After two years in the making, Blood Bar Tycoon is now available on Steam! The Clever Trickster studio, founded by Virginie Maréchal and Ludovic Mahieu, received funding from Wallimage (Wallonia) and the Centre du Cinéma et de l'Audiovisuel (Wallonia-Brussels Federation). The Video Game Tax Shelter was also used, enabling the studios not only to complete the production budget, but also to secure better access to revenues.
Thanks to capital investments by Wallimage Entreprise and ST'Art Invest From the very start of the studio, the team was able to pivot from the traditional model of financing and distribution by a publisher to self-publishing. They were supported by Not A Shark Company in the development of their marketing strategy, the costs of which were borne by Wallimage thanks to an exceptional budget to support projects financed in 2022 and 2023. On the distribution front, marketing efforts resulted in a significant increase in whishlists on Steam at the Steam Next Fest in October. A distribution agreement was also signed with a publisher for the Asian market, resulting in a significant share of sales, particularly in China and Japan.
The game still has significant sales potential. Sales will be supported by marketing efforts over the coming weeks, the exploration of new markets such as Brazil and South America in general, and the creation of additional content.
WALGA has been with the studio from the outset, providing advice and sharing contacts, as well as making office space available in the coworking space from summer 2023. WALGA's flexibility and attractive office rates have made it possible to welcome both new employees and numerous HEAJ trainees. WALGA was also instrumental in presenting the game and enabling the team to take part in several international events such as Gamescom in Cologne, Nordic Game in Malmö and Bitsummit in Kyoto, where important contacts were established, contributing to the game's success.
The combination of support from public partners and the motivation of the team has made Blood Bar Tycoon a success not only for Clever Trickster's first game, but also as an example for all other studios and projects supported in Wallonia.
