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In the dynamic landscape of the gaming industry, launching an indie game presents numerous challenges. The story of Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus illustrates this struggle. Developed by Chris Stair and his team, the game was released during a critical moment when their publishing partner encountered a sudden crisis.
While attending the BitSummit indie festival in Kyoto to celebrate the game’s launch, Stair received distressing news. The publisher they depended on, Humble Games, had laid off all its employees, leaving his team to manage the ensuing chaos. This incident underscores the volatile nature of the gaming industry, where stability can swiftly give way to uncertainty.
Impact of layoffs on game launches
Closure of Humble Games prompts uncertainty among developers
The abrupt closure of Humble Games has left many questions for co-developer Stair and his colleague Trevor Youngquist. With the termination of 36 employees, the team suddenly lost the critical support they had relied on for the upcoming game release. Stair described the unsettling experience of watching team members exit a shared Slack channel one by one, visually illustrating the growing chaos within the organization.
Despite Humble Games maintaining a functional website announcing the launch of Bō, the publisher is currently non-operational. Key technical aspects of game launches, such as establishing relationships with major platforms like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo, as well as managing press outreach, have become unattainable for Stair and Youngquist. The gravity of the situation weighs heavily on Stair, who transitioned from being an English teacher to a game developer.
The burden of independence
The role of a publisher is often underestimated in the game development process. Stair notes that the support provided by a publisher can significantly alleviate a developer’s responsibilities. The sudden lack of guidance has left Stair grappling with anxiety and uncertainty regarding the future of their game.
His immediate concerns centered on key questions: “Will we receive payment? What will happen to our game? Who retains ownership rights?” These uncertainties intensified as Humble Games, which had facilitated the launch, also managed essential records and communications. With the team no longer available, accessing crucial information became increasingly difficult.
Finding solutions in unexpected places
After the abrupt departure of Humble Games, Stair’s team sought assistance from The Powell Group, which took over publishing duties. However, this new collaboration presented challenges, as Stair felt a disconnect with a team unfamiliar with his project. Fortunately, a more promising partnership emerged with the Good Games Group, founded by former leaders of Humble Games. This collaboration enabled them to launch a significant update for Bō in November, sparking renewed interest in the game.
The recent update, titled Tanuki Kabuki, has introduced a highly anticipated boss rush mode that has received positive feedback from players. With the game currently enjoying a discount as part of the Steam Winter Sale, developer Stair has taken the opportunity to reflect on the emotional challenges faced during the launch. A panic attack triggered by layoffs during this period contributed to feelings of burnout, yet Stair remains dedicated to the pursuit of game development.
Lessons learned and future prospects
The tumultuous launch of Bō exemplifies a broader trend within the gaming industry, characterized by frequent job cuts and instability. The immediate consequences affect those who lose their jobs, but the repercussions extend beyond that: crucial expertise and professional relationships are lost, and the chances for smoother game launches may diminish.
Indie developers reflect on challenges and next steps
Stair’s reflections on the potential outcomes if circumstances had remained stable continue to resonate with him. Despite recent setbacks, he and Youngquist are already considering their next moves in the gaming industry. Their journey highlights the resilience required in a sector where unpredictability is a constant and emphasizes the necessity of adaptability in the face of adversity.
The narrative of Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus exemplifies the determination of indie developers as they navigate a challenging landscape. As they strive to move forward, their experiences provide insight into the broader implications of industry changes and the survival of creativity within the gaming sphere.