Publishing
Ongoing coverage on Publishing.
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Hyper Light Drifter dev lays off "nearly everyone at the studio" after publisher backs out of new game: "I'm not sure yet how or if Heart Machine survives"
Indie studio Heart Machine has laid off nearly all of its staff after its publisher unexpectedly withdrew funding for its next unannounced game. Studio founder Alx Preston stated that the future of the company is uncertain, and they are seeking roles for the displaced developers. The studio, known for Hyper Light Drifter, has faced challenges with recent titles like Hyper Light Breaker and Possessor(s).
Kingmakers Leads tinyBuild’s 2026 Showcase With 16 Games
tinyBuild's Connect 2026 showcase revealed updates and announcements for 16 games, including a deep dive into Kingmakers. The event also featured new titles like The Crab is Walking and Road to Jukai, confirmed release dates for several games, and detailed console ports and live-service updates for existing titles.
While still headquartered in the US, Saber exec Tim Willits says it has 'no real development in North America…
Saber Interactive Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated that the company has largely ceased game development in North America, focusing instead on global subsidiaries while maintaining publishing operations in the US. Willits criticized the high costs and perceived inefficiency of many North American triple-A studios, contrasting them with Saber's more cost-effective development approach for titles like Space Marine 2 and SnowRunner.
Saber Interactive's Tim Willits on generative AI, moving development out of North America, and embracing recognisable IP
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits discusses the company's stance on generative AI, stating they are experimenting with it but not replacing human developers. He also highlights Saber's strategy of global development across 15 studios, focusing on AA titles and recognizable intellectual property, emphasizing disciplined budgeting and flexible team structures.
The AA games industry needs "a few more Expedition 33s" before publishers stop seeing smaller games as a major financial risk, says Valor Mortis director
Despite the massive success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, publishers remain hesitant to invest in AA games, viewing them as a significant financial risk. Radek Ratusznik, director at One More Level, believes the industry needs more unexpected bestsellers like Expedition 33 to prove the viability of smaller-scale, creative titles.
No More Robots' nine-year journey to releasing its first self-developed IP – "This sounds so naive and stupid, but somehow it's working"
After nine years of publishing, No More Robots is releasing its first self-developed game, Cruise Control. The company pivoted from an ambitious online shooter project that failed to materialize due to a partner pulling out. Founder Mike Rose expresses a sense of exhaustion with the industry but remains optimistic about Cruise Control's potential success and the future of the company, which has maintained a lean operational model.
"It's not sexy, but it's one of the most successful genres on Steam" – Stronghold developer Firefly steps up to publisher to serve the vast strategy market
Stronghold developer Firefly Studios has launched a new publishing label, WuselFactory, to focus on the strategy game market, a genre they believe is underserved despite its success on platforms like Steam. Their first published title is Fool King, a tactical autobattler with roguelike elements developed by Loot Donkey. Firefly aims to leverage its decades of experience in strategy game development and self-publishing to support other indie developers.
Inside Tencent's long-term strategy: live service, AI tools, and evergreen titles
Tencent's long-term strategy for its global games division centers on building sustainable communities through live service titles and evergreen IPs, alongside investing in high-quality talent and synergistic partnerships. The company is also embracing AI as a tool to enhance developer efficiency and iteration, rather than replace human roles, while navigating challenges in global integration and outsourcing.
Escape From Tarkov's developing studio has launched Battlestate Games Publishing
Battlestate Games, the developer behind Escape From Tarkov, has launched a new division called Battlestate Games Publishing. This new arm will focus on funding, supporting, and publishing hardcore and niche titles from third-party developers across all platforms and genres.
Clutch Picks Up a Publisher as Maverick Games Partners with Focus Entertainment
Focus Entertainment has announced a major publishing partnership with independent racing studio Maverick Games for its upcoming project, Clutch. This deal comes after Amazon withdrew its backing earlier this year, securing a publisher for the new racing title.
Fallout dev Tim Cain says we should pay more attention to bad games: '[Publishers] often don't learn from failure because they only look at the games that sold well'
Fallout co-creator Tim Cain argues that both publishers and players should pay more attention to poorly received games to learn from failures. He suggests that analyzing unsuccessful titles, not just bestsellers or notorious flops, can provide valuable insights into game design and market trends. Cain believes this approach is crucial for industry growth and avoiding repeated mistakes.
Order Physical Copies of Our Devotional Books at the Links Below!
Physical copies of devotional books are now available for purchase through IngramSpark and Barnes & Noble. Links to order the books are provided in the article.
Inner Pocket Publishing is "building a quiet corner for people who love thoughtful single-player games"
A new indie label, Inner Pocket Publishing, has been established by industry veterans from Critical Reflex, Gaijin Entertainment, and Nozomu Games. The company aims to focus on a curated selection of thoughtful single-player games, adopting a publisher-as-curator model rather than a generalist approach. Inner Pocket is self-funded and plans to invest up to $75,000 per project, seeking smaller games or those nearing completion.
Matchmaking platform Sail.game launches free tier for devs ahead of Gamescom
Matchmaking platform Sail.game has launched a free tier for PC and console game developers ahead of Gamescom, allowing them to access the Entry Cruise package using a promo code until August 31. Developers who claim this tier during Gamescom will receive lifetime access, enabling them to create game cards, connect with publishers, and receive notifications. CEO Vladimír Geršl stated the initiative aims to help developers find funding and publishing partners more efficiently.
Thimbleweed Park 2 is happening because Ron Gilbert's friend knows a rich guy who's a big fan of the original…
Thimbleweed Park 2 is officially happening, funded by a wealthy fan of the original game rather than a traditional publisher. Creator Ron Gilbert expressed dissatisfaction with publisher terms, opting for a more favorable deal with an anonymous benefactor. The sequel is expected in early 2028 and aims for a budget higher than the original's $1 million.
Compulsion Games removes Xbox as publisher of South of Midnight on Steam
Compulsion Games has removed Xbox as the publisher of its upcoming game South of Midnight on Steam, listing itself as the publisher as of August 11, 2026. This change follows Xbox's recent mass layoffs, which had previously put Compulsion Games' future in question. The studio is now independent and retains control of its intellectual property.
Phasmophobia devs Kinetic Games mosey into publishing with a witchy delivery game, a parasitic Metroidvania, and more
Phasmophobia developer Kinetic Games is expanding into publishing, announcing several new titles. These include Crescent County, a magic-tech delivery game; Shellbound, a parasitic Metroidvania; Contact Protocol, a retrofuturistic spaceship security game; and Aether Wizard Life, a mage apprentice simulator. Kinetic Games also announced a partnership with Sam Barlow for his next game, featuring Brandon Cronenberg.
Amazon to rescind its publisher role on Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty by early 2027
Amazon Game Studios will cease its publishing roles for the MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty by early 2027, returning them to their respective developers, Smilegate and NC. This transition marks a shift for Amazon away from third-party MMO publishing as they focus on other ventures like Amazon Luna and first-party development.
Amazon drops Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty
Amazon is ending its publishing deals for the MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty in Western markets. NCSoft will take over publishing for Throne and Liberty near the end of 2026, while Smilegate will do the same for Lost Ark in early 2027. This move signifies the end of Amazon's significant ambitions in the MMO publishing space, following earlier shifts away from big-budget game development.
MMORPG Throne and Liberty transitions from Amazon Game Studios to NC (formerly NCSoft)
NC (formerly NCSoft) will take over global publishing duties for the MMORPG Throne and Liberty from Amazon Game Studios, aiming to consolidate it into a single online service by Q4 2026. FirstSpark Games, an NC subsidiary, is collaborating with Amazon on the transition, ensuring player accounts and assets remain unchanged across platforms like Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox. NC stated this move allows them to directly support the game and shape its future.
