Publishers can apparently take up to 80% of net revenue from indies

Unfold Games, the indie developer of DARQ who refused EGS exclusivity, recently revealed some horrendous offers that publishers made, such as soaking up 80 per cent of net revenue while grabbing IP rights.

[phoenixwing]

publishers just hope you're dumb enough to sign your game away and reap the benefits if you actually came up with a hit

[rainslacker]

Publishers will take 100% up until they've recouped whatever money they put into the game. The typical take is 50% of net revenue after initial investment is paid back, usually with bonus payouts at certain sales levels. A lot of it depends on how much they're doing to produce or market the game.

It isn't always stupid to sign with a publisher, just depends on the game, and what they're offering.

[phoenixwing]

I guess i was being too hyperbolic i meant in the vein of publishers who go out of their way to try and swindle you which is a high number these days. I am not a game dev either just seems that the cut publishers take can be extreme if you're not careful.

[rainslacker]

I dunno about a high number. Most publishers for indie games tend to have their own division or subsidiary of larger publishers like EA or Ubisoft. Every major publisher has one of these already, and even most of the less prolific one's do at least dabble in indies.

For the most part, they all have standard contracts that they apply across the board, with little room for negotiation. They're made in such a way that if the game is good, and successful, then the publisher and the developer make money.

I've worked with publishers for some indie projects I've been on, and for the most part, the people who run them know their stuff, and can help make the game better by giving resources or advice that a lot of people in the indie field may not have. Then they'll also market the game in ways that are relevant to the kind of game that you're making, which is the biggest reason to go with them, as most indie companies do not have the know how, or the resources to do any kind of proper marketing campaign.

I won't say that publishers are the way to go with indies, but it's also not something that an indie dev should dismiss out of hand. But it's always something they need to look at closely, and ask exactly what it means for their bottom line based on the contract provided. Also worth looking at the track record of that publisher for the type of game you're making. Any professional publisher is going to be able to answer any and all questions that a developer may have, and they seem questionable, it's probably best to just say no to that publisher. Devs can also shop around for publishers.

[Imortus_san]

That's why ID Xbox and Game Pass are great for indies.