Game Publishing
Ongoing coverage on Game Publishing.
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Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be both
Former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden argues that Xbox must choose between being a major game publisher or a platform holder, stating it cannot effectively be both. He highlights the need for exclusive content to support a platform, contrasting it with the multiplatform approach required for a top publisher, a dilemma exacerbated by recent Xbox layoffs and strategic shifts.
Indie developer says Steam did them a solid by fixing their unbootable game to beat the Next Fest deadline
An indie developer shared how Steam Support went above and beyond by fixing a broken build of their game, Red Flag, allowing it to meet the deadline for Steam Next Fest. Instead of rejecting the submission due to a C++ redistributable issue, a Steam reviewer corrected the configuration themselves. This act of support enabled the game to participate in the festival, leading to a significant increase in wishlists and player engagement.
Sony tells publishers they can still reorder physical game discs for games pubbed before 2028
Sony has informed publishers that they can still reorder physical PlayStation game discs released before January 2028, even after the stated end of disc printing. This comes after significant backlash from publishers and preservation groups regarding the initial announcement. Meanwhile, Sony's disc manufacturing plant in Austria is being repurposed for optical microlens production.
Undead Labs Reportedly Won't Be Required to Bring State of Decay 3 to Xbox Game Pass After Microsoft Sale
Undead Labs may not be required to launch State of Decay 3 on Xbox Game Pass following its acquisition by Microsoft. The studio is continuing development on the zombie survival sequel.
Meet the HEJ Collective - Hungary's New Indie Game Label Launching Its First Season
The Hungarian game development collective Havi Egy Játék (HEJ) has launched its first publishing season, supporting indie developers by bringing select games from their monthly challenges to commercial release on Steam. Season 1 features the competitive platformer Grapple Bear and the strategy simulation game Weather Dragger, with participating teams receiving mentorship over a 4-6 month development period.
IO Interactive Layoffs: Xbox Pulls Project Fantasy Funding — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
IO Interactive is continuing work on Project Fantasy despite Xbox pulling its funding, and will now seek alternative funding or self-publish. This is part of a larger "reset" at Xbox under new CEO Asha Sharma, with reports indicating several studios like Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Undead Labs, Arkane, and Double Fine are in talks to avoid closure. Xbox is reassessing its investment priorities to better fund its existing franchises and ensure a reliable pipeline of exclusive content.
50 Ways to Ruin Your Indie Game — Avoid These Mistakes
This article outlines 50 common mistakes that can lead to the failure of an indie game before or during its release. It covers pitfalls in marketing, game design, development planning, team organization, and publishing strategies, emphasizing the importance of avoiding common errors to ensure a successful launch.
Ytterligare en påstådd shovelware-utgivare portas av Playstation
PlayStation has banned the publisher Afil Games, known for releasing shovelware titles with easily obtainable achievements, due to stricter publishing guidelines. Afil Games claims these new rules are incompatible with their business model. While their games will be removed from PlayStation, Afil Games intends to continue releasing titles on Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Sony seemingly enforcing "stricter guidelines" on PlayStation Store to remove the mounds of PS5 shovelware games accumulating there
Sony is reportedly enforcing stricter guidelines on the PlayStation Store to combat the influx of low-effort 'shovelware' games. Publisher Afil Games confirmed its titles are being removed and future releases will not be accepted due to incompatibility with the new rules. Afil Games will continue to release titles on Xbox platforms and Nintendo Switch.
NC TAPS DEVELOPER DYNAMIS ONE TO PUBLISH ‘MAGIC GIRL RPG’ ASTRAE ORATIO
NC has partnered with developer Dynamis One to publish the anime-style RPG, Astrae Oratio. The game, set in a fantasy Tokyo, blends magic girl themes with administrative gameplay. NC released a character preview trailer showcasing the game's cast and combat styles.
21 years ago, Valve passed on a chill game pitched as "the opposite" of GTA San Andreas, Journey creator says: "We only publish games with guns, our players like to shoot"
In 2005, Valve rejected a game pitch called 'Cloud,' which was designed to be the opposite of violent titles like Grand Theft Auto San Andreas. Jenova Chen, co-founder of Thatgamecompany, revealed that Valve stated they 'only publish games with guns.' Despite the rejection, Cloud was eventually released for free, and Thatgamecompany has since found success with peaceful games like Journey.
Telltale Games is back, but can it learn from its past mistakes?
Telltale Games has resurfaced with a new trailer for The Wolf Among Us 2 and an announcement that PM Studios will publish the game and a remaster of The Wolf Among Us. CEO Jamie Ottilie discussed the company's overhaul of its technology and processes, including a shift to Unreal Engine 5 and a focus on avoiding past mistakes like mandated crunch and formulaic storytelling. PM Studios CEO Michael Yum emphasized their creator-first philosophy and commitment to providing production stability.
"Product visibility needs a more cohesive and structural approach" – How VaultN aims to unify the digital distribution ecosystem
VaultN, a digital distribution platform, aims to unify the gaming ecosystem by centralizing transactions for publishers, distributors, and retailers. Co-founder Julian Migura explains the platform's goal to streamline processes, improve product visibility, and enable better cooperation between various industry players, including a desire to integrate with Steam. VaultN currently partners with platforms like Epic Games Store and GOG, and takes a small percentage of publisher royalties.
The Indie Premier Announces Diverse Panel of Judges Representing the Best of Indie Gaming
The Indie Premier has announced the diverse panel of judges for its inaugural event, which includes leaders from Whitethorn Games, Media Indie Exchange, Mega Cat Studios, Twitch streamer Roxikat, and curator Alpha Beta Gamer. These judges will evaluate submissions across categories like Grand Indie Champ, Gameplay Mastery, Visual Virtuoso, and Master Mix Award.
How Small Game Studios Are Bootstrapping in 2026
The article analyzes how small game studios can bootstrap their development in 2026 without external funding, highlighting platforms like Itch.io for concept validation, Steam Early Access for revenue generation, Kickstarter for community-funded projects, and Poki for publishing partnership and player data. It emphasizes that these methods are not mutually exclusive and depend on a studio's immediate needs.
Asha Sharma commits to "resetting" Xbox, prioritising exclusivity and addressing AI in new strategy
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is implementing a new strategy focused on resetting the business, prioritizing exclusivity, and carefully integrating AI. She aims to make Xbox the leading gaming and entertainment company, addressing challenges like rising component costs and platform competition. Sharma emphasized a thoughtful approach to AI, ensuring it solves problems and enhances experiences rather than replacing AAA games.
Asha Sharma Dances Around Xbox Exclusivity In New Interview
In a recent interview, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma discussed the company's evolving approach to game exclusivity. She indicated a flexible, title-by-title strategy rather than a strict adherence to traditional platform exclusivity, suggesting some games may remain exclusive while others could launch on multiple platforms or utilize timed exclusivity.
Xbox boss Asha Sharma still can't seem to decide on a stance regarding console exclusivity
Newly appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has reiterated that the company's stance on console exclusivity remains undecided, emphasizing the need to balance reaching large audiences as a publisher with the platform requirement for exclusive content. Sharma stated that each title will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and that Xbox's mandate is to become the number one gaming and entertainment company, not necessarily to meet standard software profit margins.
After Describing Them as 'Antiquated', Xbox Now Says It 'Must Have Exclusive Content and Services'
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated a shift in the company's stance on exclusive content, stating that to be a great publisher, games must reach large audiences, but to be a platform, exclusive content and services are necessary. This contrasts with previous statements from Sarah Bond, who called exclusives 'antiquated'. The company is now considering an 'exclusive content and services' approach on a case-by-case basis for its titles, potentially experimenting with games like Gears of War: E-Day.
New Xbox CEO says successful platforms "must have exclusive content" and is "looking at that very closely" as Halo and Fable prepare to jump to PS5
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that successful platforms require exclusive content, a strategy the company is actively considering for titles like Halo and Fable, which are reportedly coming to PlayStation 5. Sharma emphasized balancing broad audience reach with the need for platform-defining exclusives, acknowledging the evolving ways players consume content.
