How to Identify & Evade a Bad Game Publishing Deal

2 weeks ago 44

For game studio founders, securing interest from a publisher is only the beginning. The ensuing contract negotiations, often stretching from two to four months, involve intricate legalese and discussions requiring strategic foresight. So what are the things a game studio founder should look for, avoid and how to negotiate rather than going in completely cold?

Answers to these questions were not available in a single source, there were a few in one article and a completely different bunch of advice in panel discussion/talk and so on. I also obsessively went over the fine print of the publishing contracts from Raw Fury, Neon Doctrine, Whitethorn Games, and thoroughly scanned the extensive chatter around these contracts.

Even more importantly, I heard from a prominent indie game business personality that due to the Indian game devs’ lack of exposure to such deals and trade practices, our lower cost of living etc the publishers would try to push unfavorable/non-standard terms and conditions on us. This guide compiles hard-to-find insights to help studio founders negotiate more effectively, saving valuable time and effort. And as a formality, here’s a reminder: this article doesn’t constitute legal advice—always consult a lawyer before signing a contract.