In a significant move for the independent gaming scene, two critically acclaimed studios have formed a partnership to combat the difficulties of modern game funding. Black Tabby Games, the studio behind the 2023 horror success Slay the Princess, has agreed to publish the next project from Sunset Visitor, the team responsible for the narrative hit 1000xResist.
A Developer-First Approach
The deal stands out for its speed and developer-friendly structure. While traditional publishers often require a "vertical slice" or playable demo before investing—a process that can be financially devastating for small teams—Black Tabby took a different route. Following a pitch from Sunset Visitor director Remy Siu, Black Tabby agreed to terms within just one hour.
Tony Howard-Arias, co-founder of Black Tabby Games, noted that as developers themselves, they understand the risks of working on speculation. By eliminating the need for a pre-deal demo, they aim to support fellow creators without forcing them to burn resources on unpaid work.
Financial Terms and New Project
The initial funding is set at $300,000, though discussions are ongoing to expand the project's scope. The contract features a favorable revenue split: a 70/30 split in Black Tabby’s favor until recoupment, switching to a 30/70 split in the developer's favor afterward. Full rights to the game will revert to Sunset Visitor after three years.
The funding will support the development of Prove You're Human, a narrative game exploring themes of artificial intelligence sentience. Siu clarified that while the game delves into AI concepts, the contract strictly forbids the use of generative AI tools in its creation. The game tasks players with "putting an AI in its place" regarding its delusions of humanity.
This partnership highlights a trend of successful indie studios reinvesting their profits to support the broader development community during a period of widespread industry contraction.
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