Former Versus Evil Executives Launch Digital Bandidos, a New Indie Game Publisher

A new full-service game publisher, Digital Bandidos, has emerged from stealth mode. Founded by Versus Evil veterans Steve Escalante and Lance James, the company has been operational for several months and is now officially unveiled. Escalante, who previously served as general manager and founder of Versus Evil, will assume the role of CEO, while James, formerly head of production at Versus Evil, will act as executive producer. Digital Bandidos will specialize in publishing independent games for PC and console platforms, focusing on titles with development budgets under $3 million, particularly in the role-playing, strategy, and action genres. The publisher aims to acquire both new and established intellectual properties, with plans to release them on new platforms, as well as create additional content, including HD versions. Digital Bandidos will offer a unique funding model, featuring small acquisition-type buyouts of existing games and a sliding scale of investment funds tailored to the needs of developers. The company has already secured two projects: The Town of Salem series by Blank Media, with the second installment set to launch on mobile soon, and the Early Access title Soulstone Survivors, which will be brought to additional platforms. According to Escalante, "The message from studios in North America and Europe is clear: they need reliable partners, funding, publishing expertise, and support to bring their products to market. This is a continuation of the journey I started over ten years ago, advocating for indie game developers. With enhanced tools, extensive experience, a proven track record, and a talented team, we are excited about the future of Digital Bandidos." The launch of Digital Bandidos follows the closure of Versus Evil in December 2023, after its leadership resolved a legal dispute with parent company TinyBuild, which had acquired Versus Evil and its sister company Red Cerberus in November 2021.