Tim Bender
Reporting and statements that mention Tim Bender.
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Griffin Gaming Partners and Entertainment 360 launch new company to support video game adaptations for film and TV
Griffin Gaming Partners and Entertainment 360 have launched HITpoint Entertainment, a new company focused on adapting video game intellectual property for film and television. The venture aims to leverage Griffin's industry relationships and Entertainment 360's production expertise, keeping game creators involved throughout the adaptation process.
Steam is swapping its curated discounts section for a more personal touch, and it could be "a big win" for indies
Steam is replacing its curated discount sections with a more personalized, algorithm-driven system in early 2027. This change is expected to significantly improve game discovery for players and provide greater visibility for developers, particularly for indie titles. The CEO of Hooded Horse believes this shift is a major benefit for both consumers and creators.
Steam's discounts and events tab will soon be fully algorithm-driven
Valve is transitioning Steam's "Discounts and Events" tab from a manually curated calendar to an algorithm-driven system. This change aims to personalize game recommendations for each customer, with initial tests showing a tenfold increase in games featured and significant boosts in store page visits and wishlists. While Valve states this will help developers focus on game creation rather than promotion, some industry figures like Simon Carless and Tim Bender of Hooded Horse have noted positive impacts on visibility for smaller titles.
Manor Lords publisher isn't worried about launching a game on GTA 6's release date - PC players "looking to steal cars" might check out its new management sim instead
Hooded Horse, the publisher of Blacksmith Master, is not concerned about launching their medieval management sim on the same day as Grand Theft Auto 6. Publisher CEO Tim Bender stated it's a deliberate strategy, humorously suggesting players looking to 'steal cars' might discover the appeal of their game instead. He believes that while AAA console-focused games should avoid this date, indie titles have little to fear.
"Steam is on an absolute historic run": Valve quietly made a huge change that's helping game devs, says…
Valve has implemented significant changes to Steam's "Discounts & Events" feed, greatly improving game discovery for indie developers. Tim Bender, CEO of Hooded Horse, reports a massive increase in visibility for niche titles, transforming a previously negligible traffic source into the best on the store. This update is seen as a major win for players seeking relevant recommendations and for developers struggling to gain traction.
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.
