Blake Rochkind on Lyrical Games: A New Era in Indie Publishing

Blake Rochkind, the former head of business development at Private Division, has embarked on a new venture with Lyrical Games, an independent games publisher. In a recent interview, Rochkind shared his thoughts on leaving Private Division and the reasons behind starting a new publishing label. Following the sale of Private Division to Haveli Investments, Rochkind decided it was time to move on. He stated that his departure was a natural progression, citing the significant changes that took place within Take-Two Interactive during his tenure. Rochkind noted that the company's priorities shifted, making it challenging for Private Division to have a substantial impact. Rochkind's new endeavor, Lyrical Games, aims to focus on high-quality, indie games that can reach a wide audience. The publisher is looking to support developers who have a clear vision for their games and are seeking a collaborative partner. Rochkind emphasized that Lyrical Games is not trying to replicate the Private Division model but instead wants to create a unique approach to game publishing. The company has already signed three titles, including a game from Blackbird Interactive, the developer of Homeworld 3. Rochkind revealed that the publisher's first game will be announced at Gamescom this year, with another announcement scheduled for later in the fall. Rochkind highlighted the importance of having a seasoned team with experience in the gaming industry. Lyrical Games currently consists of six team members, including veterans from Private Division, Devolver Digital, Humble Games, and Microsoft. The publisher plans to grow its team but aims to maintain a lean and agile structure, allowing for greater flexibility and the ability to capitalize on new opportunities. Lyrical Games has secured significant backing, which will enable the publisher to support its developers and fund their projects. Rochkind emphasized that the company is not focused on building a massive empire but rather on creating a collaborative and transparent publishing environment. The goal is to support artful games that can reach a wide audience while maintaining a high level of quality. Rochkind expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture, stating that he is excited to work with developers who share his vision for innovative and engaging games. With Lyrical Games, he aims to create a publisher that is dedicated to supporting its partners and fostering a collaborative environment, ultimately leading to the creation of exceptional gaming experiences.