Midwest Games Launches Innovative Shadow Publishing Model for Indie Developers
Midwest Games, dedicated to promoting indie game talent across the Midwest and other overlooked areas, has unveiled a groundbreaking service model known as shadow publishing.
This new approach from the publisher aims to bridge an essential void in the gaming industry. As more games flood into the marketplace and traditional publishing opportunities dwindle, independent studios are increasingly facing challenges associated with self-publishing. This has become a pressing issue that Midwest Games is poised to address.
Leadership Under Elizabeth Howard
To guide this initiative, Midwest Games has appointed Elizabeth Howard as the chief advisor for services. Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Howard brings two decades of experience in areas such as business development and production from her previous role as vice president of production at Bungie.
In her new position, she will oversee efforts to deliver bespoke publishing solutions that empower developers while enhancing player experiences. She joins CEO Ben Kvalo alongside Jennifer Corbett (chief marketing officer) and Chris Klimecky (chief product officer) in shaping the company’s vision.
A Unique Approach to Game Publishing
The shadow publishing model will provide both customized and comprehensive support on a project basis—allowing developers to keep control of future revenues and intellectual property rights.
This initiative encompasses services before, during, and after game launches across various platforms including PC and consoles. The strategic location of Midwest Games allows it to offer competitive pricing while ensuring that more resources are allocated directly towards each gaming project. Their service offerings cover every aspect necessary for successfully bringing a game to market: from business strategies and platform management to marketing public relations (PR) initiatives.
The Evolution of Game Publishing Needs
“The gaming landscape has significantly transformed,” stated Howard regarding current industry dynamics. “To thrive today, games must encompass all aspects of publishing through their entire development journey; however many studios find themselves under-resourced.” She further emphasized the new trend toward flexibility within developmental frameworks that had previously been absent in traditional publishing models—until now with shadow publishing from Midwest Games offering streamlined support tailored specifically for indie developers.
Key Features of Shadow Publishing
- All-Inclusive Services: Among one of the first global offerings combining strategy formulation with production oversight alongside marketing needs under one roof—a vital option tailored for full-service requirements.
- Flexibility: Unlike conventional publisher partnerships that often impose rigid constraints on studios’ choices about scaling support or cost structures!
- Email Retention: Game creators maintain ownership over their IP rights while also retaining significant influence regarding pivotal publication decisions!
Pioneering Support for Independent Studios
Kvalo added his assurance saying: “By equipping partners via accessible knowledge bases along cutting-edge resources we can assist studios maneuver through today’s fragmented forecasting environment—ensuring they retain deserved value generated by years invested nurturing these projects.” He underscored enthusiasm surrounding Elizabeth’s capabilities aimed at championing this venture aimed squarely towards facilitating greater success stories among emerging games.”
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