Video game publisher

A video game publisher is a company that publishes video games that they have either developed internally or have had developed by an external video game developer. As with book publishing, the publisher usually handles marketing, sales, and distribution of the game, allowing the developer to focus on creating the software. This division of labor within the video game industry allows for more specialized roles and can help increase the quality and market reach of games.

Overview

Video game publishers are responsible for the financial backing of video games. They invest in the marketing, promotion, and often in the development of a game. The relationship between a publisher and a developer can vary; some developers remain independent and merely contract the publisher for the final aspects of the game, while others can be owned by the publisher.

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary role of a video game publisher includes:

• **Financing**: Publishers often fund the development of the game, from concept art to coding to release.
• **Marketing and Promotion**: This includes advertising the game through various media channels, creating promotional materials, and sometimes organizing public relations events.
• **Distribution**: Publishers handle the logistics of getting the final game to consumers, which may include manufacturing physical copies and negotiating with retail outlets or managing digital distribution platforms like Steam or the PlayStation Network.
• **Quality Control**: Many publishers oversee quality assurance and ensure that the game meets certain standards before release.

Types of Publishers

Publishers can range from large multinational companies that publish many titles across various platforms annually to small independent publishers who may specialize in niche markets or specific types of games. Major publishers include Sony Interactive Entertainment, Microsoft Game Studios, and Nintendo, which not only publish but also develop games and produce their own gaming consoles.

Challenges

The video game industry is highly competitive, and publishers must continuously invest in new technologies, market research, and talented developers to stay relevant. The rise of indie games and platforms that allow developers to publish their own games, like Steam's Greenlight and the App Store, has also changed the landscape, increasing competition and lowering barriers to entry for game publishing.

Impact on Game Development

Publishers can have a significant impact on the creative process of game development. Their focus on profitability can influence game design choices, sometimes leading to conflicts with developers over the game's direction. However, their resources and experience in bringing games to market can also support developers in realizing more ambitious projects.

See Also

• Video game development
• Video game distribution
• List of video game publishers