A bold statement from an indie publisher CEO has sparked a debate: Should indie developers take the leap and self-publish their games?
Tim Bender, the visionary leader of Hooded Horse, an indie publishing powerhouse, has shared his insightful perspective on the indie game development landscape. In a recent conversation with PC Gamer, Bender revealed his thoughts on the controversial topic of indie publishing strategies.
'Most indie publishers are predatory and opportunistic,' Bender boldly proclaimed, adding, 'People can hate me for this, but it's the truth.'
Bender's comments shed light on the approach taken by Hooded Horse, a company known for its successful releases, including Manor Lords and Terra Invicta. Unlike many indie publishers, Hooded Horse doesn't focus on signing a large number of developers. Instead, they believe in a more selective and supportive strategy.
'Indie publishers often invest in already successful games, making them bigger, while ignoring the ones that aren't,' Bender explained. He further emphasized that developers themselves are the true experts when it comes to their games, possessing a deep understanding and a personal stake in their success.
'The vast majority of indie developers should self-publish,' Bender advised. 'They know their game inside out, they care about it, and they have the drive to make it a success.'
Bender recommends resources like GameDiscoverCo, How to Market a Game, and Gamalytic to help indie developers navigate the self-publishing journey. He emphasizes the importance of research and caution, stating, 'If you're in doubt, self-publish. It's a viable and rewarding path.'
To illustrate his point, Bender shared the inspiring story of the developers behind The Farmer Was Replaced, a farming and coding sim. Despite facing challenges, they managed to achieve a remarkable surge in revenue after launching their game on Steam. This success story highlights the potential for indie developers to thrive through self-publishing.
So, here's the part most people miss: self-publishing isn't just an option; it's a powerful choice that puts the control back in the hands of the developers. But here's where it gets controversial: do you think indie developers should take on the publishing role themselves? Or is there a place for indie publishers in this industry? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a discussion!
