In 2025, the video game industry experienced an unprecedented explosion, with the release of 20,017 games, which amounts to an average of 1,668 titles per month. However, this growth has brought about market saturation that poses significant challenges for developers, especially those in the independent sector.
A man without a filter
Tim Bender, CEO of Hooded Horse, a publisher known for its ethical and fair approach towards developers, has issued a critical warning about the predatory practices of many independent publishers. “The vast majority of independent publishers are opportunists who prioritize their profits over the well-being of creators,” he stated in a recent interview with PC Gamer. Bender emphasizes that these publishers tend to sign a large number of titles, investing only in those that ensure success, while ignoring projects that do not meet their expectations.
Complaints against these practices are supported by prominent developers such as Luca Galante, creator of Vampire Survivors, and the studio Pocketpair, responsible for Palworld. Both have denounced the behavior of certain publishers who use their platforms merely as vehicles to maximize their profits, neglecting the well-being of creators.
This environment has led many studies to opt for self-publishing, an option that today is considered viable and allows developers to maintain control over their projects without relying on problematic publishers. “Nowadays, self-publishing is very viable,” says Bender, reflecting a growing trend in the industry towards self-sufficiency and creative independence.
