The Games Industry's Funding Crisis: Keoken Interactive's Struggle to Stay Afloat

The games industry is facing a challenging period, with many businesses struggling to survive amidst mass layoffs and closures. For developers, securing funding is crucial, but the bar for success has been raised, making it difficult for studios to land the capital they need. Keoken Interactive, the developer of Deliver Us The Moon, has made over 200 pitches for five games in the past two years, but none have resulted in a deal. The studio has tried to adapt its prototypes and has explored various revenue streams, including work-for-hire contracts and co-development work, but to no avail. Co-founder Koen Deetman believes that the current model of game development is flawed and that the industry needs a more efficient and sustainable way of creating experiences. With the studio's finances dwindling, Deetman and his team are turning to the community for support, releasing a video showcasing their game prototypes in a last-ditch effort to secure funding. If unsuccessful, the studio will be forced to scale down to zero, and management will help former team members find new roles. Despite the challenges, Deetman remains optimistic about the industry's future, citing its diversity and creativity as key factors in its potential for growth and success.