AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
IndieGameBusiness®
Understanding Your Video Game Publishing Agreement - Game Lawyer Q&A
Sep 26, 2024
Zachary Strebeck, a video game lawyer, joins indie publishing expert Matthew Vernace and contract professional Alan Wilson to unpack the complexities of video game publishing agreements. They discuss key red flags to watch for and the importance of negotiation flexibility. The trio dives into how economic shifts affect indie developers and explores trends in budgeting and funding, noting the balancing act between engaging gameplay and visual appeal. Listeners gain invaluable insights into safeguarding their interests and securing fair deal terms in a challenging market.
01:06:05
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Indie developers face increased competition and diminished leverage in negotiating publishing agreements due to a shift in the gaming industry's dynamics.
- Publishers now enforce stricter recoupment structures requiring full revenue recovery before sharing profits, impacting smaller studios financially.
Deep dives
Current Industry Landscape
The video game industry has recently faced significant challenges, including job losses and a shift in investment priorities post-COVID. Developers and publishers experienced a surge during the pandemic, but as the economy has stabilized, many companies are reassessing their risk tolerance and marketing strategies. Publishers are now more selective, favoring projects that are seen as safer bets, such as sequels to established franchises, leading to increased competition among developers for publishing deals. This changing landscape has affected the balance of power, where developers have less leverage, especially in negotiations regarding deal terms.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode