Private Division Reiterates Commitment to Supporting Indie Developers

Private Division is experiencing a period of significant activity. Following the unveiling of Piccolo Games' After Us at The Game Awards, the company has announced a new survival horror IP in collaboration with Bloober Team, as well as the Private Division Development Fund. This fund is an ongoing initiative providing financial support and mentorship to smaller indie developers. As the label celebrates its fifth anniversary, GamesIndustry.biz had the opportunity to speak with Private Division head and Take-Two chief strategy officer Michael Worosz, and Private Division head of business development Blake Rochkind about the company's business strategy, partnerships, and focus on smaller studios. The Private Division Development Fund is a key aspect of this strategy, offering smaller developers access to funding and expert guidance. According to Rochkind, the fund aims to support game studios that are focused on self-publishing, with criteria including income potential and the studio's ability to self-publish. The program also seeks to increase diversity and inclusion within the gaming industry. Worosz emphasizes that the fund does not have specific targets for the number of projects or studios to support, and that its value lies not only in financial backing but also in the expert advice and guidance it provides. Despite the challenges of game development, including delays and the complexities of working on multiple platforms, Private Division is committed to its approach. The label is mindful of the need to stagger game releases, taking into account not only its own titles but also those of other Take-Two labels, such as Rockstar. With a growing staff size, Private Division is now capable of managing the publishing duties for four or more titles per year. The company welcomes the competition in the industry, recognizing that it drives innovation and motivates the team. This competition has influenced Private Division's strategy to work with smaller studios, including Bloober Team and Piccolo Studio, providing them with the necessary development budget, marketing effort, and support to take their games to the next level.