2Awesome Studio details the development journey behind its largest title, Altered Alma

As the development of the cyberpunk-infused Metroidvania Altered Alma approaches its finish line, Barcelona-based developer 2Awesome Studio is opening up about the process of creating its most ambitious project to date. According to an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, the studio is navigating the complexities of indie development while already looking toward the future of the new franchise.

A growing scale for 2Awesome Studio

Altered Alma represents a massive step up for the team, which has been in operation since 2014. Co-founder Alexander Santiago describes the project as the “biggest game, biggest team, and biggest scope” the studio has ever tackled. To help fund this open-world expansion, 2Awesome turned to Kickstarter, where the campaign launched in 2024 and significantly outperformed its €40,000 goal, raising over €260,000 from more than 5,100 backers.

While this is their largest project, it follows a history of successful crowdfunding efforts, including campaigns for previous titles like Dimension Dive and AK-xolotl. Santiago noted that the studio balances these creative pursuits with outsourcing and co-development work to maintain steady operations, a business model he describes as a “natural evolution” rather than a strictly laid-out plan.

Strategic growth and industry outlook

During a recent appearance at the Critical Reflex indie showcase and the Indie Arena at Gamescom, the studio received positive feedback, which Santiago points to as a sign that they are on the right track. Despite the success, the studio co-founder remains humble regarding the volatility of the industry, stating, “I wish I had the formula,” when discussing how to balance project scopes in an evolving market.

Looking forward, 2Awesome Studio is already planning for the next two to three years. The team intends to apply the lessons learned from Altered Alma to future projects, potentially including a sequel that focuses on features they were unable to implement in the original game. Santiago emphasized that while they plan to scale appropriately, they are actively watching industry trends that favor more focused, smaller-budget games.

Why it matters

For players, this update highlights the ongoing development trajectory of a highly anticipated indie title that has garnered significant community support through its crowdfunding efforts. As Altered Alma nears completion, the studio’s shift toward a more focused design philosophy for future installments suggests that fans of the upcoming Metroidvania can expect a refined experience in later entries of the series.

While the studio is based in Barcelona and has built its reputation through international platforms, its focus on technical reliability and “delivering what they promise” serves as a reassurance for players who have backed the project or are keeping an eye on its eventual launch. Fans should watch for further release updates as the studio finalizes the transition from active development to launch.