The Challenges of Establishing a Game Development Studio Early in Your Career: Insights from En Garde Developers

En Garde, a vibrant and action-packed fencing game, took the gaming world by surprise with its engaging gameplay and polished visuals, captivating the attention of many players during the summer 2023 Steam Next Fest. The game, which is set to launch soon, originated as a graduation project by the eight co-founders of Fireplace Games at Supinfogame Rubika in France, and was later uploaded to itch.io. The team was initially hesitant to pursue the project further, but the overwhelming positive response from players, publishers, and investors prompted them to reconsider. After spending two years working in larger studios or freelancing, the co-founders decided to establish Fireplace Games, driven by a desire to create something new and innovative. CEO Anaïs Simonnet and concept artist and writer Julien Fenoglio discuss the challenges they faced in founding the studio, including the financial risks and the need to be cautious. The team's experience working in the industry prior to establishing the studio was invaluable, as it provided them with a deeper understanding of game design, marketing, and the importance of communication and teamwork. Simonnet, who transitioned from a character artist to the role of CEO, emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions and finding compromises that work for everyone. The team deliberately chose to create a game that showcases their values, including the representation of a bisexual woman as the main character, Adalia. While the game's narrative potential is limited due to its focus on combat and action, the team believes that their approach to game development, which they describe as "making games with panache," is essential to their success. Panache, which translates to flamboyance, confidence, and style, is not just a motto for the studio, but a guiding philosophy that encourages the team to take risks, be brave, and have fun. As Simonnet explains, the team's approach to game development is centered around taking calculated risks and being open to new ideas, rather than following a traditional, long-term strategy. The co-founders of Fireplace Games hope that their story will inspire others to pursue their passions and take the leap into establishing their own game development studios.