Founded: January 1st 2024
Specialty: Operational outsourcing, publishing agent services
Location: UK (remote-first, global network)
Origins & Identity
When Phil Foxton’s role was made redundant in September 2023 he gave himself three months to find the next career move. After 30 years in IT and operations including a senior role in the gamesindustry, Phil was used to tackling challenges such as job-hunting with contingency plans. This time Plan B was bold.
If he did not have a job by December 31st he would launch his own company.
By the last week of 2023, an interview with an e-gaming firm in Leeds ended with him barely missing out on the job.
On January 1st 2024 Fox Chicken Grain was born.
The mission was clear. Take all the boring but essential work that studios do not want to do such as operations, HR, marketing coordination, IT, and publisher negotiations, and do it for them. With precision, transparency, and a smile.
Phil’s pitch: “You know those jobs that keep you from making the actual game? I’ll handle them, and it’ll cost you this much.”
And what’s all this about a purple shirt?
The purple shirt is an intentional part of the brand, too. While most studio founders blend into a sea of black tees and hoodies at events Phil wanted something memorable. (Originally aiming for teal green he pivoted when another studio claimed it)
Services, Projects, and Clients
Fox Chicken Grain describes itself simply as an operations outsourcer for video game studios.
That means covering anything not directly related to building the game:
- Marketing and PR support
- HR and recruitment coordination
- IT and technical infrastructure
- Publisher negotiations and deal optimisation
- Operational systems setup
Phil’s decades-long network means he personally knows many folks in the industry. In the UK, I think it is fair to say, most people know Phil. He ensures studios’ pitch decks and projects land on the right desks and that both sides walk away with a fair deal.
Fox Chicken Grain also keeps a sharp eye on market trends. Phil sees the industry split between two extremes. On one side are cosy and cute games. On the other side are dark horror titles which always sell. He is currently working with a horror game publisher under NDA while also advising on other projects.
Brand and Aesthetic
The Fox Chicken Grain logo is a favourite of ours: instantly recognisable thanks to a chance encounter at Gamebridge in Middlesbrough. A pixel artist introduced Phil to designer Mia who created the logo! Since then Mia has designed three hoodie backprints for the studio.
Market Position and Challenges
According to Phil, the first year was both the right time and the wrong time to launch. The industry downturn meant some studios were not ready to invest in operational help. Yet, after 12 to 18 months of conversations, event networking and coffee-fuelled meetings, Phil can now say FCG has found a place in the UK and EU indie scene.
With organic growth as the goal, Fox Chicken Grain avoids risky hiring sprees and debt.
“If it takes ten years to grow to ten people that is fine,” Phil says.
The focus is on sustainable expansion and giving a voice to under represented studios: especially those stuck in incubator programs without a breakout title to their name.
Community and Advocacy
Phil’s proudest public work so far has been with various University Games programs where he has spoken. Helping students understand the realities of the industry and how operations shape successful studios is something he sees as critical to the future of UK games.
He has also been a visible supporter of initiatives like Develop’s Lighthouse program which fosters positive networking and support for industry professionals.
What’s Next
Fox Chicken Grain enters its second year with a growing client list, a sharper message, and a clear position in the market. Whether it is helping a cosy game studio negotiate their first publishing deal or streamlining HR processes for a horror developer… the goal for Fox Chicken Grain remains the same.
Keep the teams making games, while we handle everything else.
If you spot a purple shirt at the next UK games event there is a good chance it is Phil: and he probably knows someone you should meet.