Revolutionizing Game Publishing: Re-koup's Innovative Approach

The popularity of game publishers among modern gamers can be gauged by taking a glance at social media platforms. While some publishers are criticized for imposing unwanted live service models on successful studios, others are lambasted for prioritizing retention over connection quality or fair team composition in their matchmaking algorithms. Notably, most big studios enjoy healthy fan support, but it's rare to come across vocal fans of publishers like EA or Ubisoft. In reality, publishers play a vital role in ensuring the success and financial health of game developers. However, with the traditional AAA model facing significant threats, opportunities arise for those who dare to innovate. Sebastian Bastani, a veteran of AAA publishing, has left his mark on the industry by heading up Activision Blizzard's Nordic sales operations and working at Funcom. Now, he's leading Re-koup, a company that aims to redefine the relationship between publishers and studios. Bastani's vision for Re-koup is to create a more equitable and data-driven approach to game publishing. By leveraging his extensive experience and network, he's able to make informed decisions that benefit both the studio and the publisher. Re-koup operates like an in-house publishing team, promoting both the game's IP and the studio's brand. This approach recognizes that a studio's reputation and credibility are just as important as the game itself in driving sales. The company offers a range of services, including fundraising and self-publishing, where Re-koup greenlights a pitch and allows the studio to maintain 100% creative freedom. Another service focuses on long-tail revenue, where Re-koup takes a share of additional sales generated, without requiring ongoing title support from the studio. This model is designed to be risk-free for studios, as Re-koup only takes a share of sales that wouldn't have existed otherwise. Re-koup's approach has already yielded impressive results, with Papa's Quiz from Old Apes and Inspector Schmidt: A Bavarian Tale from Active Fungus Studios being notable success stories. By improving discoverability, adjusting sales promotions, and leveraging influencer outreach, Re-koup has significantly increased revenue and unit sales for these games. The company's average revenue uplift across all clients stands at 40%, demonstrating the effectiveness of their methodology. Bastani emphasizes that lifecycle management is a crucial aspect of a game's success, and Re-koup is well-equipped to handle this challenge. With a focus on maximizing sales and revenue intake, the company is able to help studios even after the game has been released. By analyzing sales patterns, market conditions, and Steam data, Re-koup is able to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies to increase sales. Discover how Re-koup can support your studio and transform the game publishing landscape.