How a developer can find a publisher and prepare for communication with them

Contents:

• Starting the Search and First Contact
• Preparing Documents and Materials for the Publisher's Review
• Results

According to VG Insights, in the first half of 2022, 98% of releases on the Steam platform came from independent developers and studios. In a highly competitive environment, indie developers must carefully plan their every move. Therefore, they are increasingly seeking support from publishers and various funds. However, finding the right business partner and convincing them of a project's potential is a challenging task.

Based on frequently asked questions from developers, the Skillbox Media "Gamedev" editorial team, together with Danil Kamenev from Ravenage Publishing, has prepared recommendations. These tips will help you find the right publisher, effectively present your project, and avoid common mistakes when concluding a contract.

• Links to sources with publisher contacts
• Types of investors
• About the rules of good form during correspondence
• Recommendations for presentation design
• What a game build should consist of
• List of materials for concluding a contract and their templates
• Why does a developer need legal support?

Business Development Officer at Ravenage is a key position responsible for strategic business development and sales growth. This specialist's responsibilities include market analysis, identifying new growth opportunities, and establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with clients.

As part of their work, the Business Development Officer develops and implements strategies to attract new clients, as well as optimizes existing business processes to improve efficiency. The position requires excellent communication skills, analytical thinking, and a deep understanding of the market.

Working at Ravenage provides a unique opportunity to become part of a dynamic team and make a significant contribution to the company's development. A professional in this position must be prepared for continuous learning and adaptation to changes in the business environment, which is an important aspect of successful development in the field of business management.

This material reflects my personal opinion and experience. It is not the absolute truth, but rather contains practical recommendations and examples that you may find useful. At the end of the text, you will find my contact information for questions and comments. I hope you enjoy reading.

Starting the Search and First Contact

A developer most often turns to a publisher or investor when he realizes that he does not have enough funds to implement his game concept. In such cases, it's best to turn to a publisher, as they not only provide financial support but also take on many tasks that can significantly reduce production costs at various stages of development. Partnering with a publisher streamlines the process and ensures access to the necessary resources and expertise, ultimately contributing to the successful completion of the project.

A developer may request several hundred thousand dollars for a project, of which $25,000 is allocated for QA testing. If the publisher has an in-house QA department, they can perform the testing themselves, which can significantly reduce the development budget. Similarly, other tasks where in-house resources can reduce overall costs can be considered.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. He is responsible for business development and strategic planning, enabling the company to effectively expand its services in the market. Under Danil's leadership, Ravenage successfully implements innovative solutions aimed at meeting client needs and improving business processes. Kamenev's experience and expertise in business development strengthen the company's position and foster new partnerships.

Partnering with a publisher allows a developer to significantly expand their project's reach, leading to greater success than independently publishing the game on Steam and managing social media. Publishers have the experience and resources to promote games, which helps attract more players and increase the project's visibility in the market. This approach increases the chances of successful sales and helps build a vibrant community around the game.

It's not a given that every developer needs a publisher. The gaming industry boasts numerous successful examples of self-publishing. A prime example is Maxim Karpenko, creator of Worldbox, who worked on his project for over 10 years. He actively developed the community, conducted playtests for players, and ultimately, his god simulator became so popular that the developer had to protect its brand from unscrupulous competitors. This case demonstrates that with the right approach and persistence, success can be achieved without the help of publishers.

Publisher support becomes less relevant for developers who have reached a professional level and established their own audience. This is especially true for those with their own marketing department. Game designer Xalavier Nelson Jr.'s projects don't feature cutting-edge visual technology, but they stand out thanks to unique and creative concepts that attract players. Nelson is actively involved in the development of the gaming industry and regularly shares his knowledge in lectures, making his games less dependent on advertising support.

In my opinion, collaboration between a developer and a publisher significantly improves the final quality and outcome of a project. This tandem is focused not on maximizing profits, but on conveying a vision of the future game to the player. It is important that potential players are immersed in the atmosphere and concept during a promotional campaign and are interested in purchasing, seeking a unique gaming experience. If this experience proves truly engaging, the player will seek new adventures in future projects.

Danil Kamenev holds the position of Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In this role, he is responsible for strategic business development, as well as establishing and maintaining partnerships. His experience in business development allows the company to expand its horizons and identify new opportunities for growth in the market. Ravenage is actively working to improve its products and services, which helps meet customer needs and maintain a competitive edge.

In theory, a developer can turn to Publishers can approach projects at any time, but in practice, not all publishers are willing to consider projects at an early stage. Each company has its own requirements for development timelines and terms of cooperation. Some are willing to invest in a project at the concept stage in exchange for a stake in the future studio, while others prefer to invest only at the vertical stage. Therefore, it's important to understand in advance at what stage of development you plan to raise funding and what terms potential partners may offer. This will allow you to optimally prepare your project for presentation and increase the chances of a successful collaboration. Based on personal experience, I can say that having playable content is crucial for a successful project launch, especially if you're just starting out in this field. Even if your team includes experienced professionals, having a playable demo with detailed documentation will be compelling evidence of the quality of your work and your professional approach. If you don't have the resources to create a playable demo and are limited in funds for concept development, don't despair. Finding funding in this case is entirely possible, although more challenging.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. He is responsible for business development and strategic planning aimed at increasing the company's market share. In his role, Danil actively interacts with clients and partners, analyzing market needs and proposing innovative solutions. His experience and knowledge of business strategy help Ravenage reach new heights and strengthen its position in the industry.

Beyond traditional Google searches, there are many specialized resources where you can find publisher contacts. Danil recommends paying attention to certain sources of information that will assist you in this process. Using these platforms can significantly simplify the task of finding the right contacts and expand your publishing opportunities.

• Alan's Gamedev Resources Sheet is one of the best tables in terms of information content and relevance.
• The list of mobile game publishers from the Higher School of Business (HSBI) - despite the list's name, it also includes publishers who consider games for PC and consoles. At the end of the table, there is a note stating that the contact information was collected more than three years ago, so some information may not be current.
• Midcore chat - a useful table in Russian from the MID CORE Telegram chat dedicated to games of the same format.

You can meet representatives of publishing houses at various gamedev events. The logic is simple: the larger the scale of the event, the more publishers it will include. By participating in such events, you get a unique opportunity to establish contacts and meet key industry players. Registering and actively participating in gamedev events will help you expand your professional network and increase your chances of successful collaboration.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. His responsibilities include business development and identifying new growth opportunities. He actively engages with clients, partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen Ravenage's market position. Danil also analyzes current industry trends and develops strategies aimed at increasing profits and expanding the customer base. His experience and business knowledge contribute to the company's ambitious goals and enhances its competitiveness.

Creating a list of publishers that meet your game's criteria is an important first step. Make sure the publishers you select are suitable for the platform and genre of your game. This will not only save you time but also help you avoid awkward situations, such as pitching a PC game to a mobile publisher. Choosing the right publishers will increase your chances of a successful collaboration and improve the likelihood of attracting the right audience.

It is important to thoroughly research each potential partner on your list. Pay attention to the services they provide, press reviews, available documents, and presentation materials. If a publisher has a large number of projects you're unfamiliar with, this may be a red flag. It's also recommended to contact developers who have worked with this publisher before. Gathering detailed information will significantly simplify the process of choosing a reliable partner.

Each publisher has a unique approach to game promotion, which can target both a general audience and specific groups of fans. This doesn't mean that a niche approach is exclusive to indie games. The core idea of ​​niche marketing is the promotional strategy. For example, Devolver Digital presents games across various genres, but their marketing materials always share a common theme of wildness. This approach allows for the creation of a recognizable image and attracts a target audience interested in original and unconventional projects.

The "non-boutique" approach uses a unified set of solutions for each game, including traffic generation, social media management, and testing. Each type of publisher has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. The final choice of publisher depends on the developer's preferences and needs, which allows for the optimization of the marketing strategy and the effectiveness of game promotion. It is important to consider that the right choice of partner can significantly impact the success of a project.

Many countries have government, cultural, and venture funds willing to invest in promising projects, including video games. It is also important to consider the possibility of attracting private investors and business angels. The latter may include eccentric millionaires eager to realize the developers' ideas. Success in obtaining support from a business angel can depend on having the right connections and acquaintances, which often opens the door to favorable terms or even pro bono assistance. Investing in video games is becoming increasingly popular, and having a strong network can significantly increase a project's chances of success. Working with investment funds can be challenging, as their representatives are often experts in other fields, such as the film industry. This can lead to a lack of understanding of the specifics of game development. Furthermore, some investors tend to believe that their successful strategies are the only correct ones. However, in practice, this is not always justified, and successful approaches in one industry may not work in another. Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In this role, he is responsible for developing business strategies, identifying new growth opportunities, and strengthening client relationships. With his experience and knowledge in business analysis, Danil contributes to the company's competitiveness in the market. Ravenage, a leading technology solutions company, is committed to innovation and quality, making Danil's contribution essential to achieving the company's overall goals. Consulting firms such as Remote Control Productions and RocketRide Games are active in the gaming industry. They assist game studios in optimizing internal processes, acquiring necessary expertise, and finding suitable partners for collaboration. The most effective way to find partners is to use online resources and thoroughly analyze their activities. Based on the information gathered, you can select those representatives who best meet your requirements and expectations. When communicating with potential partners, both offline and online, it is important to remember the principles of mutual respect. The golden rule is to treat others the way you would like to be treated. Politeness, honesty, and keeping promises are the foundation of successful interactions. When receiving an email, pay attention to the presence of "CC" or "BCC" labels. If such tags are present, it may indicate that other recipients are included in the conversation for a specific reason. In this case, it's recommended to use the "Reply All" feature to ensure transparency and avoid misunderstandings. Following these simple rules will help build trust and improve communication effectiveness.

If communication is slow, and the recipient doesn't respond within the timeframes they set, ignores even simple questions, and regularly deletes your studio colleague from their correspondence, this may be a sign to reconsider. Perhaps it's time to reconsider the need to collaborate with such a partner. Effective collaboration and timely communication are key factors for success in any collaborative project.

You shouldn't judge a person's character solely by their letter. People have different styles of expressing thoughts in text. Even if a response seems dry or stern, it may be due to a habit of perceiving messages rich in emojis. A full picture of the person you're talking to can only be formed through face-to-face communication, paying attention to their manner of speaking, intonation, and level of interest in the matter under discussion.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In this role, he is responsible for strategic business development and the implementation of new solutions aimed at improving the customer experience. Under Danil's leadership, Ravenage is actively expanding its market opportunities by developing innovative products and services. His experience and professional skills contribute to the successful implementation of business strategies and strengthening the company's position in the industry.

During communication, don't be afraid to discuss any topics that are important to you. It's better to clarify issues immediately than to dwell on them, especially if this may lead to anxiety. This applies to developers who are just starting out in game development and have limited experience with legal matters. Ask questions that concern you, even if they seem insignificant. This will help avoid misunderstandings and strengthen your understanding of the important aspects of your work. Remember that clear communication is key to successful collaboration and development in the industry.

After establishing contact with a publisher or investor, it's time to move on to the presentation stage, which typically includes a pitch and a project demonstration. The presentation can be conducted either in person or by sending materials via email along with supporting documents. This approach allows you to effectively convey information about the project and interest a potential partner.

Preparing Documents and Materials for Review by the Publisher

There are numerous materials on game pitching available online, and most of them share a common message: a pitch is a short presentation, 5-10 minutes long, that creates an understanding of your project. The main goal of a pitch is to attract a potential partner's attention and encourage them to learn more about your game and test its demo. In this context, we offer some general recommendations from a specialist at Ravenage.

• Content is more important than design. Not every developer has design skills, and that's okay. It's a big plus if you have someone on your team who understands stylish presentation. If not, minimalism and ready-made templates from the internet will also work.

To make your presentation more appealing, even if you don't have significant design skills, use a key image, a high-quality screenshot, or an image generated by a neural network based on your project. Set the image's opacity to 60-80% and use it as a background. Try to stick to one or two fonts, avoid changing their sizes and the placement of navigation elements across slides. This will create a sense of unified style and harmony throughout your presentation. By following these simple guidelines, you can significantly improve the visual perception of your project.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In this role, he is responsible for strategic business development, establishing partnerships, and expanding the client base. His experience in developing and implementing effective business strategies contributes to the company's growth and increased competitiveness in the market. Danil actively works to find new opportunities for cooperation and implement innovative solutions, which allows Ravenage to remain at the forefront of the industry.

• For international partners, a presentation in English is mandatory. Even if you plan to collaborate with partners from Russia, you should still have a copy of the presentation in English, as the gaming industry spans the globe.

If you seek to expand your professional activities beyond one country, learning English becomes essential. English is the international language of business, and knowledge of it opens new opportunities for cooperation and development. It is recommended to maintain primary documentation in English or, at a minimum, create English-language versions for potential international partners. This will not only increase your competitiveness but also simplify interactions with clients and colleagues from other countries.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. His responsibilities include business development, establishing new partnerships, and strategic planning to achieve corporate goals. With his experience in project management and negotiation skills, Danil contributes to the company's successful growth and strengthening its market position. Under his leadership, Ravenage is focused on implementing innovative solutions and improving customer service, which allows the company to stand out from the competition and attract new clients.

• Present information concisely. Slides should not degenerate into a wall of text. Avoid describing elements such as basic management or detailed character biographies. A detailed description is only suitable for elements like the USP, as they may interest the reader and make them want to run the demo.

• In a presentation, images are more important than text. You can replace an entire paragraph with a single screenshot or GIF from a reference image and caption it: "A convenient and understandable crafting system, like in (game name)."
• Don't overload your presentation. Too much information distracts attention. If you can't summarize the key mechanics—or you think the presentation should include information about the world or characters—collect all the data in a separate document and leave a hyperlink to it in the presentation. You can do the same with trailers, gameplay clips, and other lengthy content. Keep in mind that if your pitch is 150 MB or more, it will likely be difficult to download, view, and send to colleagues. This, in turn, will negatively impact the publisher's processing speed and response time.
• A presentation for a publisher and an introductory presentation for new team members are not the same thing. The first focuses on the timeframe, conditions, and reasons for seeking a publisher. The second focuses on the game's story, mechanics, key features, and other elements. There are also fundamental differences between presentations prepared for an in-person meeting and those sent via email. Since you won't be present and won't be able to promptly answer questions about the presentation, you can describe its contents in a bit more detail and/or add comments and answers to any questions the publisher might have in the cover letter. However, it's best to avoid walls of text in such materials.
• Provide navigation. The most important information should be on the first slide (the one after the title): genre, development timeframe, requested budget, a one-paragraph description of the game, and any other details you deem important. Don't forget to number the pages to make it easier for both you and the reader to navigate the presentation.

When submitting a presentation to a publisher, it's important to have it reviewed by various departments, such as producers, brand managers, analysts, and possibly the CEO. A properly structured presentation will allow each specialist to quickly find the information they need. This approach will significantly increase the chances of successful perception of your material and a positive decision from the publisher. Structuring content not only improves navigation but also demonstrates your professional preparedness. This is an important step towards effective interaction with the publisher.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. His responsibilities include developing business strategies and identifying new opportunities for the company's growth. With his experience and knowledge in project management and client relations, he contributes to strengthening Ravenage's position in the market. Danil is actively working to expand its partner network and improve customer service, which allows the company to effectively respond to industry changes and meet client needs. Under Danil's leadership, Ravenage has demonstrated steady growth and an innovative approach to business development.

• Be sure to include brief information about yourself or the team, past projects, and contact information for feedback. Even if you haven't yet collaborated on projects or released commercially, but have numerous prototypes on itch.io, share them. New to the industry? Describe your skills and provide links to your personal, team, or work portfolio. It's also important for publishers to know their potential partners.
• Be as objective as possible when forecasting sales. You can use the average sales chart positions of similar games as references. However, it's important to remember that arguments like, "I'm making a Valheim-style game, and Valheim sold 7 million copies; therefore, my next game will sell 3.5 million copies" won't convince a publisher, because in the vast majority of cases, it doesn't work that way. Instead, Danil recommends creating a breakeven forecast: how many copies of the future game will need to be sold and at what price to recoup the development budget.

If you doubt the accuracy of your forecast, it is better to refrain from making it. Publishers typically have a team of professionals who can perform the necessary calculations if the project piques their interest. A high-quality build from a developer is much more valuable than an attractive but unfounded sales forecast.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In his role, he is responsible for strategic business development, establishing partnerships, and identifying new growth opportunities. With his experience and analytical skills, Danil contributes to expanding the client base and improving the company's services. Ravenage, as an innovative player in the market, actively implements new technologies and solutions, making the team led by Danil a key element in achieving business goals.

Note: This text is intended to clarify important information. Please note the following points, which may influence your work or decision. We recommend reviewing this information to avoid misunderstandings and ensure effective communication. If you have any additional questions or need clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out.

The link provided contains a pitch template developed by Danil. This document covers the key aspects that will interest a publisher when first introduced to your project. If some points do not correspond to your game, do not invent information. It is better to simply remove unnecessary elements from your version.

If pitching your game at an in-person meeting, in addition to the recommendations above, it is worth considering a few additional points. It is important to prepare for the meeting in advance by researching the interests and preferences of potential partners. The presentation should be clear and concise, emphasizing the unique features of the game. Make sure you are prepared to answer potential questions and discuss the project details. It is also worth considering how you can demonstrate gameplay to clearly demonstrate its appeal. Establishing eye contact and actively participating in the discussion will help create a positive impression and build trust.

• Less text - more context. Don't reduce your presentation to a banal reading of information from slides. Ideally, they should display the main points of the topic you are covering orally.
• Set the tone and pace of the presentation. Before you begin pitching, let the audience know when it is best to ask questions - during the presentation or at the end. This will prevent you from being distracted during your presentation.
• If you are unsure of your public speaking skills, don't like public speaking, or don't want to do it on principle, find an interested person to do it for you.

You probably have someone in your circle who enjoys games - this could be a team member, a close relative, or a good friend. It's okay if one person leads the pitch, while another answers the partners' questions and makes decisions. For example, that's how I got into the gaming industry.

Danil Kamenev holds the position of Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In this role, he is responsible for strategic business development, identifying new growth opportunities, and strengthening the company's market position. Danil actively interacts with clients and partners, which facilitates the creation of long-term relationships and the development of cooperation. His experience and knowledge of business strategy help Ravenage effectively adapt to market changes and implement innovative solutions.

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Poor presentation of a video game can negatively affect its perception and success. One of the main mistakes is insufficient preparation of materials, such as trailers and graphics. High-quality visuals play a key role in attracting audience attention. The importance of the target audience should also not be ignored: if the game is aimed at a specific category of players, it is important to consider their interests and preferences.

Another common mistake is the lack of clear information about the plot and gameplay mechanics. The presentation should clearly demonstrate what makes the game unique and interesting. It is necessary to avoid excessive technical terminology, which can alienate non-experts.

Furthermore, a lack of interaction with the audience can reduce interest in the game. It is important to answer questions and take into account player feedback to create a sense of engagement. Finally, the lack of a clear promotional strategy can lead to the game going unnoticed. An effective advertising campaign and an active presence on social media will help reach a wider audience and increase the chances of success.

In this context, the term "demo" does not always mean a demo version of the game. This build can be either at the proof-of-concept stage or a full-fledged vertical slice. If the playable concept already has some of the core mechanics functioning and contains engaging gameplay elements, it can be demonstrated to the publisher. Showing such a demo can significantly increase the chances of receiving funding or support for further development.

When developing your demo, it's important to keep in mind that it will be evaluated by someone who constantly tests many projects. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that your game is memorable. Danil offers several recommendations on this matter.

• Quality is more important than quantity. The most productive option is a vertical slice, with 90% mechanics per 10% content, calculated for 10-15 minutes of solid gameplay.

The demo's beginning can feel like a tutorial-based bottleneck, introducing the player to the core mechanics. They then move into an open space to put their knowledge into practice. In the final section, the player puts their experience to good use. Even if you change some mechanics or remove others in the future, this structure will leave a positive impression of your content preparation and project management skills.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In his role, he is responsible for business development and strategic planning aimed at expanding the company's client base and improving its competitiveness. Danil actively works to identify new growth and partnership opportunities, and implements innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of business processes. His experience and skills in project management and marketing allow Ravenage to successfully adapt to market changes and offer clients modern solutions.

• If you don't want or can't devote the effort to a full vertical slice right now, no one will judge you. In this case, it's better to immediately identify the episode from the game that will be shown to the publisher during development and devote more attention to it during the preparatory stage. Just remember that such a demo should include at least a small excerpt close to the final quality.

If the game demo features a fragment that doesn't start from the very beginning, but, for example, from the middle of the story, it makes sense to add a splash screen with a brief description of the preceding events. This will help the player understand the context and more deeply immerse themselves in the gameplay. This approach improves the perception of the story and increases interest in the game.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In this role, he is responsible for strategic business development, identifying new opportunities, and strengthening partnerships. His experience and skills in promotion and development will help Ravenage achieve its goals and expand its market presence.

• Remember to attach a ReadMe.txt to the build or include in the cover letter all the information that will be useful for testing: management basics, known bugs that you will fix later, nuances of launching the application, what the player needs to pay attention to, and so on.

When sharing content via Google Drive or other cloud services, it is important to carefully check the access settings. Often, the developer includes a link to the build in the email, but the recipient may find that access to it is restricted even for reading. A similar situation can arise with attached files. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly review the text and content of your emails to avoid misunderstandings and ensure effective communication.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In his role, he is responsible for strategic business development and identifying new growth opportunities. His experience includes project management, market analysis, and client engagement. Danil actively works to expand partnerships and implement innovative solutions, contributing to the company's success in a competitive market. Under his leadership, Ravenage continues to strengthen its position in the industry, offering customers high-quality and effective products.

• Ask a colleague before sending Ask someone from another studio, a gamer friend from outside the industry, or acquaintances to play your demo. Emphasize the need for them to approach your project with an open mind and provide objective feedback. It's possible that after such testing, some issues will surface that can be quickly corrected—or mentioned in the build comments. Pay special attention to hints and tutorial elements: you likely won't be standing next to someone playing the demo explaining how to play and where to go.
• If the publisher is testing a build of your project more than once, point out what has changed in the new iteration.
• Don't be shy about using "gray boxes" and temporary assets. But be sure to mention them in the build comments, along with your plans for further transformation, even if it's as simple as "getting funding and hiring modelers." In this case, it's helpful to provide an example or reference of the final quality of your assets.
• Having an optimized build is a testament to good manners and the developer's skills. When a tester receives a download link for a 17GB or larger archive, only to have the demo ultimately consist of walking through empty corridors in Unreal Engine with poorly baked lighting and low FPS, this clearly won't work in your favor.

In my experience, the best demo presentation from a developer was an isolated section of the game where you could customize basic character parameters, such as skills, equipment, and leveling, before starting. This allowed players to experience different approaches to completing a single section of the level, as well as familiarize themselves with key and secondary mechanics. Considering that all the settings directly impacted gameplay, testing such a game was truly enjoyable.

Danil Kamenev is Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In his role, he is responsible for business development, strategy implementation, and improving customer engagement. Danil actively seeks out new opportunities to grow the company and strengthen its market position. His experience and knowledge help Ravenage adapt to industry changes and offer clients innovative solutions. Thanks to Danil's efforts, the company successfully implements projects and expands its client base.

If a potential partner found the presentation and If you find the demo convincing, he will likely request additional documents. Since the information in these materials may be confidential, it is recommended to first sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This will help protect your interests and ensure the security of the information transmitted.

Both the publisher and the developer may offer to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Even if you do not have your own document, an experienced publisher will always have a ready-made template for you to use.

Of course, I am ready to help with editing the text. Please provide the text itself that needs revision.

Based on personal experience, the ideal non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a document that, ultimately, neither party will need. Nevertheless, it is worth signing. This agreement serves as protection against situations that, although unlikely, can still occur. You have every right to make changes to the text of the document if something raises doubts. If you have any questions, it is recommended to consult a lawyer. If this isn't possible, you can find numerous templates, references, and contacts of professionals willing to share their experience online. Signing an NDA is an important step in ensuring confidentiality and protecting the interests of both parties.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. He is responsible for strategic business development and the implementation of new solutions to increase the company's competitiveness. His experience in business analysis and market research contributes to effective customer acquisition and expansion of the partner network. Danil actively works on the creation of innovative products and services, which helps Ravenage respond to changing market needs and achieve its goals.

After this, the publisher should present the Game Design Document and Budget Breakdown. The latter document may be requested during the project presentation stage. Providing these materials will help better understand the game's concept and its financial aspects.

If you haven't created design documentation before and have limited yourself to random notes in a notebook, now is the time to start. This process may seem lengthy and routine, especially for solo developers who consider such documents less important. However, in practice, having a design document is essential for potential partners to understand the essence of the project: its visual elements, structure, and gameplay features. Furthermore, such a document is useful for new team members, allowing them to quickly grasp the workflow. Even the developer himself may want to refresh his memory on the details of the mechanics he worked on a year ago. Creating design documentation is an important step towards the successful implementation of your project and its presentation to stakeholders.

As with a presentation, a design document has multiple versions. Each version can include updates and changes based on received feedback and new requirements. This allows the team to track progress and make necessary adjustments. Having multiple versions of the design document also helps ensure transparency in the development process and keeps all project participants informed of the current state. Proper version control improves the quality of the final product and helps avoid misunderstandings between team members.

• For a developer or game studio, this means comprehensive information about the game, including the world's history, descriptions of key features, mechanics, statistics, balance, asset tables, and other important details.
• For partners, this means more concise information about the game: the technical part can be shortened by explaining most of it using reference images. Many experienced developers use a combination of Jira, Confluence, and Github. This approach isn't necessary for solo development, but if your team has 10 or more people, these tools are very useful to master and integrate into your workflow, including for maintaining design documents and other documentation.

For optimal budget presentation, we recommend using a table in Excel or Google Sheets. In this table, all development stages should be broken down into months or key milestones, indicating the main processes and employees involved. If the budget is allocated by milestones, it's also important to note their duration. This will help ensure transparency and cost control, and simplify the planning and reporting process.

Development budget estimates should be as objective as possible. Costs are influenced by various factors, including the team's experience, the engine used, the geographic location of the team, and an understanding of the processes. The production plan is also an important consideration. It's recommended to conduct market research and discuss details with industry colleagues to obtain a more accurate cost estimate for services in your region. This will help avoid unexpected expenses and ensure effective project budgeting.

Business sense is always important. If your team consists of little-known specialists and you have a concept for a promising AAA+ project with a budget of $20 million, then even if your presentation and supporting documents are top-notch, the likelihood of receiving such funding remains low. Investors tend to support projects that already have a proven track record and experience, so it's important not only to present an idea but also to demonstrate your expertise and achievements.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In his role, he is responsible for business development and strategic planning, which includes identifying new opportunities and expanding the client base. Danil's experience in business analysis and project management contributes to the successful achievement of the company's goals. Ravenage, in turn, has established itself as a reliable partner in the technology sector, offering innovative business solutions.

A note is an important element that helps clarify or supplement information. It can contain additional details, recommendations, or explanations that enhance understanding of the main text. Notes are often used in research articles, training materials, and documents where clarity and accuracy are required.

Effective use of notes improves reader comprehension. They help avoid misunderstandings and provide a deeper understanding of the topic. It's important that notes are clear, concise, and to the point, so as not to distract from the main content.

When creating notes, keep in mind that they should be logically linked to the main text and relevant to the topic being discussed. This will allow readers to easily find the necessary explanations and use them for deeper understanding of the material.

In his work in the publishing industry, Danil has noticed that many teams and individual developers face difficulties when formatting design documentation. These problems often arise due to a lack of experience or a lack of available examples. The table at the link provides sample design document formats and budget breakdowns. It provides information that can be useful for publishers to make informed partnership decisions. The template is available for download and can be used in future projects.

If the publisher is completely satisfied with the result, the parties can move to the next level of collaboration, which will be secured by an agreement. To do this, it's necessary to prepare in advance and consider all important aspects.

Registering a legal entity to work with a publisher is an important step that can impact your publishing activities. Registering a legal entity provides legal protection, simplifies interactions with partners, and creates better conditions for concluding contracts. Having a legal entity also increases your credibility as an author or publisher, which can positively impact your reputation. Furthermore, working through a legal entity allows for more efficient financial management and minimizes tax risks. It's important to keep in mind that registration requirements may vary depending on the laws of your country, so it's worth consulting with a lawyer or accountant for accurate information.

For the process to be legitimate, the developer must register as a legal entity. The appropriate form of registration depends on the developer's country of residence. In many countries, operating as a sole proprietor is more advantageous, as this allows for tax benefits, especially in the information technology sector. Choosing the right legal status not only simplifies business operations but also opens access to various government support programs. The NPD (self-employed) regime in Russia entails certain complexities. Although this is an official legal status, it is only available to citizens of Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). It's important to keep in mind that the current geopolitical situation may lead to legal difficulties when making transfers from abroad. Therefore, it is recommended to discuss your future status with the publisher in advance to avoid potential issues. By signing with a Russian publisher as a self-employed person, you may not encounter any serious problems at the initial stage of cooperation. In my experience, a developer, being self-employed, was able to focus on the development process, minimizing bureaucratic complications. It's important to note that the entire project budget fit within the NPD regime limits. However, as the release approached, the developer decided to register as an individual entrepreneur (IE) so that he could receive royalties from sales without any restrictions after the game's release. Такой подход позволяет разработчику избежать проблем с налогами и максимально использовать финансовые возможности от продаж.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In this role, he is responsible for business development, strategic planning, and the implementation of new solutions that drive the company's growth. His experience and business skills enable Ravenage to successfully adapt to changing market conditions and effectively interact with clients. Danil actively works to create and establish partnerships, which helps expand the client base and enhance the company's competitiveness.

If you are currently unable to register a legal entity, create a step-by-step plan for registering your company, outlining deadlines and key points. Clear planning will allow you to complete the registration process by the time you sign a contract with a publishing house, eliminating potential difficulties with financing development and receiving a share of the profits. Legal status is necessary for signing the main document and confirming your rights and responsibilities within the partnership. Make sure you have taken into account all necessary steps, such as choosing a legal form, preparing statutory documents, registering with tax authorities, and opening a bank account. This will ensure a smooth start to your business and protect your interests.

When collaborating, a developer and publisher sign key documents that define the terms of their relationship. The most important of these is the contract, which outlines the rights and obligations of the parties, including financing terms, deadlines, and revenue sharing from product sales. Confidentiality agreements may also be signed to protect intellectual property and trade secrets. It is important to note that the details of such documents may vary depending on the specific project and the requirements of both parties. Signing these documents provides legal protection and creates a clear framework for successful collaboration.

The publishing agreement is the key document that establishes the relationship between the developer and the publisher. This agreement clearly outlines the terms of the collaboration, such as the rights and obligations of the parties, financial terms, publication deadlines, and revenue sharing. The agreement may also specify aspects related to marketing, support, and product updates. This document plays an important role in protecting the interests of both parties and serves as the basis for a successful partnership in the gaming industry.

• Parties entering into the deal;
• Main terms;
• Revenue share distribution;
• Release platforms;
• Licensing term;
• Who retains the rights to the IP;
• What happens if one of the parties fails to fulfill their obligations, and so on.

A Publishing Plan is provided with the agreement—a document developed by the publisher. In it, they outline their obligations related to preparing for the release of the game. A publishing plan includes all the necessary actions and strategies that the publisher intends to implement for the successful promotion and launch of the game on the market.

• PR campaign;
• community management;
• Quality Assurance;
• porting;
• localization;
• other services.

In most cases, a marketing campaign plan is drawn up in general terms, which is common practice. If you have several years of development ahead of you after signing the contract, a detailed plan is impractical, since significant changes can occur during this time - from the project concept to current marketing trends. Every service discussed with the publisher should be clearly stated in the contract, even if details and specific deadlines are absent. Otherwise, if the service isn't specified in the document, there's no guarantee it will be fulfilled.

When receiving milestone funding, you'll be asked to develop a Development Plan, which will likely be based on the publisher's template. This plan should detail a roadmap that includes all key milestones. Each milestone will be assigned a specific amount, which is transferred to the developer's budget upon successful completion of milestone tasks. Thus, at each stage of development, the publisher receives an updated version of the project and conducts its testing. If the build is free of critical errors compared to the previous version and includes new features according to plan, the milestone will be paid, and the developer can proceed to the next stage. Properly drafting and strictly following a Development Plan are key to successful interaction with the publisher and securing funding throughout the project.

Numerous Publishing Agreement examples are available online, which can help you develop a general understanding of the structure and content of such an agreement. The agreement can be drawn up as a single document or as three interrelated documents, written in one or more languages. These examples are useful resources for those wanting to understand the key components of a publishing agreement and its legal aspects.

After signing a contract, developers often face complex situations. This is often due to the specific nature of publishing. Some companies take on multiple projects, expecting one or two to be successful. As a result, other projects are neglected and receive only minimal funding for promotion and advertising. As a result, in all other respects, including technical support, such projects begin to lose their appeal and effectiveness.

This option is considered formally fair, since the publisher fulfills its obligations in accordance with the contract, but does so to the minimum extent possible.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In his role, he is responsible for developing business strategies and identifying new growth opportunities. Thanks to his experience and skills, Ravenage is successfully expanding its market position. Danil actively engages with clients and partners, strengthening business relationships and improving the company's services. His contributions to the team help Ravenage achieve its goals and increase competitiveness.

Developers sometimes encounter misunderstandings about contract terms, believing them to be unfair, although this can be standard practice in the gaming industry. For example, some publishers include clauses in contracts regarding additional fees that may arise when using external services such as marketing, testing, and traffic purchases. In such cases, in addition to the return on investment and a percentage of the game's revenue, an additional commission percentage may be charged. This fee can cause dissatisfaction among developers, but the publishers' actions are legal, as they are clearly stated in the contract. Therefore, it is important to carefully review contract terms and avoid signing agreements that do not meet your expectations and interests.

Many developers are unfamiliar with the return on investment process, known as repurchase. In this process, publishers often fund development while attracting investment from third-party partners. They then pay their investors a percentage of sales. It's important to understand that any business must first break even before turning a profit.

Publishers are human beings and understand the realities of the gaming industry. A reasonable person understands that a studio with several projects can only survive on reserve funds for one or two months. Therefore, it is important for beginning developers or young teams to turn a profit as quickly as possible to ensure a comfortable existence. In this regard, it makes sense to discuss with the publisher the revenue sharing percentage until the investment is fully recouped. For example, the developer could immediately receive 15-30% of sales, while the publisher receives 0%, with the remainder going toward recouping the investment. Once the investment is fully recouped, a standard revenue sharing can be adopted, for example, 70% to the developer and 30% to the publisher. It is important to agree on all financing terms related to the return on investment in advance to avoid misunderstandings in the future.

Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. His professional experience focuses on business development, strategy implementation, and partnership building. His role includes market analysis, identifying new growth opportunities, and optimizing business processes. At Ravenage, Danil actively works to expand the company's client base and improve the company's service quality, which contributes to its competitiveness in the market. In the past, the industry has seen cases of unequal partnerships where the publisher held a dominant position. For example, a publisher might inform a developer of the need for $10,000 for upcoming QA testing. New developers often perceived this amount as within budget and agreed to the terms. Ultimately, the documented amount was $10,000, while the actual cost of the QA session was barely $1,500. Fortunately, such situations are now less common, but the risks remain relevant for all market participants. To prevent such incidents, it is important to establish transparent terms of cooperation and carefully control budget expenditures.

To minimize risks when signing a publishing agreement and related documents, consider a few important recommendations. Proper drafting and careful review of all terms will help protect your interests and avoid unsuccessful deals. Pay attention to key points in the contract, such as royalty payment terms, rights to the work, and deadlines for fulfilling obligations. It is also recommended to consult with a legal expert to avoid potential legal problems in the future.

• Pay attention to the wording in the documents. "Guarantee" and "Guarantee the ability to" are two different concepts. Ask questions if certain points seem unclear.
• The development process can be constantly changing, so you can make adjustments to the development plan as needed—for example, moving content from one milestone to another, postponing bug fixes if they are non-critical, and even removing points from the plan if they suddenly turn out to be inappropriate for the project. In this regard, managing documentation in Google Docs is very convenient: you don't need to send the same document multiple times, you can control access settings, monitor edits, and quickly share them. To avoid misunderstandings, it's important to keep your partner informed of minor changes and approve major ones. Feel free to make adjustments to any clauses or wording that confuse or displease you. The point of a contract is to reach an agreement between the parties. Before signing the Publishing Agreement and any accompanying documents, be sure to consult with a lawyer experienced in gaming law. This could be a private lawyer, a company, or even someone familiar with the field. A lawyer's experience in the gaming industry is key. Based on personal experience, I can say that lawyers who are inexperienced in working with gaming or media projects often make changes to documents, even the most simple clauses, simply for the sake of it. This can make the client feel like they are getting their money's worth. However, this approach often leads to confusion and misunderstanding, and also delays the process of signing agreements. Therefore, it is important to choose a lawyer who understands the specifics of the gaming industry and can offer a focused and effective approach to document management.

  Danil Kamenev serves as Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In this role, he is responsible for business development and strategic planning aimed at increasing the company's market share. Danil actively interacts with clients and partners, establishing long-term relationships to achieve shared goals. His expertise and experience contribute to the successful implementation of projects and the implementation of innovative technology solutions. Ravenage, under the leadership of specialists such as Danil, continues to expand its horizons and strengthen its market position.

  Specialized services focused on the game development industry are already operating in the legal services market. Versus.legal is active in Russia and the CIS, offering professional assistance to game developers. Sheridans, a well-known service on the international stage, also provides a wide range of legal services for game developers. These companies help resolve legal issues related to the development and distribution of video games, ensuring intellectual property protection and legal compliance.

  While you're thrilled to find a publisher, it's important to remember that any agreement should only be signed after fully understanding all its terms. An agreement is a legal document that is drafted with the participation of both parties. Make sure you carefully review all terms and conditions to avoid misunderstandings in the future. Discussing and clarifying details with the publisher will help create mutually beneficial cooperation.

  Danil Kamenev is a Business Development Officer at Ravenage. In his role, he is actively involved in business development, strategic planning, and identifying new growth opportunities for the company. His experience and business development skills contribute to the successful implementation of projects and the strengthening of Ravenage's position in the market. Danil strives to implement innovative solutions and effective strategies, which allows the company to remain competitive and attract new clients.

Bottom Line

To successfully close a deal with a publisher, you need to demonstrate not only technical skills but also a number of important soft skills, such as communication, creativity, and persuasion. It's important to remember business etiquette and, before signing an agreement, be sure to consult with an experienced lawyer. These steps will help you create a positive impression and increase your chances of a successful collaboration.

By following these recommendations, even a novice developer can establish rapport with a publisher and build a trusting relationship. This partnership will be the basis for the successful release of a high-quality game, avoiding conflicts and litigation.

If you have any questions or comments on the material, as well as a desire to submit a presentation of your project, you can contact Danil via email kamenev@ravenage.games or on Twitter.