How Xsolla Funding Club Helped Happy Juice Achieve Success with Lost in Play

Childhood imagination is a powerful thing, where everyday objects can become extraordinary adventures. Happy Juice, a game development studio, sought to capture this essence in their game, Lost in Play. With the support of Xsolla Funding Club and Joystick Ventures, the game was released on Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices, receiving critical acclaim and winning several awards, including the iPad Game of the Year award in 2023. The game's development was a labor of love for the three co-founders, Yuval Markovich, Oren Rubin, and Alon Simon, who brought their experience in animation and game development to the project. They aimed to create a game that would appeal to both children and adults, with a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and adventure. The game's inspiration came from classic cartoons and anime, such as Gravity Falls, Hilda, and Over the Garden Wall. The team worked tirelessly to create a cinematic experience, with a unique animation style and a narrative that would evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder. However, the journey was not without its challenges. The team faced numerous obstacles, including funding and publishing issues, but with the help of Xsolla Funding Club and Joystick Ventures, they were able to overcome these hurdles and bring their vision to life. The partnership with Xsolla Funding Club and Joystick Ventures proved to be instrumental in the game's success. The team received valuable guidance, support, and resources, which enabled them to navigate the complex world of game development and publishing. Markovich highlights the importance of transparency and communication in the partnership, stating that "everything was out in the open, and all the decisions were made together, so we felt in control and had a lot of knowledge of how things were going." The game's launch was not without its issues, but with the help of Xsolla Funding Club and Joystick Ventures, the team was able to overcome these challenges and achieve success. The game received numerous promotions on Steam, and the team was able to secure a mobile publisher and strike a deal for a physical release and merchandise. Happy Juice is now working on a new game prototype, which promises to be just as exciting and innovative as Lost in Play. The team is committed to staying small and creative, focusing on making games that they love to play, and with the support of Xsolla Funding Club and Joystick Ventures, they are confident that they can continue to achieve success in the gaming industry. Lost in Play is available on the App Store, Google Play, Steam, and Nintendo Switch. Developers looking for publishers or investors can consider joining the Xsolla Funding Club matchmaking platform, which provides a unique opportunity to secure funding and build strong relationships with reliable partners.