Devolver's New Indie Publishing Label Brings Beloved IPs to Life

Devolver Digital, the renowned indie game publisher, has announced the formation of a new label dedicated to adapting popular entertainment IPs into captivating indie games. The label, dubbed "Big Fan Games," is led by a seasoned team from the recently acquired Good Shepherd Entertainment, and aims to bring a fresh perspective to the world of licensed games.

Unlocking the Potential of Beloved IPs for Indie Developers

Bridging the Gap Between Fans and IP Owners

The driving force behind Big Fan Games is the recognition that indie developers often harbor a deep passion for specific IPs, but struggle to secure the necessary rights and resources to bring their visions to life. By serving as a bridge between these passionate developers and IP owners, Big Fan Games aims to facilitate the creation of high-quality, authentic adaptations that cater to the needs of both parties.The team's approach is centered on identifying indie studios that are already fans of a particular IP and empowering them to craft their dream projects. This model, as opposed to the traditional top-down approach where IP owners commission developers, is believed to yield more authentic and engaging experiences.

Navigating the Complexities of Adaptation

Adapting beloved IPs into interactive experiences is no easy feat, and the Big Fan Games team brings a wealth of expertise in this area. From understanding the nuances of licensing and union requirements to ensuring the preservation of the source material's essence, the team is well-equipped to guide indie developers through the intricate process of adaptation."There is an art to adaptation," explains Amanda Kruse, the head of business development at Big Fan Games. "If you haven't done a lot of it, there are all these little pieces that you can do that you might not have realised would be possible. Even this morning we had a huge call about licensing clips, and there are associated union things that go into that. Not everybody knows that we do all that stuff. Some of it is relationships, but some of it is about being able to block and tackle for the developers, and take as much as the stress of the process off of them as possible."

Embracing the Flexibility of Indie Development

The team at Big Fan Games recognizes the unique advantages that indie development brings to the table when it comes to adapting IPs. With smaller budgets and a more agile approach, indie studios can explore uncharted territories within established franchises, taking creative risks that larger, AAA productions might shy away from."With indies, you can explore different areas of an IP that have not been previously explored," says Lincoln Hershberger, the general manager of Big Fan Games. "You can take risks that you can't take when you have $60 million, $70 million, $100 million production budgets."This flexibility allows indie developers to breathe new life into beloved IPs, catering to the diverse interests and preferences of fans while also introducing the properties to a new generation of players.

Building a Reputation for Quality Adaptations

Big Fan Games' ultimate goal is to become synonymous with high-quality, fan-favorite IP adaptations in the gaming industry. By leveraging their expertise, relationships, and the resources of their parent company, Devolver Digital, the team aims to establish a reputation for delivering exceptional experiences that honor the source material while captivating both longtime fans and newcomers alike."The dream is that we're synonymous with quality adaptations in games one day," Kruse shares. "But [Devolver] does afford us to just focus on the games and developers, and worry less about our own personal brand building."With a diverse portfolio of active projects and a commitment to bringing more indie-driven IP adaptations to the market, Big Fan Games is poised to redefine the landscape of licensed games and offer a fresh, innovative approach to the industry.