Launchable Introduces Shared-Success Model for Independent Game Studios
A new platform connects developers with studios through revenue-sharing agreements to overcome funding gaps.
1New Platform for Developers
Launchable has launched a platform designed to connect independent game studios with specialized development talent. By utilizing a shared-success framework, the service allows developers to contribute to projects in exchange for future revenue shares. This model aims to help studios complete games that might otherwise struggle to secure traditional upfront funding.
2Revenue Sharing Mechanics
Under the agreed terms, developers receive a percentage of revenue for the first five years following a game's launch. These specific deal terms are negotiated directly between the studio and the talent. Launchable facilitates this process by taking a small percentage of the project's total revenue as a service matching fee.
3Addressing Industry Funding Gaps
Co-CEO Greg Hall developed the platform after observing talented studios struggling to maintain their own intellectual property. Many teams possess playable builds and strong community wishlists but face extreme difficulty securing capital from risk-averse publishers. The platform provides a pathway for these projects to reach the market without needing substantial upfront investment.
4Vetting and Quality Control
To mitigate risks for participants, Launchable enforces a strict vetting process for all incoming projects. Executive producers evaluate design documentation, production plans, and team leadership before accepting a game into the ecosystem. This ensures that only high-quality projects with a viable chance of market success are matched with available development talent.
5Flexible Compensation Structures
The platform offers significant flexibility, allowing studios to choose between full salary payments or purely revenue-based compensation models. Talent can engage on a full-time, part-time, or weekend basis depending on their availability. Launchable mandates full transparency regarding project status and expected ship dates to ensure all parties maintain a shared understanding.
6Advanced Talent Matching Tools
Launchable utilizes a sophisticated matching system that combines third-party verification with self-declared experience to build detailed talent profiles. Studios can broadcast specific milestone needs, and the platform provides a signal map to visualize how well an applicant fits a role. This helps developers identify areas where upskilling could improve their future prospects.
7Current Market Adoption
The platform has already secured seven partner studios, including Hyper Luminal Games and Bossa Studios. A closed beta phase is currently underway, with plans to invite an additional 30 studios by early 2027. The current cohort includes a diverse range of developers, spanning from small independent teams to larger AAA-scale production companies.
8Strategic Long-Term Implications
While the model offers potential long-term rewards for developers, it inherently shifts financial risk from publishers to the talent. Success depends on the willingness of developers to accept deferred payment in exchange for future upside. If the model proves effective, it could fundamentally alter how independent studios manage resources and production milestones.