Developers need publishers, although that is less the case now with so many indie teams and the ease of getting onto platforms live Steam and the like. Insomniac (Spyro, Ratchet & Clank) is joining in on a new experiment from game retailer GameStop and will have their latest game, ‘Song of the Deep’ published by the retailer. While this may seem like a conflict of interest (I’m still up in the air on that point), it does show the kind of position that GameStop is currently in.
Those that have been following the company know that things have not been cozy in the world of used video games. GameStop has always been fighting, as publishers have never been thrilled about their practices of selling used games, especially as they get to revenue from sales. Not only that, but the used games market is in jeopardy for a large company like GameStop (mom and pop shops are still okay) as the industry moves to a digital only format.
GameStop stores have been getting smaller and smaller, and many have been reduced to try and save on money. You can even walk into a GameStop and see walls of Funko PoP Vinyls, Think Geek products, and all sorts of tablets and electronics, in an attempt to find new avenues of revenue. Publishing seems to be the best way that the company can stay relevant, not only in the online space, but if they produce physical copies of games, those fans that love actual discs (collectors) will be happy.
It should be noted that GameStop itself has no creative control over Song of the Deep, with the company only handling the promotion and marketing. The game will be available digital, but a physical disc will only be available for purchase at GameStop stores. Song of the Deep will drop in Q2 of this year.
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