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Being an independent video game developer is not an easy task. Developing a video game in itself is a huge task, hence getting people’s attention to buy it is complicated and often very expensive. As proof of this, a developer recently confirmed that Sony charges a fee and requires a viewing commission in the PlayStation Store.
Recently, Iain Garner, co-founder of studio neondoctrine, took to a Twitter thread venturing his frustrations on and broadcasting a little behind the scenes of the industry. There he recounted his experience publishing games for an unnamed company, but confirmed that it was «responsible for a very successful console and does not have a Game Pass.» In a subsequent tweet, he specified that it was not about Nintendo. Throwing in, it’s clear that this is Sony. But in case that isn’t enough to convince you, you should know its sources Kotaku They claim that he is talking about PlayStation.
According to Garner, publishing a game on this platform is really difficult. This like getting support, being in-store or even being able to offer discounts at all is a complex process with many hurdles for small independent developers.
“Platform X does not give developers the opportunity to manage their games. To receive an upgrade you have to jump through hoops, beg and plead for any level of upgrade. (…) There is nothing you can do to fix this. Wishlists have no effect, so Your personal marketing efforts mean nothing to Platform X. All that matters is their evaluation. How does your evaluation work? «I don’t know, they don’t share that and they won’t share with me the value they put in my game,» Garner explained.
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Platform X does not give developers the ability to manage their games. In order to get a promotion, you have to jump through hoops, beg, and claim any level of promotion. And the blog is not as good as they think.
If platform X doesn’t like your game, there’s no fanfare that’s no love.
– Ian Garner (@NeonIain) June 30, 2021
Developers can pay to promote themselves on the PlayStation Store
As if that wasn’t enough, Garner explained that standing out in the PlayStation Store is a complex process, but there’s also a way to ensure interest and that’s by paying.
According to the developer, Sony charges at least $25,000 and 30% of the game’s revenue on its console to promote and display it on the PlayStation Blog.
“In conclusion, Platform X is very successful and has amazing hardware, but its background and process looks like something from the early 2000s. I have no idea how to be successful on this platform and they don’t tell me how to do it Garner said.
Oh but don’t worry. There is a way to ensure you get the features! All you have to do is spend $25,000 minimum to get the offer. Oh and then 30% of your subsequent earnings….
compromise!
– Ian Garner (@NeonIain) June 30, 2021
Charging for promotion is common in the industry
Without a doubt, Garner’s words show the harsh reality that independent developers live with. Having said that, it is important to make clear that your words do not mean that Sony is the only one doing this.
What happens is that, according to information from KotakuThere are very similar agreements between Microsoft and independent developers to highlight their games on Xbox. It’s unknown if the same is happening with Nintendo, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it did.
Remember that a lot of indie games start every day, which means there is a huge offer for players. This creates an opportunity for companies running consoles, where they can sell space in their stores and social channels as ad storefronts. Wouldn’t it be ideal to have a human coordinator or a system that showcases relevant indie games to players according to their tastes? Sure, but companies want to make money.
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Now, if this is something Microsoft also does, why did Garner only blame the so-called Platform X? Creative explained to Kotaku:
“Platform X is disappointing in large IEs using us as a core part of their marketing. A recent call showed that they don’t care about us, neither our opinions nor our lives. What’s worse is that this ensures consumers get a worse deal and fewer choices. I don’t understand the logic , but it seems bad, even for them,” the developer explained.
In other words: While marketing deals between indie games and platforms are common, Garner’s problems with PlayStation go further. That is, the experience of posting and promoting yourself according to its own advantages, placing discounts and more, seems to be much easier on other platforms.
And you, what do you think of Garner’s words? Tell us in the comments.
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