French indie developer Studio Camelia has closed one year after raising €300,000 ($347,000) on Kickstarter for its turn-based JRPG, Alzara Radiant Echoes. On June 17, 2025, the studio informed backers it couldn’t secure additional funds to finish the game, citing the ongoing video game industry crisis. The backers also won’t recieve any refunds.
Founded in May 2022 by JRPG fans, Studio Camelia aimed to create Alzara Radiant Echoes, a 3D turn-based RPG inspired by Golden Sun and Final Fantasy X. Set in a Mediterranean-inspired fantasy archipelago, the game promised dynamic combat with hero-swapping and elemental magic combos, focusing on themes of camaraderie and unity. Led by industry veterans from Ghost Recon and Dead Cells, the studio funded half the project with personal savings, business angel support, bank loans, and Microsoft’s Developer Acceleration Program.
To cover remaining costs, Studio Camelia launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2024 with a €100,000 goal. It raised €294,428 from 5,089 backers, becoming one of the year’s top-backed video game projects. The funds helped create a new demo, shown at events like Tokyo Game Show and DICE to attract partners. Despite a playable demo, experienced team, and strong fan support, no publishing deals were secured.
“We are creatives, but we need funding to keep creating. Sometimes, even having a promising game concept with proven market interest and a strong team is not enough.” Studio highlighted the tough reality that even a successful Kickstarter can’t ensure a game’s completion. They expressed regret that neither they nor Kickstarter can refund backers, including those who pledged up to €800 for premium rewards, leaving some fans upset over unclear communication about the campaign’s goals.
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