Stray Fawn's Path to Success: 8 Years as an Independent Indie Studio

During her talk at Devcom, Stray Fawn co-founder Philomena Schwab delved into the Zurich-based studio's eight-year history, discussing their decision to remain independent, without a publisher or external investors. The studio's first game, Niche, garnered publisher interest following a successful crowdfunding campaign, but they declined these offers due to past experiences with a publisher that didn't yield the desired results. Schwab explained that this decision was rooted in her desire to take full responsibility for the studio's projects, rather than relying on external parties. This ethos was reinforced when the studio's recent title, The Wandering Village, attracted numerous publisher offers, which they again declined. The team's commitment to independence stems from their desire to maintain creative control and avoid external deadlines. Stray Fawn's business model is characterized by a flat salary structure, where all employees earn the same amount, with bonuses awarded after three years of service. This approach fosters a sense of community and motivation among team members. The importance of community support was also emphasized, as the studio's early success was largely driven by their growing community and social media presence. This foundation has enabled the studio to build a loyal player base across different genres. In a surprising move, Stray Fawn has ventured into publishing, signing games that align with their recent releases. This strategy allows for cross-promotion and enables the studio to support developers who share their vision. According to Schwab, their goal as publishers is to provide a supportive environment, free from time pressure and creative constraints, allowing developers to bring their unique visions to life.