game publishing
by Ivan Mandzhukov · in General Discussion · 01/26/2012 (7:54 am) · 7 replies
Hello developers.
I open this thread in regard to game publishing. My aim is to exchange information with you about game publishing because I have some doubts and questions. May be some of you are very well informed about how to proceed when a developer like me has its game already done or in its final development phase. I will be very glad if you take part in thread with suggestions or other useful information.
Let me explain shortly what I am looking for. I am working on a 3rd person action adventure game. My main aim is to get this game published on Xbox360, but for now I will publish it for PC only, because I have to show something Microsoft to get approved as Xbox developer. At least I don't have enough funds for the time being to pay all the needed licenses for Xbox360. So.. I have a game that is in a final development phase. I need some months to get it completely done. What to do next?
What I am looking for is a serious game publisher. What do you think about Steam and the others online game stores? Do I need a publisher to get my game there? Even if I don't need a publisher to publish there my game is it better for me to do it? Or it would be better to publish it there via publisher?
Do you think I can sell enough units if it publish it myself via some of the well known online game stores?
I know that when working with a publisher he will do a very good job with advertising and will probably realize more sales than working without him. Can you direct me to some publishers? If you have any suggestions I will be happy to hear it from you.
Thank you!
I open this thread in regard to game publishing. My aim is to exchange information with you about game publishing because I have some doubts and questions. May be some of you are very well informed about how to proceed when a developer like me has its game already done or in its final development phase. I will be very glad if you take part in thread with suggestions or other useful information.
Let me explain shortly what I am looking for. I am working on a 3rd person action adventure game. My main aim is to get this game published on Xbox360, but for now I will publish it for PC only, because I have to show something Microsoft to get approved as Xbox developer. At least I don't have enough funds for the time being to pay all the needed licenses for Xbox360. So.. I have a game that is in a final development phase. I need some months to get it completely done. What to do next?
What I am looking for is a serious game publisher. What do you think about Steam and the others online game stores? Do I need a publisher to get my game there? Even if I don't need a publisher to publish there my game is it better for me to do it? Or it would be better to publish it there via publisher?
Do you think I can sell enough units if it publish it myself via some of the well known online game stores?
I know that when working with a publisher he will do a very good job with advertising and will probably realize more sales than working without him. Can you direct me to some publishers? If you have any suggestions I will be happy to hear it from you.
Thank you!
#2
My real question is what to expect from online sales. Have somebody already had experience with it? I don't know if it is better to sell a game via all the online game stores available (download version) or to try getting my game on shelves in a box?
01/27/2012 (9:07 am)
I have already read this, Chip, thanks anyway.My real question is what to expect from online sales. Have somebody already had experience with it? I don't know if it is better to sell a game via all the online game stores available (download version) or to try getting my game on shelves in a box?
#3
If you haven't read it, it's about Ian and Paul's experience with direct-download sales with Frozen Synapse. Interesting stuff.
01/27/2012 (9:19 am)
www.gamesbrief.com/2011/11/frozen-synapse-a-business-mini-postmortemIf you haven't read it, it's about Ian and Paul's experience with direct-download sales with Frozen Synapse. Interesting stuff.
#4
Do you know whether they have published their title on Steam only, I mean these over 100k sold units were realized by Steam?
01/27/2012 (9:48 am)
Excellent article , Steve. Thanks.Do you know whether they have published their title on Steam only, I mean these over 100k sold units were realized by Steam?
#5
I think that FS is available pretty much in all the major portals. And they do mention in that article that they did well from their beta funding and own site sales. I think beta was on their own site and if I remember correctly also on Impulse, not sure about Desura - which does alpha funding now too.
It's probably important to note that they do know what they are doing as a business, and don't just make it up as they go (I guess!). I believe their previous game had a package goods box version for sale in Germany.
01/27/2012 (11:06 am)
They don't mention Steam sales because apparently the Steam NDA/EULA says you cannot discuss Steam sales publicly. I think that FS is available pretty much in all the major portals. And they do mention in that article that they did well from their beta funding and own site sales. I think beta was on their own site and if I remember correctly also on Impulse, not sure about Desura - which does alpha funding now too.
Quote:
Paid beta raised $135,000 and enabled us to switch to full-time work on the game
Over $300k total in direct sales (i.e. via www.frozensynapse.com)
It's probably important to note that they do know what they are doing as a business, and don't just make it up as they go (I guess!). I believe their previous game had a package goods box version for sale in Germany.
#6
I believe going non exclusive with all these online stores (Steam, Impulse, Desura) makes my chances to realize good sales really good.
The bad side of publishing a game without a publisher is may be I won't have good advertising. Anyway I still have some months in development and I will think about all this meanwhile :).
01/28/2012 (5:34 am)
Thank you, Steve, much appreciated.I believe going non exclusive with all these online stores (Steam, Impulse, Desura) makes my chances to realize good sales really good.
The bad side of publishing a game without a publisher is may be I won't have good advertising. Anyway I still have some months in development and I will think about all this meanwhile :).
#7
Basically, staying indie is very viable, but like any business, your odds go up with more marketing and publishing clout. Of course they take their cut, but at least you make the final decision on whether to go with a publisher.
One tip, do all your shopping with publishers before you release your game...or even pre-release your game. They usually want to plan the unveiling of your product and in theory, provide a big splash...it may clash with their plans if you have already released your title.
03/16/2012 (12:29 pm)
If you believe your title demos well, then it doesn't hurt to shop your title around. Put together a demo (both movie and playable), basic website and go to publisher websites to try to setup meetings. Exposure is key so any indie shows or stories you can get mentions in are valuable. Basically, staying indie is very viable, but like any business, your odds go up with more marketing and publishing clout. Of course they take their cut, but at least you make the final decision on whether to go with a publisher.
One tip, do all your shopping with publishers before you release your game...or even pre-release your game. They usually want to plan the unveiling of your product and in theory, provide a big splash...it may clash with their plans if you have already released your title.
Associate Chip Lambert
Crusader Games
http://www.steampowered.com/steamworks/FAQ.php