Dark Queen of Samobor: Josip Vincetić Talks Xbox Game Pass and Development Challenges

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Josip Vincetić, co-founder of Osijek’s Downtown Game Studio, is developing Dark Queen of Samobor, a side-scrolling action-adventure rooted in Croatian mythology and literature. In a recent interview with IndieGames.eu, he discussed the game’s development and the challenges indie studios face.

Dark Queen of Samobor draws inspiration from the dark fantasy of Croatian folklore, weaving a linear story around the mythical Black Queen, Barbara of Cilli, inspired by Antun Šenoa’s poem The Snake Queen and the works of Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić. Josip and his brother Mato aim to create an atmospheric experience reminiscent of Inside, blending moody 2.5D visuals with a unique narrative.

The project received crucial funding from the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC), allowing the brothers to focus on their vision. However, Vincetić noted that financing remains their biggest challenge, describing it as “a marathon” lasting the entire development cycle.

Dark Queen of Samobor may arrive on Xbox Game Pass, as the studio has held talks with Microsoft about the program supporting games in development. While this could greatly boost visibility among millions of subscribers, Vincetić cautioned that such deals require careful financial analysis—some involve upfront payments but sacrifice royalties after launch. “It’s a huge opportunity to reach players,” he said, “but we need to weigh whether it’s financially better than direct sales after release.”

Optimization also remains a significant hurdle, as the team works to ensure smooth performance across different PCs. They initially tried funding development with small side projects, but this slowed progress. Instead, they secured support from HAVC, HAMAG-BICRO, and the Zagreb Tourist Board, though the available funds are limited.

The game is preparing for closed alpha testing in late 2025 on Steam, followed by an open beta in early 2026. A Steam Next Fest demo is planned, and potential releases on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch may follow depending on funding and publisher support.