Daniel Knight, the visionary behind the massively successful co-op horror game Phasmophobia, has announced the launch of Kinetic Publishing. This new venture from Kinetic Games aims to provide comprehensive support and champion creativity for independent game developers, leveraging the studio’s own journey from solo project to global phenomenon. The move reflects a growing trend among successful indies to reinvest in the broader development community.
Knight’s self-published ghost-hunting title has sold over 25 million copies since its 2020 release, evolving into a genre-defining hit with a Hollywood adaptation in the works. This unparalleled success has positioned Kinetic Games to expand its mission beyond game creation, now focusing on nurturing emerging talent. The initiative seeks to offer the kind of guidance and resources Knight himself wished for during Phasmophobia’s early days.
The expansion of Kinetic Games, now a team of 40, underpins this new publishing arm. Asim Tanvir, a seasoned industry veteran with 15 years of experience from major publishers like 2K and Konami, has joined as Director of Marketing and Partnerships, bringing crucial expertise to the endeavor. Kinetic Publishing is actively seeking unsigned games that are approximately 12 to 18 months away from release.
A new model for indie game support
Kinetic Publishing stands apart by operating as a truly independent entity, free from external shareholders or investors. This unique structure grants the team full control over its timelines and decision-making, allowing for a developer-first approach. Asim Tanvir emphasized this independence to GamesIndustry.biz, stating, “We are completely independent. We love the independent space… We don’t want to change their vision. We want to support them to be the best they can be and find success.”
While Phasmophobia’s commercial success provides a “well-funded” foundation, according to Knight and Tanvir, the publisher is not tied to specific genres. Despite Kinetic Games’ expertise in co-operative horror, they are actively seeking pitches from a wide range of categories, including “cosy games, RPGs, all the good stuff out there,” as Tanvir highlighted. The goal is to champion just two or three projects annually, ensuring each receives dedicated attention.
Leveraging firsthand experience and flexible funding
A cornerstone of Kinetic Publishing’s offering is the invaluable firsthand experience of Daniel Knight. His journey from a solo developer to scaling a team, managing outsourcing, QA, localization, and successfully launching a game on both PC and console, provides a rare depth of practical knowledge. This background ensures that the support offered is grounded in real-world challenges and solutions faced by indie creators.
Funding models will also be tailored to individual project needs, a critical aspect for diverse indie development. While specific figures remain undisclosed, the publisher is prepared to invest anywhere from a few hundred thousand pounds up to £1 million, with flexibility for exceptional titles. Tanvir noted that they have a “realistic vision of what that funding looks like” and will adjust based on project requirements, ensuring robust backing for promising games.
By offering a blend of significant funding, a truly independent ethos, and the battle-tested insights of a highly successful developer, Kinetic Publishing is poised to become a vital force in the indie game landscape. This initiative not only provides a platform for new voices but also reinforces the collaborative spirit within the industry, ensuring that the next generation of creative talent receives the backing needed to thrive.
