As an indie game developer, are you struggling to find which indie game publishers can help turn your game into a hit? Undoubtedly, finding the right publisher can be a game-changer, but with so many options out there, it’s easy to feel lost. Don’t fret; we will make this process easy for you.
In this article, we’ll share the top 7 indie game publishers that every developer must know. We’ll break down what each publisher offers, along with their big hits in the gaming industry. To make this guide more informative, you’ll also get the complete criteria of how to approach the right game publisher.
Jumping into indie game development or publishing indie games is a wild ride, but having a publisher on your side can make a huge difference. How? Check out these top five reasons why teaming up with a publisher can become the best move for your game's success.
For indie developers, selecting the right publisher can make or break a project. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting the best indie game publisher for your project:
Different publishers offer various types of financial support. Some provide upfront payments, while others may use revenue-sharing models. Not only this, there is also a third option, which is milestone payment. It’s important to choose a publisher whose financial terms align with your development budget.
The most important tip is to research the publisher’s reputation in the industry. For this, always examine their record of successful projects and collect feedback from other developers.
The reason you’re reaching a publisher is to market your game. And if they don’t have good marketing resources, they are of no use. Always know about the marketing abilities of a publisher because a strong marketing strategy is something you can’t ignore for your game’s visibility.
As an indie games developer, choosing the right publisher can be a game-changer decision in bringing your game to life. Whether a first-time developer or a seasoned creator, partnering with a perfect publisher can provide the crucial funding and promotional boost needed to make your game stand out.
Humble Games is the publishing arm of Humble Bundle, which focuses on providing indie developers with the resources and exposure they need to succeed. This platform is widely recognized for its game bundles and charitable initiatives.
They offer various publishing services, including funding and marketing support. Doubtlessly, it’s one of the best places to sell games, as it helps in launching and promoting unique indie games to a global audience.
tinyBuild, founded in 2011, began as an indie game developer before expanding into publishing. It’s known for its vibrant and diverse portfolio of games. tinyBuild offers a combination of three significant benefits to all indie game developers. These include funding, marketing, and distribution support.
Tiny Build builds strong and long partnerships with developers offering both financial support and strategic guidance. This teamwork ensures that both the developer’s and publisher’s goals are closely aligned.
Curve Games, founded in 2005 by Jason Perkins, is a London-based video game publisher. Like tinyBuild, It started as a game developer, but later switched to publishing to help other game developers.
They work hand-in-hand with developers to realize their creative ideas. Their team of experts knows how to get games in front of the right audience and keep players engaged long after the launch.
When discussing the top indie game publishers, how can we forget to mention Devolver Digital? Established in 2009, Devolver Digital has been a major player in indie game publishing. This game publisher focuses on maximizing developers' creativity.
Whether it’s internal production, development funding, PR, or even marketing support, this publisher makes life a breeze for developers. Devolver Digital’s bold marketing and amazing support for unconventional games make them one of the best publishers for funding your indie game. So, let’s try it out.
Indie Fund was started in 2010 by a group of indie game developers who wanted to help other creators like themselves. This initiative provides financial backing without imposing restrictive conditions.
So, developers are free to develop their games without traditional publishing restrictions. It’s important to share that in 2022 and 2023, the Indie Fund supported 48 small companies.
Team17, based in the UK, has been a prominent player in the indie game publishers’ list since 1990. It publishes games for PC, console, mobile, and handheld devices and has almost 110 games in its portfolio.
With over 25 years in the industry, Team17 stands as one of the longest-running independent publishers. Beyond funding, Team17 provides great support in game design and development. They engage closely with developers to deliver practical feedback and expert advice.
Gearbox Publishing, launched in 2016 as part of Gearbox Software, is an American publishing company. This game publisher focuses on publishing and supporting games developed by internal teams and external studios.
They provide support in areas such as marketing, distribution, and additional funding. Due to its matchless support and a large number of notable games, Gearbox Publishing is one of the favorite indie game publishers of developers.
The indie game market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.8% from 2021 to 2028. If you want to participate in this exciting growth, the first step is to secure a great publisher to help market and publish your game.
To secure a publisher, you need to approach them professionally. Here's a short guide that will help you in this regard. Let’s take a look at it!
Before reaching out to publishers, it's crucial to do your homework by conducting thorough research.
Look for publishers that specialize in your game’s genre and have a history of successful projects in that space. Research their past projects and success stories to ensure they’re a good fit.
The next step is to create an outstanding pitch. Create a concise, engaging summary of your game, highlighting its unique features and appeal. This pitch should quickly communicate why your game stands out and is worth their attention.
Follow this with a detailed proposal that has a game design document, demo or trailer, and marketing plan. Keep in mind that a well-prepared pitch demonstrates your game’s potential and your readiness to collaborate.
The best idea for building a killer portfolio is to create a professional website with information about your game, team, and development progress. Doing this can make a strong impression.
The website should feature high-quality screenshots, gameplay videos, and a description of your game’s features. Lastly, highlight your team’s experience, past projects, and notable achievements.
Who doesn’t know that networking is a powerful tool in the game development industry? Attend industry events like conferences and expos to meet publishers face-to-face and pitch your game in person. Use online platforms to connect with industry professionals and join conversations.
Once you’ve attracted a publisher’s interest, be prepared for negotiations. Clearly define what you’re looking for in a publishing deal, such as funding, marketing support, or distribution. Be open to discussing terms such as revenue shares, milestones, and rights.
After your initial contact with a publisher, it’s important to follow up professionally. Send polite follow-up emails to continue the conversation and show your continued interest.
Furthermore, keep publishers informed about your game’s progress and any major updates or milestones achieved. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of successfully approaching the right publisher and securing a deal for your indie game.
So, what do you think? Which of the top seven indie game publishers can truly meet your needs? From Humble Games to Devolver Digital, each publisher offers distinct advantages to developers. Understanding what sets each of these publishers apart can help you decide which is best for your game.
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