What Type of Studio Does Electric Saint Envision?

Anna Hollinrake and Pavle Mihajlovic have been close friends for a long time, having met at the 2017 BAFTA Breakthrough Brits event. Since then, they have developed a habit of taking on new challenges together, including learning to ride motorcycles, surf, and completing a short story writing course. Their latest venture, Electric Saint, is a natural progression of their partnership. The idea for Electric Saint was born out of discussions in the summer of 2022, and the studio has recently been officially announced. Both developers feel that they have gained sufficient experience to venture into independent game development. Hollinrake notes that she had been considering going indie for years but never felt ready. However, after gaining more experience and confidence, she finally felt the time was right to take the leap. Mihajlovic adds that they have both learned a lot and have a strong network of contacts in the industry, which has helped them feel more confident in their abilities. Electric Saint's mission is to create unconventional games that cater to underserved audiences. Hollinrake explains that their inspiration comes from personal experiences and a desire to create content that resonates with people. They aim to produce experimental games that tell unique stories and provide a sense of representation for players. The studio is currently composed of Hollinrake and Mihajlovic, with six contractors brought in to assist with development, thanks to funding from the UK Games Fund. They are still deciding on the ideal size for the studio and are taking a flexible approach to hiring. Mihajlovic has previous experience founding a games company, having co-founded Flavourworks in 2015. He has learned the importance of seeking advice and help from others in the industry, and is applying this knowledge to Electric Saint. Hollinrake has also gained valuable experience from her time at Climax Studios and Mediatonic, where she developed a passion for design and learned the importance of fostering a positive and supportive work environment. Despite the current economic uncertainty, the Electric Saint team is not overly concerned. Hollinrake notes that starting a new company is always a risk, but they are driven by a desire to create something meaningful and are willing to take the leap. Mihajlovic adds that the games industry is relatively resilient and that they are fortunate to have a strong support system. The team has a clear vision for Electric Saint, with Hollinrake aiming to create games that bring people joy, peace, and a sense of recognition. Mihajlovic hopes to build a business that enables their team members to have fulfilling lives and enjoy their work, while also creating content that resonates with players and brightens their day.