Bigmode's Evolution: From YouTube Roots to Indie Publishing

In September 2022, renowned content creators Jason Gastrow, aka Videogamedunkey, and Leah 'Leahbee' Gastrow, announced the launch of Bigmode, their independent publishing label. The company's first title, Shared Memory's Metroidvania game Animal Well, was unveiled earlier this year. According to Leah, the progress made so far has surpassed their expectations. "We've connected with incredibly talented individuals across various fields, announced our first game, and are preparing to showcase it at PAX East. We have exciting projects in the pipeline, and although it's a lot of work, we're passionate about this venture," she states. Jason and Leah have been content creators for over a decade, with Jason's YouTube channel boasting over seven million subscribers and billions of views. Establishing a publishing company was a natural progression of their content creation journey. Leah explains, "We aim to help exceptional projects stand out in a crowded market. With the constant demand for new content, some great games can get lost. We want to provide a platform for them to shine and inspire others to pursue their passions." The issue of discoverability has long plagued smaller developers, and the indie publishing landscape is becoming increasingly crowded. When asked what sets Bigmode apart, Leah jokingly mentions their mascot, Biggy the frog, and highlights Jason's influence, stating, "His taste in games gives us a solid foundation, and our platforms enable us to put a spotlight on the projects we believe in." As content creators turned publishers, the duo faces both advantages and challenges. While they have a massive platform to promote their games, they also face criticism and concerns about their legitimacy. Leah acknowledges, "We're used to dealing with online criticism, but it's disappointing to see people being overly negative without reason. We're looking for projects that align with our values, and we won't force anyone to work with us." The initial announcement of Bigmode emphasized its developer-friendly approach, with Jason stating that the label would focus on supporting developers and creating favorable contracts. Leah reiterates, "As creators ourselves, we know how it feels to be taken advantage of. Our goal is to give more than we take, and every project is unique, so we consider each one on a case-by-case basis." When it comes to defining what a Bigmode game is, Leah says, "The most important thing is finding games that are fun and exciting to us, with a focus on originality and substance. We also value our relationships with developers, as these are long-term partnerships." Animal Well, developed by Billy Basso's one-man studio Shared Memory, was a perfect fit for Bigmode. The pixel art Metroidvania game has been in development since 2017 and features a custom engine. Leah praises the game, saying, "It's a special title with a talented developer, and we love the unique interactions with the game's animals. Everything is thoughtfully designed." Looking ahead, Bigmode's ultimate goal is to curate a catalogue of unique, high-quality games that will stand the test of time. Leah concludes, "We want people to expect a good time when playing any Bigmode game. We're not focused on quantity; we'll do what makes sense for us, our developers, and players."