Dutch game publishing company Mystic Forge secures €2M ROM Utrecht Region, others

Utrecht-based Mystic Forge, a boutique game publisher, announced on Thursday that it has secured €2M in a fresh funding round from ForsVC and ROM Utrecht Region. This important partnership was officially confirmed during INDIGO 2024 in Utrecht.

Paul Hanraets, co-founder of Mystic Forge says, “From our initial conversations, it was clear that ForsVC and ROM Utrecht Region shared our strategic vision and ambitions. This investment of €2M allows us to broaden our portfolio and secure additional exciting titles. While Mystic Forge operates globally, we are also deeply committed to contributing to the gaming ecosystem in Utrecht and Belgium. We look forward to making some exciting announcements later this year.”

Mystic Forge: Boutique indie game publisher

Founded by Paul Hanraets, Randy Greenback, and Vernon Vrolijk, formerly of Good Shepherd Entertainment, Mystic Forge is a boutique indie game publisher specialising in strategy, simulation, and RPG games for PC.

Inspired by the legendary blacksmiths of lore, the company aims to bring ideas to life through passion, creativity, and magic.

The company says it takes a proactive approach to selecting projects and also initiates collaborations by connecting developers within its extensive network.

This strategy allows the company to dedicate substantial resources and focused attention to each game, ensuring personalised support from the early stages of development and extending well beyond the game launch.

The investors

ForsVC is an €18M fund based in Belgium, dedicated to accelerating the growth of Game Studios and Game Tech companies in Belgium and neighboring countries.

Eric Diepeveen, venture partner at ForsVC, comments, “We are excited to partner with Mystic Forge. The current publisher market is ripe for change, and Mystic Forge’s unique approach positions them perfectly to seize this moment. We believe they will become a major player, delivering exceptional and engaging games.”

ROM Utrecht Region is a social investor that increases access to capital for innovative companies in the region. The ROM invests in the major transition sectors important for tomorrow’s economy: digital, health, and sustainability.

The ROM has three funds: the Vroege Fase Financiering (VFF) Fund, the Healthy Urban Living Proof of Concept Fund (POC), and the Participation Fund.

The POC Fund and Participation Fund were made possible in part by co-financing from the Province of Utrecht, Gemeente Amersfoort, Gemeente Hilversum, Gemeente Utrecht, UMC Utrecht, Universiteit Utrecht,

Ministerie van Economische zaken en Klimaat and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The investment in Mystic Forge was done out of the Participation Fund.

Jeffrey Williams, Sr. Investment Manager at ROM Utrecht Region, adds “Our strategic investment in Mystic Forge reflects our goal to enhance the Utrecht Region as a hub for technological and creative industries. Partnering with Mystic Forge enriches our gaming landscape with their extensive industry expertise and network, thereby strengthening the ecosystem and attracting further investment into the region.”