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Games association launch self-publishing guide

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, has launched a guide to self-publishing for UK video game developers.

The TIGA Guide to Self-Publishing: Liberating the Developer is aimed at developers looking to take their games direct to market.

With a wealth of platforms and routes to market, TIGA argues the UK games industry carries more opportunities than ever before.

Available free to TIGA members, the guide draws on the vast practical experience of a wide range of companies involved in self-publishing and aims to bridge the knowledge gap some fledgling studios may have.

Richard Hill-Whittall, the director of Icon Games discusses the importance of marketing, localisation and bug testing, Paul Gardner, a partner at law firm Osborne Clarke shows how self-publishers can attract finance, and Katy Wilson, a manager at accountants Grant Thornton looks at ways of avoiding the wrath of the tax man.

Sean Crotty, a partner for Weightmans LLP, also explains non-disclosure agreements and Michael Souto, the business development director of LocalizeDirect, highlights ways in which developers can target global markets, and there is a comprehensive look at age-ratings across the world.

Recent years have seen an explosion in the number of self-publishing developers with smartphone and social media gaming proving especially popular.

Apple’s App Store recently surpassed the 25 billion download mark, and games regularly take up 70% of the top 10.

Major consoles such as PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii also have digital distribution platforms.

The guide looks at key platforms, including Xbox, Live Arcade, Apple iOS and Mac, Steam, Indiecity, WiiWare and DSiWare, PlayStation Network, PSP Minis, Android and Facebook.

Various business models of development including games as a service are included in the guide, and developers are advised on protecting their intellectual property with an assessment from Sheridans Solicitors’ Alex Chapman.

Patrick O’Luanaigh, CEO of nDreams, TIGA board member and Chairman of the TIGA Self-Publishing Group, said: “Historically many developers have entered a Faustian Pact with global publishers, sacrificing ownership of IP in exchange for royalties that never materialised.

“That is why TIGA strongly encourages the trend towards self-publishing. This approach can enable developers to build relationships directly with customers, create original games, retain their IP and attain greater financial stability.

“The new TIGA Guide to Self-Publishing provides some excellent expert advice for studios looking to self-publish (and co-publish), and I am sure that it will provide a great resource for developers and digital publishers.”

CEO of TIGA, Dr Richard Wilson also commented: “There is much creative talent in the British videogame sector and it is important that they are able to achieve their full potential.

“Self-publishing is an area of growing importance, made easier by the wealth of platforms which allow for digital distribution. It is clear that publishers will have a much lesser role to play in the future.

“But there are many pitfalls that need to be avoided if a self-publisher is to become successful. Our guide has been written to cover all of the key areas of developing and publishing a game, ensuring that developers are able to maximise their revenues and go on to produce many more titles.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .