Vancouver indie darling Hothead Games launches publishing division

Vancouver indie studio Hothead Games is responsible for a number of top-rated mobile games, including Hero Hunters and Kill Shot. Now, it’s using that knowledge to launch games from other developers with a new publishing arm.

Since its inception in 2006, Hothead has self-published its own games, and has amassed considerable expertise in analytics, marketing, monetization, and gameplay mechanics. A number of the company’s titles have earned the accolade of top-grossing mobile game, and its creations have collectively achieved more than 300 million downloads across iTunes and Google Play. The business hopes it can use that experience to entice other studios to entrust their game publishing to Hothead.  

The company is currently accepting submissions and—to sweeten the deal—is offering financial assistance to studios it believes can benefit from its experience.

“Because Hothead has built our own publishing infrastructure to support our internally developed games, we know first-hand how complex it is to develop, publish, and support a liveops mobile game,” said Gregan Dunn, Hothead Games’ director of publishing. “We have every skill set required to make a game a success based on our experience with our own games. We are immensely excited to use our expertise to support up-and-coming developers and help them achieve the success they deserve.”

The company is targeting indie studios: a sector of the gaming industry that often finds it hard to secure an audience without large publishing and marketing resources. While Hothead’s initiative aims to reach a global audience, its new scheme may also benefit the Vancouver scene, which hosts a number of indie game developers. More than 100 independent gaming studios call the Lower Mainland home, and—along with the VFX and VR/AR sectors—the industry continues draw international talent to the city.

“Hothead Games’ ability to capitalize on years of successful self-publishing is a significant win for both the company and a boost to Vancouver’s games industry,” Nancy Basi, executive director of media and entertainment at the Vancouver Economic Commission, tells the Georgia Straight. “This new publishing division means increased support for game developers wanting to monetize by leveraging Hothead Games’ expertise. This good news sends a strong signal to the local and international market that Vancouver is moving the dial on publishing and is ready for business.”

Hothead Games is currently seeking free-to-play games in any genre or mobile-supported game engine. Approved developers will retain all intellectual property rights unless they choose to sell it, while Hothead Games will retain publishing rights.

Mobile game developers can find out more here.

Kate Wilson is the Technology Editor at the Georgia Straight. Follow her on Twitter @KateWilsonSays