The World of Licensing in Games with Slitherine's Marco Minoli
Dec 12, 2024
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Marco Minoli, Director of Publishing at Slitherine, dives into the intricate world of game licensing. He discusses how licensing deals are structured and the opportunities they present for both developers and publishers. The conversation highlights Slitherine’s impressive portfolio, which ranges from consumer-facing war games to military simulations. Marco also shares his journey from intern to a key player in the industry, touching on the importance of strategic growth and community engagement in the evolving gaming landscape.
Licensing in games presents both creative opportunities and financial security, requiring developers to navigate complex agreements and build trust with licensors.
Effective marketing for strategy games hinges on community engagement, utilizing platforms like Discord and leveraging gameplay content to attract dedicated players.
Slitherine's dual role as developer and publisher allows for strategic expansion into new genres while maintaining a strong focus on their established strategy game portfolio.
Deep dives
Global Game Commerce with Exola Payments
Exola Payments offers tailored solutions for game developers looking to expand their reach internationally. It enhances player engagement by providing localized checkout experiences that cater to players' preferred payment methods. The user-friendly interface allows gamers to save their favorite payment options, facilitating quick purchases and improving overall gameplay experiences. Customizable checkout options also enable developers to align the buying process with the game's aesthetic, providing a seamless in-game feel for purchases.
Insights from Slytherin Games
Slytherin Games, known for their strategy and war games, has published numerous successful titles such as Warhammer 40K: Gladius and Starship Troopers: Terran Command. The conversation explored the company's dual role as both developer and publisher, including their subsidiary, Matrix Pro Sims, which produces defense-focused simulations. Executive Marco Minoli emphasized the importance of building a strong relationship with developers and maintaining trust, especially in the licensed games market. The growing interest in licensing games was noted, as it presents new opportunities for both creativity and financial security.
Challenges and Best Practices in Licensing
The licensing process in game development is complex, with various challenges that developers must navigate. The discussion highlighted the need for developers to understand the benefits and limitations of working with licensed properties. Establishing clear agreements, including royalty rates and access to assets from the licensor, is crucial to ensure a successful partnership. Furthermore, maintaining long-term relationships and planning for post-launch content can enhance the sustainability and profitability of licensed games.
Networking and Community in Strategy Games
Effective marketing for strategy games relies heavily on building and nurturing a dedicated community. Engaging with players through platforms like Discord and Reddit fosters interaction and loyalty, but such strategies are often time-intensive. Creative marketing approaches, such as using gameplay trailers and historical content, can draw in audiences who share interests in military history and strategy. Understanding the nuances of your target audience is essential for attracting a broader player base while maintaining a strong connection with dedicated fans.
The Future of Slytherin Games
Slytherin Games is actively pursuing expansion within its existing strategy game portfolio while exploring new genres such as simulation. Projects like Broken Arrow and a submarine simulator are currently in development, targeting a mix of traditional and innovative gameplay. The company aims to leverage its experience in licensed properties to grow its brand both as a publisher and developer. By prioritizing community trust and successful partnership models, Slytherin prepares for a potentially significant breakout in the coming years.
Trent Kusters chats with Marco Minoli, Director of Publishing at Slitherine. Together they discuss the world of licensing in video games; the benefits and opportunities that can be found; how deals are structured; how to collaborate with license holders; and then explore Slitherine's catalogue of games from consumer facing war games to war simulations used by defense departments in governments around the world.
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