Jay Moore (Garage Games) Interview

[fitbabits]

Next Generation (http://www.next-gen.biz) has posted an interview with Jay Moore (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1571&Itemid=2), 'company evangelist' at Garage Games.

The company was founded by several ex-Dynamix/Sierra folks - known for such titles as Starsiege, Tribes and Stellar 7 - who were sick of "pleasing the suits". Garage Games has been helping independent developers hone their skills, providing them tools and bringing their projects to market. Some higher profile recent successes have included getting Mutant Storm Reloaded and Marble Blast placed on Xbox Live Arcade.Being Non-evil

"One of our core principles is that the author of the content is the owner of the IP. As a publisher, we want to be a non-evil publisher, which we don’t think exists out there today," says Moore. "We’ve seen all the contracts and we know what they’re made of. Any contract we put into play we have to feel good as a developer signing, not just a publisher."
Can independent publishers really be commercially succesful in this day and age?

[Tricky Thumb]

I think the gaming industry may be at the right point for a sort of "independant" revolution of sorts.

I guess it all really depends on how they market and price their stuff. You never know though, they could thrive if they find a good audience.

[StoneGut]

Can independent publishers really be commercially succesful in this day and age?

I Hope so!

[51|RandoM]

Can independent publishers really be commercially succesful in this day and age?


Publishers, sure, it is the developers that are walking the trail of tears.

[fitbabits]

Can independent publishers really be commercially succesful in this day and age?


Publishers, sure, it is the developers that are walking the trail of tears.
But you can't really have one without the other, can you? A good developer will most likely find a publisher for their game. Oversimplifying things, I know, but I'm trying to make a point. :)

[AntB]

Independant development houses are the wave of the future.

Garage games has been around for a while now.

[Roc Ingersol]

As I read it, they're more like 'producers' than 'publishers'.
And the indy scene is ripe for that. Someone with the experience and knowledge to push an indy gem into a polished product; with the contacts to get that product into the right channels and not languishing on some undervisited site or with a predatory distribution deal.

More power to 'em.

[Kyle Jones]

Good ol' Garage games. I am glad to see these guys still kicking around and such. Hopefully they'll do some more stuff soon.

[RMan]

Can independent publishers really be commercially succesful in this day and age?
I think they can, but pretty much not in the retail market.

[mandarin]

Can independent publishers really be commercially succesful in this day and age?

Garage Games keeps enough cash in the bank for a year of expenses/salaries. They seem to be very succesful--they have some titles on Xbox 360 Live Arcade, too. It will be interesting to see how that fares for them.

[mister_slim]

Sure they can be successful. They just have to be very careful with the retail channel.

[RMan]

Sure they can be successful. They just have to be very careful with the retail channel.
Well, although I'd agree it's possible, I think it's such a statistical impossibility that you're setting yourself up for an unhappy career just trying. Nearly everything about retail distribution is wildly in favor of the big publishers, choosing to compete on such an uneven playing field is not generally smart.

[mister_slim]

Well, although I'd agree it's possible, I think it's such a statistical impossibility that you're setting yourself up for an unhappy career just trying. Nearly everything about retail distribution is wildly in favor of the big publishers, choosing to compete on such an uneven playing field is not generally smart.
I suppose that wasn't very clear. I meant more along the lines of staying away from retail unless you are certain it's the right direction. Basically, the Puzzle Pirates/Alien Hominid route.

[RMan]

Basically, the Puzzle Pirates/Alien Hominid route.
Not familiar with their retail success, but I'm betting if they did do well in retail it was after first succeeding online, or through some other venue.

[mister_slim]

Not familiar with their retail success, but I'm betting if they did do well in retail it was after first succeeding online, or through some other venue.
Both proved themselves online and then went retail channel.