Five tips to building developer-publisher relations
The number of developers choosing to self-publish is on the rise, sparking questions around whether publishers are needed at all. Are they just middlemen that can be cut out of the equation altogether?
In my view, the need for a publisher has never been more critical. In tough times, short-term decisions can be made in the hope of cutting the fat, but those decisions can end up exposing weaknesses over the long-term. It is far wiser to find a safe haven in tough times, and surround yourself with people who have had the experience of weathering storms, and who know how to build strategies to help you prosper.
But how do you navigate towards a great publishing partner? When searching for the right partner, first look at what each of you bring to the table. Publishers publish games all the time, creating a stream of work as they move from project to project. They should therefore have valuable knowledge from their experience bringing different titles to market across different trends and, often, multiple genres. This gives them vital know-how and experience.
When a developer needs to go to market, they can of course do it themselves, but it is very likely they will experience the sort of pitfalls a publisher will have experienced many times before and know how to avoid.
Game development is a long-term endeavour – a marathon – so it's imperative to partner with a publisher who you enjoy working with for the long haul. If you don't feel a connection with the publisher on a personal level, there is no point in pursuing a professional relationship with them.
A long-lasting professional relationship in which both parties fully understand one another is created from these foundations, predicated on mutual trust, respect and
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