Empowered by Partnership: How Xsolla Funding Club Helped FixFox Achieve Success

Like many independent game studios, Rendlike was born out of a deep passion for gaming and game development. Founded by Jaroslav Meloun, who began his career in 2011 at Silicon Jelly working on the adorable puzzle platformer Mimpi, the studio's journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of the right partnerships. Meloun's portfolio includes work on the cyberpunk RPG Dex, which was successfully published on PS4 and Xbox One after a Kickstarter campaign. His involvement in various indie projects, such as the narrative-rich adventure Don't Give Up and the chilling odyssey Saturnalia, showcases his versatility and commitment to game development. For ten years, Meloun was also at the helm of the Prague arm of the Global Game Jam, nurturing student game projects and fostering a deep connection to the craft of game creation. Driven by his passion for games and equipped with a wealth of experience, Meloun established Rendlike in 2021, with the goal of spreading positivity through his work. The studio's name, a combination of 'rendlik,' meaning saucepan in Czech, and 'like,' symbolizing positivity, reflects this mission. Influenced by impactful titles like Fallout and The Longest Journey, and energized by the creative vibe of game jams, Meloun embarked on the development of FixFox, a project that would bring his imaginative game concepts to life. However, the path to success was not without its challenges. Solo game development presented unforeseen hurdles, including the need for external support for a successful release. Initially, Meloun planned to self-publish FixFox, but as development progressed, he realized the necessity of additional funding and resources to bring the game to market. Effective time management emerged as a significant challenge, and despite his doubts about the game's success in a crowded market, Meloun remained committed to his vision. "I had doubts, of course, but I kept moving forward, focusing on making the best game I could," he said. The journey was marked by gratifying moments, such as completing challenging milestones and receiving positive feedback from playtesters, which fueled his determination. The pandemic added another layer of complexity, necessitating virtual interactions and pitches. Despite these challenges, Meloun's search for an investor continued, with a focus on finding the right support for FixFox, a game that belongs to a relatively niche sub-genre in the indie game scene. "The process was long and challenging. Some investors were hesitant because I was a solo developer, and others were concerned about the game's commercial potential due to its niche genre," Meloun explained. Recognizing the need for funding and with limited options, Meloun turned to game-related funding platforms, leading him to Xsolla Funding Club (XFC). Within a month of joining XFC and preparing his pitch, Meloun connected with Joystick Ventures, an investor whose goals aligned perfectly with Rendlike and Meloun's vision. "It was surprising that after two years of searching, it took just about a month to find a match," Meloun noted. This partnership brought new energy to FixFox's development, enabling Meloun to hire contractors and secure the resources needed for marketing and promotion. The support from Joystick Ventures extended beyond financial backing, providing valuable insights from industry veterans that helped Meloun maximize his resources, create a realistic budget, and find ways to save on marketing and art assets. The collaborative dynamic proved invaluable, as Meloun worked closely with both the investor and the team he assembled. "One unexpected discovery was how much I enjoyed working with other people on the game. I had always thought of myself as a solo developer, but this experience showed me the benefits of collaboration," Meloun said. The backing of Joystick Ventures gave Meloun the assurance that a robust community of investors and supporters was behind his goals, a network that proved pivotal in FixFox's development journey, from pre-launch to post-launch. Beyond financial support, Joystick Ventures contributed to FixFox's success through marketing and PR amplification and guidance throughout the development process, facilitating the game's successful listing on Steam and other platforms. FixFox's release was met with resounding success, garnering "Very Positive" reviews on Steam, endorsements from game journalists, and a vibrant community presence. Thanks to Xsolla Funding Club, Meloun was able to launch the game on time, securing an investor within a month of searching. Reflecting on his experience, Meloun advises emerging indie developers to seek visibility and guidance actively. "With so many great games released every week, it's hard to get noticed. Visibility is key. Don't be shy to seek guidance in areas where you're lacking," he advised. Xsolla Funding Club stands as a pivotal platform for game developers at every stage of their journey, offering essential tools, networking prospects, and resources for successful game releases. By uniting funding, developmental resources, and the support of over 180 investors and publishers on a single platform, XFC facilitates mutually beneficial partnerships and long-term collaborations between indie studios, publishers, and investors. For game-focused investors and publishers, XFC provides exclusive access to a curated array of developers with projects that align with their investment criteria, creating a dynamic that fosters successful collaborations and investment prospects within the video game industry. Whether you're looking to learn more about Xsolla Funding Club or seeking to take your current project to the next level, XFC offers a platform that connects developers, publishers, and investors, facilitating valuable collaborations and investment opportunities. FixFox, now available on Steam, Itch.io, GOG, and Rendlike's website, is a testament to the power of the right partnerships in achieving success in the gaming industry.