to develop their own game. Night Street Games, which now employs around 25 industry veterans—including experts from Activision Blizzard—partnered with Ukrainian studio Argentics to create Last Flag, a third-person hero shooter centered around a game show-style twist on Capture the Flag. This project is inspired by childhood memories of playing the classic game in the woods as Boy Scouts.
Reviving Capture the Flag: A Personal Touch
Reynolds explains, “Dan and I used to play Capture the Flag in the woods at night, and those memories were incredibly special. Over the years, we played it in many forms—from Quake to Unreal Tournament, Warsong Gulch, and more. But I realized that most versions lacked the emotional core—the thrill of hiding, seeking, and the magic of nature.” He describes their approach as creating a “pure” Capture the Flag experience that emphasizes the joy of stealth and discovery.
Core Mechanics and Unique Features
Last Flag is designed with simplicity in mind: two teams of five players each, with both sides hiding a flag on their respective bases. The goal is to locate and retrieve the opponent’s flag, then defend it for one minute to secure victory. The game introduces innovative mechanics such as towers around the map that players can capture to narrow down enemy positions, and heroes with unique, upgradable abilities.
At launch, players will have access to ten different characters—ranging from archers and thieves to scouts with cyber falcons—each offering distinct playstyles and strategic possibilities. Reynolds emphasizes that discovering unexpected hero synergies and creative use of abilities will be central to the game’s appeal, fostering moments players will want to share and discuss.
Expanding the Universe: Future Plans and Storytelling
Reynolds hints at a broader narrative woven into Last Flag. The game’s story is set in a dystopian 1970s game show run by a mysterious media mogul, with potential for evolving plotlines that incorporate ARG elements, reflecting the brothers’ longtime fascination with alternate reality games. The game will also feature new characters, stages, and gameplay elements over time, ensuring ongoing engagement.
While pricing has not been finalized, Reynolds expects Last Flag to be a one-time purchase rather than a free-to-play model with microtransactions. The game is slated for release in 2026 on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, with a planned alpha version later this year. Although details about a Nintendo Switch 2 version are still being worked out, the team is committed to bringing the game to consoles as well.
Long-Term Vision: Musicians Turned Game Developers
Reynolds affirms, “This is not a side project—it’s the next chapter of our lives.” The band members are now fully immersed in the world of game development, blending their creative talents to craft something truly unique. As they continue working on Last Flag, it’s clear that their passion for gaming is as vital as their music, promising an exciting new venture for fans and gamers alike.
Alex Hunter
Alex is a passionate gamer with over a decade of experience exploring everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. He specializes in uncovering hidden secrets, mastering complex mechanics, and creating in-depth walkthroughs. Whether it’s a challenging boss fight or a puzzling questline, Alex breaks it all down in a way that’s fun, clear, and engaging for readers of all levels.
