The Evolution of Bigmode: From YouTube to Publishing

In September 2022, renowned content creators Jason Gastrow, aka Videogamedunkey, and Leah Gastrow, launched their independent publishing label, Bigmode. The company has since unveiled its inaugural title, Shared Memory's Metroidvania-style game Animal Well. According to Leah, the progress made by Bigmode has surpassed their expectations. The label has connected with numerous talented individuals, announced its first game, and is preparing to showcase it at PAX East. Leah attributes their success to their passion project, which has brought a breath of fresh air after years of working in solitude. As content creators for over a decade, Jason and Leah have amassed a significant following, with Jason boasting over seven million subscribers and billions of views on YouTube. The transition to publishing was a natural evolution of their content creation endeavors, driven by their desire to support exceptional projects and inspire others to pursue their passions. The duo aims to provide a platform for outstanding games to shine, acknowledging that the current media landscape can lead to great content being overlooked. Bigmode's unique selling point lies in its ability to leverage Jason's taste and their own platforms to promote games that resonate with them. However, their background as content creators has also drawn criticism and raised concerns about their legitimacy as publishers. Leah emphasizes that they are committed to finding good fits for their label and developers, without forcing collaborations or expecting to work with everyone. The company prioritizes building strong relationships with developers, valuing originality, and substance in the games they publish. Animal Well, developed by Shared Memory, is a prime example of a game that aligns with Bigmode's vision, featuring a unique blend of exploration and interaction. Looking ahead, Bigmode's ultimate goal is to curate a catalog of distinctive, high-quality games that will stand the test of time, focusing on quality over quantity and prioritizing the needs of developers and players.