How To Get Screwed By A Game Publisher

Once upon a time, an indie game publisher ripped me a new one. Here's how you can avoid it!

[thomasbrush]

Thanks for watching! Hope you learned a ton.

[hyperindigo]

This is the most rewarding video I’ve watched concerning game development all year

Words can’t express how thankful I am

[RobsonFilho]

if they are paying strippers 4 ma game at least invite me gosh...

[TYNEPUNK]

Hooked on your channel man, im an indie dev of 25 yrs, but still learning a lot from you, thanks.. so much fun watching it all too

[Harbiter]

Man, I don't know if I could ever sell my IP, because to me that's like selling a piece of my soul.

[Narx]

Correct my points Tom! If you like<3

Summary:
1 - Watch out for Publishers who want to take more than 30-50% of your game.
2 - Don't give them Net revenue, the publisher should only get GROSS Revenue. Make sure this is clearly defined in the contract (as all of these points)
3 - Make sure to define the markets they get gross profit from. (Steam, Xbox, Switch, Etc).
4 - IP lawyer, have them review your contract. PAY THEM. It is worth it.
5 - Don't sell your IP. License your IP. Don't let them sell anything but the game. Not merch, not you, nothing.
6 - Make sure the publishers are interested in your game and its artistic value and that the publisher isn't just buying up a bunch of games and hoping they will be a hit on launch. Avoid those publishers. They will stroke your ego and tempt you by saying you will be mad successful when they don't even play the game. If it fails on launch they will just give up on it and it might never be helped to the spotlight it deserves.
7 - Brush has a lot of good advice.

[Teabone]

*Runs to quickly acquire Billy's Balls I.P.*

[cadepope]

I just love the random "Hook" scenes explaining what you're talking about.

[cwdgamedev]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences on the subject. I'm a solo dev and have self published a couple small games/apps on the play store but intend to publish a serious piece on Steam for PC in (hopefully) about a year. You generously pointed out some stuff to look out for, but I was also hoping you might cover what benefits a publisher provides and what kind of differences they can make versus a self publisher. BTW, just learned about you from your talk with Tim yesterday. It was definitely more of a... introspective talk than I was expecting lol but still very good. Keep up the great work!

[lingbenjamin]

I feel lucky being able to see this video. I have graduated from college and my first job is working in a Steam publisher. I thought the things happened there are fantastic but actually not. I found my boss was a totally businessman instead of a game lover who wants to let more wonderful games be exposed to the public. Our team who is responsible for signing different games always has a different attitude with him. But in the end, you have to listen and follow his words. It’s awful, that’s not the right and proper way to treat games even I admit that selling games does have it economic side. What I learn most from this video is, as a publisher, you should or you are supposed to tell the developers honestly the reason why you choose his game and how much effort you would devote to his work. It’s not about the result, the result you have for making profits, it’s about your attitude, your beginning of why you choose to be the publisher. Thank you very much.

[spiralcraft]

You really got me inspired to start making games again. Felt really crest fallen after i found out that publishing and selling a game yourself here in south africa can get you 10 years in jail. Its possible to 'register' and self publish but the bribes alone cost more money than i have ever made in my life. Looking forward to participating in game jams in the future. Thanks you for the motivational videos <3.

[andreweleccion]

Billy's Balls - What a classic game. Belly laughed on that one! lol

[wundervas]

I am thrilled I found your channel. Our studio has made all the mistakes you are warning everyone about. So just a part of the dialogue we had with the "publisher" after we found a lawyer and struggled our way out of the contract: "What do you mean you want out? I am not allowing it! You are like a bitch who isn't sleeping with me after I bought her dinner." The guy looked at me right in the eye, standing over my head, while yelling.

[snakeplisken]

Artists have the hardest time of it! You are spot on.

[MrKiates]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Hope your next ones are hits.

[robestey]

Thanks for being so honest. Love your channel.

[harmonyskates]

hey thank you for posting all these videos! very glad to hear some insight from an experienced developer!

[TheRealDarth_Vader]

" Your game is gonna be paying for strippers" LMAO bro you killing me here

[coda-]

really good video Thomas! Hope someday you can make a video of how to find a good publisher and pitch to them! Thanks for all these high-quality videos!

[ninny]

Thanks dude, about to start a games design studio company next Friday with someone and this stuff is very useful