How to find a game publisher?

Nicolas de Kerchove

4 min read

In the gaming industry, finding the right game publisher can be a the steppingstone towards achieving success. While creating a compelling and innovative game is undoubtedly crucial, partnering with the right publisher is equally important. A game publisher can provide the necessary resources, expertise, and support needed to launch your game to heights. In this article, based on my experience negociating more than 15 publishing deals we will discuss some valuable tips on how to effectively find a game publisher that aligns with your game’s vision and aspirations.

1. Have a playable demo. Some experimented succeed to find publisher without it but for most of the people it’s needed. Ideally it should be a vertical slice of the game. If you can’t reach this stage you can combine a playable demo with some images on how you see the definitive version looking like. It should be easy to onboard your demo through a link you send by email.
2. Do Your Research: Thorough research is essential when finding a game publisher that fits your needs. Start by identifying publishers that specialize in your game genre. Look for successful games within your genre and determine their publishing partners. Investigate the publishers’ track records, their reputation within the industry, and the kind of games they’ve published in the past. This will help you gauge whether the publisher is a good match for your game. When reaching the publisher explain why you are interested in its services.

3. Attend Gaming Conferences: Gaming conferences, such as Gamescom, Nordic game, GDC, Paris Game Connection, … provide incredible opportunities to network and connect with potential game publishers. These events are an ideal platform to showcase your game, get valuable feedback, and make face-to-face connections with publishers. Attend panels and presentations hosted by publishers, participate in networking events, and schedule meetings in advance on platform as meettomatch to maximize your chances of securing a publisher.

4. Prepare a great pitch deck. It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your game’s vision. What genre does it belong to? Who is the target audience? What unique selling points does your game offer? Developing a concise pitch that encapsulates your game’s vision will significantly enhance your chances of finding the right publisher who shares your passion and goals. Prepare the money you need and the payment milestones. You can find more information about how making the perfect pitch deck here.

5. Utilize Social Media Platforms: Social media platforms have become vital tools for networking within the gaming industry. Engage actively on platforms such as Linkedin, X.com, Discord, and specialized game development forums to gain visibility in front of publishers and scouts.

6. Seek Recommendations and Referrals: Word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals from colleagues, mentors, or friends within the industry can be invaluable when searching for a game publisher. Reach out to your connections and ask for any recommendations they may have. Attend local meetups, join game development communities, and make your presence known to increase the likelihood of receiving helpful referrals.

7. Understand Publishing Agreements: Prior to finalizing a deal with a game publisher, it is crucial to understand the terms of the publishing agreement. If possible, seek mentoring from experienced persons, legal advice and thoroughly review the contract to ensure that it aligns with your goals and protects your intellectual property rights. Pay attention to revenue shares, recoupments, marketing commitments, localization, exclusivity terms, and the publisher’s expectations. Negotiate any terms that do not align with your vision or strategy. Signing a publishing agreement is a bit as wedding. You need to feel good with the publisher you are signing with.

Conclusion: Finding the ideal game publisher is a significant step towards realizing your game’s potential and achieving success in the competitive gaming industry. By defining your game’s pitchdeck, having a nice demo, conducting thorough research, attending gaming conferences, utilizing social media, seeking recommendations, and understanding publishing agreements, you will be well-equipped to navigate the publishing landscape and find the perfect partner for your game’s future. Keep pushing forward, be persistent, and never lose sight of your game’s unique value proposition. Finally, Don’t forget that an alternative to finding a game publisher is to raise funding to do self-publishing.