Many indie game developers are taking a note from Team 17 moving into publishing. Phoenix Online Studios is moving into the publishing arena as well. Today we are going to spotlight how they made the move and discuss why so many developers are moving into publishing. That arm is going by Phoenix Online Publishing.
The Phoenix Online Studios Switch
If we had to guess why the switch came? Growth would be the word. Small companies and mid-size companies all over the industry want to grow now that the market has room for it. With the increased mainstream appeal and demand for games comes more room in the industry. Expect to see this from many businesses over time.
The Phoenix Online Studios First Wave
Most new publishers start out with at least a few games in the same genre they developed. The same is going on here with some story-based point-and-click games.
Each of their games will be out on PC, Mac and Linux. A few will be out on android. This is something that most developers shoot for when gathering funds. We’ll go down each one here:
Moebius: Empire Rising focuses on puzzles, mystery and an excellent story from Jane Jensen of Gabriel Knight fame.
Quest for Infamy is basically King’s Quest, the point and click adventure with some humorous deaths, with a different take. You play the villain in this one attempting to make a name for yourself. It also has some interesting RPG battle mechanics.
The Last Door: Collector’s Edition is a pixelated artwork. Somewhere between your normal point and click and the old Alone in the Dark lies this game. The simple graphics do not detract from an impressive storyline.
Lost Civilization is yet another point-and-click adventure where you explore the earth, visiting mysterious locales. This one had a decidedly realistic approach to some of the art.
Yet Another Change in the Industry
Growing too big in a company can lead to things like EA buying out everything. However the growth from small developers to mid-size publishers creates competition in that area. If anything brings down the established AAA philosophy that does not lead to good games, it will probably be companies like this. Tell us what you think though.
