Self-publishing games vs. working with a publisher?

Should you self-publish your game or work with a publisher?

Both paths can lead to success, but they come with very different trade-offs.

𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗔 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗥

✅ Upfront funding reduces your financial risk
✅ Access to expert marketing and distribution teams
✅ Industry connections for better visibility
✅ Help with QA, localization, and compliance

❌ You’ll give up a large share of revenue
❌ Less control over your creative vision
❌ Pressure to hit milestones can hurt quality
❌ You may not retain IP ownership

𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗙-𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚

✅ You keep 100% of your game revenue
✅ Full creative freedom from day one
✅ Build stronger connections with your players
✅ You can pivot faster without external pressure

❌ Higher upfront costs and personal financial risk
❌ Tougher marketing without a network
❌ Limited resources for things like QA and localization
❌ Everything — from success to failure — is on you

So which path is right for you?

𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗳:
• You need funding and marketing expertise
• You want to reduce risk
• You’re okay with less creative control

𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗳:
• You’ve got the funds or a proven track record
• Creative control and brand ownership matter most
• Your team can handle marketing and distribution

Neither path is easy.
But knowing your priorities helps you make the right bet.