In a move that can only be described as “playing a 4D chess match against a decade of discounted Steam classics,” Owlcat Games—the developer behind Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader and Pathfinder: Kingmaker—has announced its new narrative-focused publishing label. The company claims it’s ready to guide developers through the minefield of game development, armed with favorable publishing terms and a seasoned eye for market opportunities.
“We’ve walked this path before,” said Andrey Tsvetkov, Owlcat’s head of publishing and apparent Gandalf of game dev guidance. “And we’re here to make sure you don’t step into the Balrog-infested pits of bad pipelines and bloated budgets.”
The Quest for Narrative Games That Don’t Get Lost in the Void
But launching a new publisher in the volatile year of 2024 is a bold flex, considering the gaming industry’s recent tumult. Thousands of layoffs and games underselling harder than a lemonade stand in the Arctic haven’t dampened Owlcat’s enthusiasm. Instead, they’re diving headfirst into the narrative game genre, promising developers “favorable terms”—a phrase as ambiguous as it is tantalizing.
Apparently, Owlcat doesn’t want to own your IP, and they’re willing to split revenue like a benevolent dragon hoarding just 20-25% of the treasure. That percentage might even shrink during the game’s lifecycle, making them the unicorn of publishers. But there’s a catch: your game has to “stand out in a given market.”
Competing with $5 Steam Legends
According to Tsvetkov, pitching a game to Owlcat is a bit like applying to Hogwarts—talent and originality required, but with fewer magic wands and more spreadsheets. “Right now, you’re competing with games that are seven, eight, even ten years old,” he said. “And you can buy those for $5 during a Steam sale. That’s your competition.”
The first games signed under the new label, Rue Valley and Shadow of the Road, embody Owlcat’s vision of market-savvy innovation. Rue Valley is a narrative RPG exploring inner psyches with the finesse of Disco Elysium, while Shadow of the Road transports players to an alternate-history Japan for an isometric RPG adventure.
Both games impressed Owlcat not only with their creative visions but also their ability to carve niches in genres dominated by heavyweights like Baldur’s Gate 3.
Disco Elysium Wannabes, Beware
Tsvetkov had strong words for developers inspired by Disco Elysium: “Don’t just try to copy it because it’s cool. You need a story that’s burning inside you, not just a desire to slap dialogue trees on a detective noir.”
Instead, he advised developers to focus on creating narrative-driven games that engage players with compelling stories, rather than relying solely on intricate combat systems.
Betting on the Underdogs
Owlcat’s publishing philosophy is less about shooting for the stars and more about carefully navigating the meteor field of modern gaming. For developers pitching ideas, the company evaluates “market share”—a cryptic term that somehow merges genre trends, competition analysis, and the ability to outshine $5 games that still look amazing.
In a market where Baldur’s Gate 3 has redefined the RPG genre and Disco Elysium remains a cult favorite, Owlcat seems to believe there’s still room for fresh ideas—as long as those ideas don’t trip over their own ambition.
So, if you’re a developer with a game pitch, a strong core team, and the audacity to compete with Skyrim Special Edition for the 10th time, Owlcat might just be your golden ticket. Just remember: in the game of publishing, you either stand out—or get Steamrolled.
Key Notes
- Owlcat Games Launches Publishing Label
- Focused on narrative-driven games with favorable publishing terms.
- Aims to guide developers using its experience in self-publishing.
- Favorable Publishing Terms
- Developers retain IP ownership.
- Revenue splits start around 20-25% for the publisher and can decrease over time.
- Standing Out in a Competitive Market
- Developers must compete with older, discounted games that still look great.
- Creativity and originality in pitches are critical to securing deals.
- Signed Games: Rue Valley and Shadow of the Road
- Rue Valley: Inspired by Disco Elysium, exploring inner psyches through RPG systems.
- Shadow of the Road: Isometric RPG set in alternate-history Japan, competing in the Baldur’s Gate 3 market.
- Advice for Developers
- Don’t replicate successful games (e.g., Disco Elysium) without a strong personal story or vision.
- Narrative depth and story engagement are more important than complex combat systems.
- Owlcat’s Publishing Philosophy
- Evaluates market share and potential niches for success.
- Helps developers navigate challenges like budgets, pipelines, and competition.
- Challenges in the Current Gaming Market
- Thousands of layoffs and underperforming games highlight the risks of game development.
- Competing with established classics sold at low prices is a significant hurdle.
- Conclusion: A Focus on Innovation
- Developers must have a unique selling point and the ability to compete with classics.
- Owlcat positions itself as a partner for creative developers willing to take bold risks.