Tim Bender
Reporting and statements that mention Tim Bender.
Latest coverage
Steam may have quietly improved its discoverability, and indie devs are feeling the benefit
Steam may have improved its discoverability features, benefiting indie developers who have struggled to gain visibility on the platform. Recent changes to the Discounts & Events banner, which now prioritizes personalized offers based on player interests, have led to significant increases in traffic, wishlists, and sales for smaller titles.
Uncover the mysteries of a sentient world in roguelite management game Rogue Carrier
Hooded Horse and Wild Fields have revealed Rogue Carrier, a new colony management game with roguelite elements set to release on PC. Players will lead an expedition aboard a stranded colony ship on a hostile planet, managing resources, production chains, and crew morale while defending against alien threats. The game emphasizes replayability with multiple endings and scenario variants, and will be available on PC via Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, and PC Game Pass day one.
Volunteer-led RTS BAR signs publishing deal with Hooded Horse
The volunteer-led real-time strategy game Beyond All Reason has signed a publishing deal with Hooded Horse. While the multiplayer will remain free with cross-play, a paid 'BAR Premium Edition' with singleplayer content will be released on Steam. The IP and code will remain with the BAR team and open source, respectively.
Hooded Horse publishing the space action RPG C-Beams
Hooded Horse has announced it will publish C-Beams, a new space action RPG featuring Newtonian physics, ship customization, and chaotic ship-to-ship combat. Players will explore a vast system, engage in factional conflicts, and specialize in various roles like mining, trading, or combat. The game is noted for its hard sci-fi elements and gorgeous spaceship designs.
Explore an unforgiving frontier in space-based Action RPG C-Beams
Hooded Horse announced that Distant Light Games' space action RPG C-Beams will launch into early access for PC on May 26, 2026. Players will pilot upgradable ships through a perilous black hole system, engaging in ship-to-ship combat and specializing in roles like mining, hauling, trading, or combat.
Far Far West publisher says "We don't work with partners that are relying on generative AI"
Fireshine Games, the publisher of Far Far West, has stated it will not partner with developers who rely on generative AI for game art, though it permits the use of AI development tools like code completion. CEO Brian Foote emphasized this as a firm 'red line' for the company. This stance echoes similar declarations from other publishers regarding the use of AI in game creation.
Heroes of Might and Magic Olden Era publisher starts $100M fund for ‘promising indie games’
Hooded Horse, the co-publisher of the successful early access title Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, has announced a $100 million fund dedicated to supporting promising indie games. The company, which has seen its own title sell over 500,000 copies, will manage the fund and has already invested in several titles within its portfolio, including ARPGs and a bullet-hell shooter.
The Manor Lords trade rework is on hold while Slavic Magic sorts out systems "that had quietly degraded over time"
Slavic Magic has postponed the planned trade rework for Manor Lords to address underlying systems that have degraded over time. Instead, the next update will focus on a pathfinding rework, with a rural traditions update to follow. CEO Tim Bender apologized for the delay in communication and assured players that technical improvements are being prioritized for a better overall game experience.
Griffin Gaming Partners launches $100M fund to support indie developers
Venture capital firm Griffin Gaming Partners has launched a $100 million fund, the Special Opportunities Fund, to provide revenue-sharing financing for indie game developers. This initiative aims to offer fair funding solutions by eschewing equity-based investments. The fund has already invested in 15 titles, including several published by Hooded Horse.
Griffin Gaming Partners launches new $100 million fund to champion world-class indie games
Griffin Gaming Partners has launched a new $100 million Special Opportunities Fund (SOF) aimed at providing project-based revenue-sharing financing for indie games. This initiative offers an alternative to traditional equity investments, seeking to better support smaller studios. The fund has already invested in fifteen titles, including nine announced projects across various genres.
Griffin Gaming Partners launches $100m indie dev fund, led by Hooded Horse CEO Tim Bender
Griffin Gaming Partners has launched a $100 million fund, the Special Opportunities Fund (SOF), to support indie game development. Led by Hooded Horse CEO Tim Bender, the fund will provide financing through a revenue-share model rather than equity. This approach aims to protect developers by aligning interests and sharing success evenly, with Griffin already having invested in fifteen titles.
Another $100 million to indie games: new fund led by CEO of Manor Lords publisher and strategy powerhouse Hooded Horse praises "breakout hits with comparatively modest budgets"
Griffin Gaming Partners has launched a new $100 million "Special Opportunities Fund" for indie games, managed by Tim Bender, CEO of Hooded Horse. The fund has already invested in 15 titles, including the turn-based tactics game Menace, with a focus on breakout hits that have modest budgets.
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era enjoys mighty opening weekend
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era has achieved a successful launch weekend, selling over 650,000 copies and reaching a peak of over 60,000 concurrent players. The turn-based strategy game, developed by Unfrozen Studio and published by Hooded Horse and Ubisoft, is currently available in early access on PC. The developers have released three patches and plan to share a full development roadmap soon.
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era Achieves 250,000 Sales in Less Than 24 Hours - GameHaunt
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era has achieved remarkable success in its early access launch, selling 250,000 copies within approximately 16 hours on Steam and the Microsoft Store. The game, priced at $39.99, has garnered a 91% "Very Positive" rating on Steam and is also available on PC Game Pass. This strong performance marks a significant return for the classic turn-based strategy franchise after a decade-long hiatus.
A decade on, classic strategy game Heroes of Might and Magic returns triumphant, earning its budget back in just one day
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, a prequel to the classic turn-based strategy series, has achieved significant success shortly after its early access launch. Developed by Unfrozen and published by Hooded Horse, the game topped the Steam sales charts and recouped its development costs within 24 hours, selling 250,000 units in its first 16 hours. The game offers multiple modes, including a campaign, map editor, and scenarios, and is available with a launch discount.
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era sells 250,000 copies in under 24 hours
Hooded Horse, Unfrozen Studio, and Ubisoft announced that Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era has sold 250,000 copies in under 24 hours since its early access launch. The turn-based strategy game is available on PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store, with a 25% launch discount until May 13, 2026. Developers plan to add more content and features during early access based on community feedback.
Corsair Cove sails past 100,000 wishlists in under two weeks
The pirate-themed city-builder Corsair Cove has surpassed 100,000 wishlists on PC platforms in under two weeks since its announcement. Developed by Limbic Entertainment and published by Hooded Horse, the game tasks players with managing production chains and building a pirate utopia vertically. Corsair Cove will be available on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store, and will also release on PC Game Pass on day one.
Corsair Cove sails past 100,000 wishlists in under two weeks
The pirate-themed city-builder Corsair Cove has surpassed 100,000 wishlists on PC platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store in under two weeks. Developed by Limbic Entertainment and published by Hooded Horse, the game will also launch day one on PC Game Pass. Players will manage complex production chains and build their pirate utopia vertically.
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era surpasses 1.5 million wishlists
The upcoming turn-based strategy game Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era has surpassed 1.5 million wishlists on Steam, making it the 9th most-wishlisted game. Developed by Unfrozen and published by Hooded Horse, the game is set to release into early access on PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store on April 30, 2026, and will be available day one on PC Game Pass.
If Windrose isn't quenching your sealord fantasies, maybe carving out your own Libertalia in pirate citybuilder Corsair Cove will
Hooded Horse announced Corsair Cove, an island citybuilder and colony management sim developed by Limbic Entertainment, set to release in 2026. Players will build a pirate kingdom, manage resources, and send ships out for plunder. The game will feature vertical building mechanics and will be available on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Game Pass.
