Being an Indie Game Publisher can be an intimidating venture, and one question that frequently arises is whether to self-publish or collaborate with an established publisher. Which is why this decision can be difficult. It is important to weigh each approach’s pros and cons, consider your strengths and limitations, and assess your game’s needs.
To assist you in figuring this out, let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of both options.
Self-Publishing
Pros
- Faster Time to Market
As an indie game publisher, you can determine the timeline for launching your game and getting it to market faster than traditional publishing routes.
- Higher Earnings Potential
Developers can earn more per game as an indie game publisher if they price their game appropriately and achieve a strong sales performance. Self-publishing is a popular option for developers, allowing them to retain 100% of the earnings and granting them complete game ownership.
- Running a Business
Self-publishing requires running a business, which can be challenging but enjoyable for those drawn to game development’s logistics, operations, project management, and marketing aspects.
- Creative Control and Freedom
Self-publishing allows you to retain 100% ownership of your game’s earnings, except for platform fees.
Additionally, you have full autonomy over your game, making decisions and modifications without the need to adhere to external directives. Indie game publishers can also maintain their original vision without catering to anyone else’s audience or changing the game’s flow.
Cons
For indie game publishers, self-publishing can be fulfilling, but it has drawbacks and challenges.
- Marketing Aspect
Indie game publishers face the challenge of marketing their games, but affordable solutions are available. Sponsorships, grants, and programs like Indie Fund, Indie Wolverine, and Failbetter Games’ Fundbetter can support specific development aspects, but developers are still expected to find their own resources.
- Bearing all the Risk
Self-publishing involves a higher level of risk than traditional publishing, particularly when running a crowdfunding campaign. Despite careful planning and investment in art and marketing, successful funding is not guaranteed, leading to potential financial loss.
- Building from Scratch
Traditional publishers have an established mailing list and connections in the industry. But as an indie game publisher, you must invest time and effort into building your audience and industry relationships.
- Financial Investment
Self-publishing requires you to invest your money into various aspects of the business, including manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and other expenses. You need to be prepared to cover these costs upfront.
Working with a Publisher
Pros
- Access to an Experienced Marketing Team
Working with a publisher provides the advantage of having promotional activities handled by professionals with expertise in marketing games. It also grants access to a substantial user base within the publisher’s network, increasing the game’s visibility and potential player reach.
- Financial Support and Risk Mitigation
Publishers invest resources and funds into a game’s production, alleviating the financial burden on the developer. In return, publishers typically take a share in royalties until the initial investment is recouped. This revenue-sharing arrangement helps distribute the financial risk of launching a new game, as the publisher assumes a significant portion of the risk.
- Increased Chance of Success
Partnering with a publisher increases the chances of success for well-made games. Publishers provide dedicated resources for support, PR, and marketing, as well as their expertise and network in the industry. The publisher’s brand name also carries weight and can boost the game’s reputation and credibility. This combination of resources, expertise, and brand recognition enhances the overall chances of the game’s success in a competitive market.
Cons
- Revenue Share and Financial Terms
Publishers typically claim a larger revenue share from the game’s earnings, so developers must carefully review and understand the financial terms before committing to a publisher. This will ensure the arrangement aligns with the developer’s expectations and financial goals.
- Contracts and Milestones
A drawback of working with publishers is the need for developers to adhere to contracts and milestones. This can limit creative freedom and flexibility. Failure to fulfill contractual obligations can strain relationships, cause delays, or result in contract termination, posing risks and challenges for developers.
- Competition and Visibility
Developers will have to find unique ways to differentiate their games and capture the attention of publishers. Since publishers receive a high volume of submissions, developers face the challenge of standing out among the competition.
- Inconsistent Marketing Strategy
Publishers’ marketing capabilities may not meet the expectations of the developer. They may not be able to effectively reach the target audience and generate buzz and sales for games. This can lead to a lack of visibility and limited success in attracting players and generating revenue.
Remember, deciding to work with a publisher or pursue self-publishing depends on individual preferences and considerations. It’s important to carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks to determine the best approach for your game. And if you are looking for a reliable game publisher, then check us out at Camlann Games!
