How To Get Screwed By A Game Publisher

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  • Опубліковано 12 лип 2018
  • Once upon a time, an indie game publisher ripped me a new one. Here's how you can avoid it!
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 130

  • @thomasbrush
    @thomasbrush  2 роки тому +1

    ► Learn Game Dev (Get 25% off with code LETSGAMEDEV): www.fulltimegamedev.com/
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  • @RobsonFilho
    @RobsonFilho 5 років тому +127

    if they are paying strippers 4 ma game at least invite me gosh...

    • @PhasmalForge
      @PhasmalForge 5 років тому +2

      Beat me to it haha

    • @DOSRetroGamer
      @DOSRetroGamer 2 роки тому

      If it was at a party for Caroline, chances are it was a male stripper though

  • @hyperindigo4924
    @hyperindigo4924 5 років тому +72

    This is the most rewarding video I’ve watched concerning game development all year
    Words can’t express how thankful I am

    • @thomasbrush
      @thomasbrush  5 років тому +11

      Hyper Indigo awesome thank you!

  • @Harbiter
    @Harbiter 5 років тому +81

    Man, I don't know if I could ever sell my IP, because to me that's like selling a piece of my soul.

  • @TYNEPUNK
    @TYNEPUNK 5 років тому +23

    Hooked on your channel man, im an indie dev of 25 yrs, but still learning a lot from you, thanks.. so much fun watching it all too

  • @Teabone3
    @Teabone3 4 роки тому +2

    *Runs to quickly acquire Billy's Balls I.P.*

  • @MrKiates
    @MrKiates 5 років тому +3

    Thanks for sharing your experience. Hope your next ones are hits.

  • @s-tierkamikc3948
    @s-tierkamikc3948 5 років тому +43

    Lesson: Don’t buy strippers

  • @harmonyhoney7115
    @harmonyhoney7115 5 років тому +1

    hey thank you for posting all these videos! very glad to hear some insight from an experienced developer!

  • @cwdgamedev822
    @cwdgamedev822 5 років тому +6

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences on the subject. I'm a solo dev and have self published a couple small games/apps on the play store but intend to publish a serious piece on Steam for PC in (hopefully) about a year. You generously pointed out some stuff to look out for, but I was also hoping you might cover what benefits a publisher provides and what kind of differences they can make versus a self publisher. BTW, just learned about you from your talk with Tim yesterday. It was definitely more of a... introspective talk than I was expecting lol but still very good. Keep up the great work!

    • @KillerHacking1212
      @KillerHacking1212 5 років тому +1

      CWD I'm interested in this too except my PC game is farther away than a year lmao

  • @hurrican225
    @hurrican225 4 роки тому

    really good video Thomas! Hope someday you can make a video of how to find a good publisher and pitch to them! Thanks for all these high-quality videos!

  • @spiralcraft8957
    @spiralcraft8957 5 років тому +1

    You really got me inspired to start making games again. Felt really crest fallen after i found out that publishing and selling a game yourself here in south africa can get you 10 years in jail. Its possible to 'register' and self publish but the bribes alone cost more money than i have ever made in my life. Looking forward to participating in game jams in the future. Thanks you for the motivational videos

  • @cadepope4093
    @cadepope4093 4 роки тому +2

    I just love the random "Hook" scenes explaining what you're talking about.

  • @snakeplisken4278
    @snakeplisken4278 4 роки тому +1

    Artists have the hardest time of it! You are spot on.

  • @TheRealDarth_Vader
    @TheRealDarth_Vader 3 роки тому +3

    " Your game is gonna be paying for strippers" LMAO bro you killing me here

  • @TokisanGames
    @TokisanGames 4 роки тому +1

    Brilliant video. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

  • @robestey5628
    @robestey5628 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for being so honest. Love your channel.

  • @lingbenjamin6019
    @lingbenjamin6019 3 роки тому +2

    I feel lucky being able to see this video. I have graduated from college and my first job is working in a Steam publisher. I thought the things happened there are fantastic but actually not. I found my boss was a totally businessman instead of a game lover who wants to let more wonderful games be exposed to the public. Our team who is responsible for signing different games always has a different attitude with him. But in the end, you have to listen and follow his words. It’s awful, that’s not the right and proper way to treat games even I admit that selling games does have it economic side. What I learn most from this video is, as a publisher , you should or you are supposed to tell the developers honestly the reason why you choose his game and how much effort you would devote to his work. It’s not about the result, the result you have for making profits, it’s about your attitude, your beginning of why you choose to be the publisher. Thank you very much.

  • @ninny65
    @ninny65 4 роки тому +2

    Thanks dude, about to start a games design studio company next Friday with someone and this stuff is very useful

  • @wundervas
    @wundervas 4 роки тому +1

    I am thrilled I found your channel. Our studio has made all the mistakes you are warning everyone about. So just a part of the dialogue we had with the "publisher" after we found a lawyer and struggled our way out of the contract: "What do you mean you want out? I am not allowing it! You are like a bitch who isn't sleeping with me after I bought her dinner." The guy looked at me right in the eye, standing over my head, while yelling.

    • @Domarius64
      @Domarius64 3 роки тому

      Holy shit... But I guess it's not surprising that that seems perfectly reasonable to this kind of person...

  • @aztecagames
    @aztecagames 4 роки тому

    Ahhh I only hit the bell to make you stop repeating that but you kept going. Guess I'll just get notified of great content from now on, geeeze~

  • @graphicx1000
    @graphicx1000 4 роки тому +3

    Dude are a life saver awesome advice :)

  • @pfpf7835
    @pfpf7835 3 роки тому

    this is very valuable information, thank you thomas for sharing

  • @andreweleccion4941
    @andreweleccion4941 2 роки тому +2

    Billy's Balls - What a classic game. Belly laughed on that one! lol

  • @MNenad
    @MNenad 3 роки тому

    I just had my first meeting with a publisher and I've prepared myself by watching this video :D All points mentioned helped me save my a**! Thx a bunch and nope - I'm not gonna sell that IP ;) Great video man!

  • @ravenofcode8072
    @ravenofcode8072 5 років тому +2

    10:50 I think this is something everyone needs to hear, there's great people out there and you just gotta find them

    • @scottisitt
      @scottisitt 3 роки тому

      RavenOfCode 10:41, actually. You put the time stamp before they say it, not after. 🙂

    • @ravenofcode8072
      @ravenofcode8072 3 роки тому

      @@scottisitt sorry I meant this timestamp 4:20

    • @scottisitt
      @scottisitt 3 роки тому

      @@ravenofcode8072 Well, the example he gives at 4:33 is definitely worth listening to, as well. 😛

    • @ravenofcode8072
      @ravenofcode8072 3 роки тому +1

      @@scottisitt hahaha, well played

  • @hleroklite
    @hleroklite 4 роки тому +4

    I didn't know video games could by strip... I mean cake

  • @Narx9
    @Narx9 4 роки тому +5

    Correct my points Tom! If you like

  • @artemiscala5687
    @artemiscala5687 5 років тому +1

    Awesome!!! Smooth video.

  • @orikalin
    @orikalin 4 роки тому +5

    So I hit subscribe, and the bell everytime you said, and now I'm unsubbed and don't get any notifications :(

  • @shaunbrown3806
    @shaunbrown3806 Рік тому

    You killed me at 12:05 lol

  • @500_adityannair6
    @500_adityannair6 4 роки тому

    Really nice advice. Thanks

  • @TheRahulHegde
    @TheRahulHegde 5 років тому

    Hey Thomas, it was a great video. I am almost in the verge of completing my game, so I wanna find the right publishers for my game. Any chance you can list down a few of the good indie game publishers? I know you mentioned Armor Games and Serenity Forge. Any others?

  • @markkozin9730
    @markkozin9730 5 років тому +6

    Liked and commented. Are you happy now? :)
    Doing my own project right now, how do I keep doing it without being distracted (been grinding on destiny 2 for a week :D).

    • @peterlantz7966
      @peterlantz7966 3 роки тому

      if you don't feel like creating anything, commit to doing it for at least 5 minutes at the bare minimum every day. The hardest part is starting. Advice from Blender Guru, its been working for me.

  • @AnimeshShawP_C
    @AnimeshShawP_C 3 роки тому

    Hey Thomas, Can you share a sample Ideal Contract write up (if you have any) with correct terms for Developer Protection? I believe it will help all IndieDevs a tonne.

  • @sosasees
    @sosasees 5 років тому +4

    This is why I'd never make deals with publishers: Because I wouldn't risk this
    EDIT: The only publisher I want is me

  • @J3FFBezos
    @J3FFBezos 2 роки тому

    Billy’s Balls hahaha

  • @mikem8518
    @mikem8518 4 роки тому +2

    For some reason i have a urge to hit subscribe and to hit the bell

  • @sammraz1990
    @sammraz1990 4 роки тому +1

    The video is actually not cropped
    Is it the only youtuber that can do a video in one run

    • @scottisitt
      @scottisitt 3 роки тому

      Samuel Mraz You man cut? There were a few cuts.

  • @mipzy9168
    @mipzy9168 5 років тому

    I'm curious. How are you sure you are getting paid right? When you get a publisher, they're the ones that publish your game? How does that work? How will they share the sales numbers of your game?

  • @siddharthsingh5657
    @siddharthsingh5657 5 років тому +4

    I am just about to finish my first android game that i plan to release,do i really need a publisher or running some ads on insta/facebook will be enough to get some downloads?

    • @thomasbrush
      @thomasbrush  5 років тому +9

      Siddharth Singh no ads won’t be enough. I’m not saying you need a publisher, but you need significant exposure to get a reasonable amount of downloads.

    • @magnusm4
      @magnusm4 4 роки тому

      Hard to say. I want to release my first game for free.
      It's should have much content, but be small, no big story, high rendered cutscenes, dozens of dialogue options.
      Instead I use the tools open to allow for much content such as Scriptable Objects in Unity allowing me to simply make a new gun and just assign damage, spread, force, model, animations etc.
      Once i've made the Scriptable Object script once for a weapon I never have to do that again, i'l be able to repeat it with new stats and everything so that's more gameplay for less work on your part. How is that not awesome?!

  • @MaruskaStarshaya
    @MaruskaStarshaya 4 роки тому +2

    Why do people dealing with Steam call themselves "Publishers"? They are just mediators, who cut your revenue.

  • @yashkaushik6116
    @yashkaushik6116 5 років тому

    Where's two more points in the end that you will only tell your patrons :P

  • @scottisitt
    @scottisitt 3 роки тому +1

    All I’m hearing from this video is to publish your own game. 😉 Seriously, though, great info as always, Thomas!

  • @oghenerukevwekofi7976
    @oghenerukevwekofi7976 4 роки тому +3

    "your game is gonna be paying for strippers is what I'm trying to say" :)

  • @nidalnijmgames
    @nidalnijmgames 3 роки тому

    AMAZING TIPS

  • @papamegamind
    @papamegamind 5 років тому +2

    Pinstripe amazing game

  • @MrRoointan
    @MrRoointan 5 років тому

    15:26 Why did we sign a deal with Nanovation?

  • @sosasees
    @sosasees 4 роки тому +1

    I would personally just say ,,Fuck it! I don't need a fucking publisher!"
    When there's something I can't simply do without a publisher, I simply won't do it.
    For example, right now, I couldn't distribute my games to any platform except for Windows 10 computers, unless I signed a deal with a publisher who could distribute the games to more platforms.
    This is why, right now, I only make games for Windows 10 computers.
    I don't need a fucking publisher, because there's many websites specifically made to host games by individuals or small studios without a proper company.

  • @orc_spearman
    @orc_spearman 5 років тому +3

    What is the game title that you've signed that bad deal with?

    • @serio_0576
      @serio_0576 5 років тому

      I dont think he can say, he kinda mouthed it but i couldn't tell.

  • @entcamptv
    @entcamptv 3 роки тому

    #THIS #IS #CRAZY Super Epic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @ariyabayat5292
    @ariyabayat5292 3 роки тому

    What is the background music in the video?

  • @HongPong
    @HongPong 2 роки тому +1

    you should really not blame yourself for getting swindled, they had bad intentions

  • @Mulready101
    @Mulready101 5 років тому

    Where do you get the ideas for your games?

    • @thomasbrush
      @thomasbrush  5 років тому +3

      Whatever I'm feeling passionate about, I'll make a game on. So right now I'm super passionate about cults. They fascinate me. So I think I'm gonna make a game about it.

  • @wayne6808
    @wayne6808 Рік тому

    How do we approach a game publisher ? Do we email them ?

  • @muhammeteminoner
    @muhammeteminoner 5 років тому +1

    I hit the subscribe and hit the bell :D

  • @Domarius64
    @Domarius64 3 роки тому +1

    Ok if we follow your instructions, you said "hit subscribe!" an even number of times which means after hitting it exactly that many times, we will be unsubscribed...

  • @loot6
    @loot6 3 роки тому +1

    I dunno though, if a company wants to just buy up a load of games in the hope that one is successful I'll be happy to take the $30,000 advance while keeping my IP rights...

  • @mohamedkenani2860
    @mohamedkenani2860 3 роки тому

    hey did either of you get an email from Happy Tube? Do you advise me to work with them?

  • @whitey9247
    @whitey9247 3 роки тому

    Is it known as voodoo or lionstudios now

  • @skartactics3421
    @skartactics3421 5 років тому

    Internet Protocol?

  • @dcry1003
    @dcry1003 Рік тому

    whats with the amount of hook clips? did you just finish watching hook?

  • @vitoralvessilva3800
    @vitoralvessilva3800 4 роки тому +1

    Wouldn't it be much better to just publish your game yourself (e.g. get it on steam) when you're an indie game dev? What's the benefit of having a publisher? Is it because they are advertising your game?

  • @verschlusssache6283
    @verschlusssache6283 3 роки тому +1

    Didn't he switch up the gross and nett part? The publisher should get paid from the net revenue, shouldn't they?

    • @johnny.jacques
      @johnny.jacques 3 роки тому

      Yes, I am confused about that too and had to watch it twice to see if I missed something

    • @Hrorwulf
      @Hrorwulf 2 роки тому +1

      He didn't, he's talking about gross.
      But the explanation about the split was a bit weird.
      I think he means a 50/50 split of gross revenue after Steam, which is not exactly gross revenue, but what it means is the publisher won't deduct undisclosed expenses from the revenue.

  • @deepmeyt
    @deepmeyt 5 років тому

    I'm 18 and thanks

  • @cyg4579
    @cyg4579 5 років тому +2

    How's you day hope it's good I am having a great day I just publishd my first mobile game

  • @mordicai4296
    @mordicai4296 Рік тому

    Bro you should do some publishing. Get some UA-camrs together, and spread the word on good games.

  • @JW-uu9je
    @JW-uu9je 4 роки тому

    lol I've already hit the bell!

  • @yashkaushik6116
    @yashkaushik6116 5 років тому +3

    Devolver digital
    Double file productions
    Focus home interactive
    Adultswim
    Team17
    Please give a signal if these are bad publisher... I want a hint.. I am gonna pitch a publisher Soon

  • @adamhelberg9228
    @adamhelberg9228 5 років тому

    the guy that didnt play it was steam right ? xD

  • @badis6717
    @badis6717 4 роки тому +5

    what about VOODOO can they get me to troubles ???

    • @bars7787
      @bars7787 3 роки тому

      Do they ?

    • @bars7787
      @bars7787 3 роки тому

      I’m going to work with them :c

    • @badis6717
      @badis6717 3 роки тому

      @@bars7787 congrats :) tell me more

    • @bars7787
      @bars7787 3 роки тому

      @@badis6717 I just sent my prototype now. I'm waiting for CPI test.

    • @badis6717
      @badis6717 3 роки тому

      @@bars7787 catch me on discord?

  • @faris_diz
    @faris_diz 2 роки тому

    💯

  • @johnthefreeguy
    @johnthefreeguy 3 роки тому

    Make sure my game isn't paying the strippers for the publisher xD

  • @kidflid3225
    @kidflid3225 Рік тому +1

    Been more annoyed by the ending of a video, gonnam

  • @robertofernandez5128
    @robertofernandez5128 5 років тому

    I little OCD at the end there no?

  • @djteq9
    @djteq9 5 років тому

    Ok so do the publishers have a say in the what is put in the game? Such as micro-transactions

    • @sjcasey77
      @sjcasey77 5 років тому

      depends on the contract you sign

  • @PlayBestStudio
    @PlayBestStudio Рік тому

    Do you really can do it? Just tell the marketing fees number and take it from the revenue share? I could get rich this way XD
    As per the 1st deal, I would understand if a student wants their game on portfolio, so to get a publisher to push it on multiple platforms is a good offer by itself. But why would you let others to change the game you made as they wish? Only if you get a few k $ to pay for the next thing, right? But no money, no portfolio... oh boi.
    About the CEOs or BDs that didn't play the game. Sometimes it is forced on them by other people who believe it is a good game. Not the worst thing, as CEO might not be the person who really liked your game and who will follow up on it afterwards.

  • @justinwhite2725
    @justinwhite2725 4 роки тому

    What does a publisher do these days when you can submit these games yourself?

    • @jitspoe
      @jitspoe 4 роки тому +1

      2 key things: Funding and visibility. A good publisher will go to trade shows, use inside contacts with journalists and influencers, etc. to make sure people are aware your game exists. They can also cover development costs. Some even have developers that can help complete the game.
      There are also the publishers that just do the bare minimum to get the game up on various platforms. Gotta do research and talk with people who have used the publishers you're looking at to determine if they're worth it.

  • @zaknafindel
    @zaknafindel 5 років тому

    I LOLd so hard

  • @Chronoflation
    @Chronoflation 4 роки тому

    The only real problem with capitalism is that people don't get that capitalism requires ethical responsibility. That's why you end up getting these shotgun companies that fund a thousand games and hope one is their golden lotto ticket. But that's not actually a real service, and they're generally not straightforward about what they're doing, which is strictly anti-capitalistic. Any good capitalist company will take responsibility, see the need of developers and aim to provide a helpful service at a cost. Because they know, if they do their job right, they'll make money. Companies playing the lottery vs companies that actually provide a service. Sadly, these lottery companies give good companies and even capitalism itself a bad reputation, but luck tends to run out, so it's fortunate for future developers that the bad company you worked for went out of business. That's how markets are supposed to work, good companies flourish while bad companies eventually run out their luck or get such a bad reputation people just stop working with them. It's crazy that people don't even realize that the founding civics of our economy are based on ethics and morals. The term was literally coined in a book titles "the theory of moral sentiments". If we had a proper education system people would understand this and we'd have a lot less bad actor companies out their. Thank goodness you were able to get your IP back. Your dad is awesome for helping you through that, and good on you for not giving up hope on publishers after that bad experience

  • @DOSRetroGamer
    @DOSRetroGamer 2 роки тому

    And I thought the only reason to make games in the first place was to pay for strippers ...

  • @hypesy
    @hypesy 4 роки тому +1

    if strippers are being paid, can i be there and can this be in canada?

  • @cyrus3430
    @cyrus3430 3 роки тому +1

    This is just an ad for armory games 🤮🤮

  • @ants-in-my-eyesjohnson1271
    @ants-in-my-eyesjohnson1271 5 років тому +1

    Also... I hit subscribe and hit the bell every time you told me to, but for some reason, it just kept subscribing and then ubsubscribing me... I'll hit the subscribe button 12 more times and see if that works.

  • @hvgaming2347
    @hvgaming2347 5 років тому

    Do you need publisher to publish your game ???????

    • @markkozin9730
      @markkozin9730 5 років тому

      HV Gaming no. Many indie games are self published. It is just easier to port games to different platforms with help of a publisher and there is also a financial support from a publisher.

    • @thomasbrush
      @thomasbrush  5 років тому

      Nope! But it helps especially when you need funding or support with marketing

  • @saifulissam636
    @saifulissam636 5 років тому +2

    I think u need to shave😁 at least your moustache..

    • @thomasbrush
      @thomasbrush  5 років тому +2

      saiful issam I’m gonna keep growing our creeper style

    • @saifulissam636
      @saifulissam636 5 років тому

      haha its fine