Bomb Bots Arena by Tiny Roar: Interview with Co-Founder Maurice Hagelstein

The release of Bomb Bots Arena, an online multiplayer brawler developed by the Hamburg-based indie studio Tiny Roar, highlights the impact of regional financial support on independent game development. Launched in June 2020 as an early access title, the game supports up to eight players across PC and mobile platforms, with cross-platform functionality serving as a core design pillar. The project represents a significant milestone for the studio, which utilized the German Games Funding to secure 70% of its development budget, allowing the team to transition away from contract work and focus exclusively on their own intellectual property.

The development philosophy at Tiny Roar emphasizes iterative learning, transparent internal communication, and a rejection of crunch culture. By establishing clear company principles and prioritizing constructive, merit-based discourse, the studio aims to maintain sustainable growth. The decision to launch in early access was driven by a desire to engage directly with vocal, community-driven player bases on Steam and mobile, with plans for a Nintendo Switch release following the initial rollout.

This case study underscores the critical role of public funding in enabling small studios to scale operations and hire additional staff. By providing a financial buffer, such initiatives allow developers to pursue creative autonomy and long-term project stability. The experience of Tiny Roar serves as a practical example for emerging studios, suggesting that success is best achieved through realistic planning, incremental goal-setting, and a willingness to adapt strategies based on continuous evaluation of project needs.