The publisher of independent games is frequently the creator themselves. Independent game creators can self-publish their titles via online stores like GOG, itch.io, and Steam. In this scenario, the game’s developer keeps all of the sales proceeds, but they are also in charge of funding and promoting the game.
An independent game developer can propose their project to a publisher and work out a deal if they want to collaborate with one. The contract will specify the services to be provided by the publisher as well as the percentage of income that will be taken. The funding for game production, marketing, and distribution to physical and digital retailers are all responsibilities of game publishers.
By keeping a portion of the money generated from a game’s sales, game publishers can profit. Additionally, they can profit by peddling game-related goods like plush toys, t-shirts, and other souvenirs. In some circumstances, publishers might also get a portion of the money made through in-game purchases like DLC and microtransactions.
Steam offers a venue for developers to independently distribute their games, despite not officially being a publisher of video games. 30% of the money made from a game’s sales on Steam’s platform is taken as a cut. However, as Steam does not finance or market games, creators are responsible for those tasks.
In conclusion, game publishers typically keep between 15% and 30% of the money made from a game’s sales. Indie creators have the option of self-publishing their games or collaborating with a publisher to finance and advertise them. Revenue-sharing agreements and the sale of in-game merchandize are how game producers make money. Even though Steam isn’t a publisher of video games, they do offer a platform for developers to self-publish their games while keeping 30% of the sales.