Sloclap Does Not Aim for Super Productions, Focusing on Creativity

The French studio Sloclap, responsible for the successes Sifu and Rematch, which surpassed the numbers of its predecessor, does not plan to follow the trend of superproductions with hundreds of employees. In an interview, director Pierre Tarno explained that, despite the growth and the spotlight, the company prefers to maintain a leaner structure in order to continue betting on creative ideas and avoid the risks associated with gigantic budgets.

Even with the success of Rematch and Sifu, Sloclap does not want superproductions, prioritizing creativity and smaller budgets.

Director Pierre Tarno detailed that the success of Sifu, which sold more than 4 million copies, allowed Sloclap to expand from 70 to 130 employees. However, with the even more impressive performance of Rematch, the plan is different. "Maybe we will grow a little, but nothing like it was between Sifu and Rematch," said Tarno. "We don't feel the need to grow further. We don't want to do projects that require 250 devs to work."

According to Tarno, keeping the studio leaner is what allows Sloclap to continue exploring creative ideas, as was the case with Rematch, without the pressure of exorbitant budgets. "When a project costs between 50 to 100 million dollars, it's harder to take risks. The impact of a mistake is much greater," he explained, highlighting the current scenario of the industry, where large investments increase risk aversion and can stifle innovation.

Tarno emphasized that, in the current landscape of the games industry, the simple fact that a studio can "keep operating and still make games they are passionate about" is already a remarkable achievement. This vision reflects a concern for sustainability and a passion for game development, rather than an incessant pursuit of scale and massive profits.

The stance of Sloclap contrasts with that of many studios that seek to expand rapidly after a success, aiming to compete in the market of superproductions. The preference for a more controlled size may allow the studio to maintain its identity, creative focus, and a more cohesive work environment, avoiding the challenges that arise with very large teams and astronomical budgets.