Curveball Games Launches Ambitious Publishing Arm, Redefining Indie and Mid-Tier Support from Wales
We are thrilled to announce a significant expansion and evolution of our operations at Curveball, a move that will see us transition from our established role as a premier games distributor to a dynamic and comprehensive games publisher. This strategic pivot marks a new era for our company, one dedicated to nurturing indie game developers and mid-tier studios by offering unparalleled full-service publishing support and vital game development funding. Established in the vibrant landscape of Cardiff, Wales, Curveball Games is poised to become a cornerstone of the global video game publishing sector, championing creativity and delivering exceptional gaming experiences to audiences worldwide.
This groundbreaking initiative is spearheaded by Ed Gregory, a distinguished veteran with extensive experience in the industry, having previously held pivotal roles at PlayStation and PQube. As our new Senior Publishing Manager, Ed brings a wealth of knowledge, a keen eye for market trends, and a deep understanding of what it takes to bring successful video games to market. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding Curveball Games’ mission to empower developers, foster innovation, and cultivate a robust ecosystem for independent game creation. We believe his expertise is precisely what is needed to navigate the complexities of the modern games industry and to ensure that the titles we champion receive the strategic direction and dedicated support they deserve.
The Genesis of Curveball Games: A Vision for Enhanced Developer Support
Our journey to becoming a games publisher is rooted in a profound understanding of the challenges faced by game developers today. For years, as a leading games distributor, we have witnessed firsthand the immense talent, passion, and dedication that goes into creating new video games. We have also observed the significant hurdles that independent and mid-tier studios encounter in securing adequate funding, navigating complex marketing landscapes, and ensuring their innovative game concepts reach their intended audiences effectively. It became clear that our role could extend beyond distribution to actively participating in the creation and success of these exciting new games.
The decision to launch Curveball Games is a direct response to this observed need. We are not simply adding a new service; we are fundamentally reshaping our business model to provide a holistic approach to game publishing. Our ambition is to be more than just a financial backer or a marketing partner; we aim to be a true collaborator, working hand-in-hand with developers from the early stages of game development through to post-launch support. This means offering comprehensive publishing services that encompass everything from quality assurance (QA) and localization to global marketing campaigns and distribution on all major platforms.
Wales, with its growing reputation as a hub for creative industries and its supportive government initiatives, provides the ideal base for this ambitious venture. Cardiff’s burgeoning tech and creative scene offers access to a talented workforce and a collaborative environment. By establishing our games publishing operations here, we are not only investing in the future of our company but also contributing to the growth and recognition of the Welsh games industry on the international stage. We are committed to leveraging local talent and resources while building a global network of partners to ensure the success of every title under our banner.
Full-Service Publishing: What Developers Can Expect from Curveball Games
At Curveball Games, our full-service publishing model is designed to alleviate the multifaceted pressures that often weigh down game developers, allowing them to focus on what they do best: creating outstanding games. We understand that the journey from concept to commercial release is fraught with challenges, and our comprehensive support system is built to address each of these critical junctures.
Our commitment begins with strategic funding and investment. We recognize that securing the necessary capital is often the first major obstacle for indie developers and mid-tier studios. Curveball Games will provide financial backing tailored to the specific needs of each project, enabling developers to realize their creative vision without compromising on quality or scope. This funding extends beyond initial development, often supporting post-launch content updates and ongoing game maintenance, ensuring a sustained presence and engagement for players.
Beyond financial support, we offer in-depth project management and development support. Our experienced team will work closely with developers to ensure projects remain on track, within budget, and aligned with their creative goals. This includes offering guidance on game design, technical implementation, and production pipelines. We believe in a collaborative approach, where our expertise complements the developers’ vision, fostering a synergy that leads to polished and commercially viable games.
Quality Assurance (QA) and Testing is a critical component of our publishing services. We will implement rigorous testing protocols to identify and rectify bugs, glitches, and performance issues across all target platforms. Our dedicated QA teams will ensure that every game released under the Curveball Games label meets the highest standards of stability and playability, thereby enhancing player satisfaction and protecting the developer’s reputation.
Furthermore, localization and internationalization are key to reaching a global audience. We understand the importance of making games accessible and engaging to players worldwide. Curveball Games will manage the professional translation of game text, voiceovers, and cultural adaptations to ensure that each game resonates with diverse markets. This meticulous approach to globalization significantly expands a game’s potential player base and commercial reach.
Our marketing and public relations (PR) efforts will be robust and tailored to each game’s unique identity and target demographic. We will craft compelling marketing strategies that include digital advertising, social media engagement, influencer outreach, press coverage, and participation in major gaming events and trade shows. Our goal is to generate significant buzz, build strong community anticipation, and drive pre-orders and sales upon release. We will leverage our established network and develop innovative campaigns to ensure each title receives the visibility it deserves.
Platform relations and digital storefront management are also integral to our offering. We will handle all aspects of licensing and submission to major platforms such as Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Games Store, Nintendo eShop, and mobile app stores. Our team will optimize store pages, manage pricing strategies, and ensure smooth distribution across all digital channels, maximizing discoverability and sales potential.
Finally, our commitment extends to post-launch support and community management. We understand that a game’s life extends far beyond its initial release. Curveball Games will provide ongoing support, including managing patches and updates, fostering player communities, and analyzing player feedback to inform future development and marketing efforts. This long-term vision ensures the continued success and longevity of the games we publish.
Empowering Indie and Mid-Tier Developers: A Strategic Focus
The core of Curveball Games’ mission lies in its dedication to supporting both independent game developers and mid-tier studios. We recognize the distinct strengths and challenges faced by each segment of the games industry.
For indie developers, often characterized by small, passionate teams with ambitious creative visions, Curveball Games offers a crucial lifeline. Many of these creators possess groundbreaking ideas and a unique artistic flair but struggle with the financial resources and industry connections necessary to bring their projects to fruition. We aim to be more than just a publisher; we want to be partners, providing not only funding but also the mentorship and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of the gaming market. Our support will empower them to maintain creative control while benefiting from professional publishing expertise. We are particularly keen to champion titles that push boundaries in terms of gameplay mechanics, narrative storytelling, and artistic presentation, recognizing the vital role indie games play in the innovation and diversity of the gaming landscape.
Mid-tier studios represent another vital segment of our focus. These studios, typically larger than indie teams, often have a proven track record but may be seeking to scale their operations, access new markets, or embark on more ambitious projects than they could previously afford. Curveball Games can provide the strategic investment and publishing infrastructure necessary to elevate their offerings. We can help these studios reach wider audiences, optimize their production processes, and compete more effectively in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Our understanding of both the indie spirit and the demands of mainstream game releases allows us to bridge the gap and provide tailored support that meets the unique needs of mid-tier developers aiming for significant commercial success.
We are actively seeking promising game concepts and established studios with a clear vision. Whether a project is in its nascent stages of development or nearing completion, Curveball Games is equipped to provide the necessary support. Our vetting process is designed to identify projects with strong market potential, compelling gameplay loops, and a passionate development team. We prioritize games that demonstrate originality, innovation, and a clear understanding of their target audience.
Our commitment to these developers goes beyond financial and logistical support. We believe in fostering long-term relationships built on trust and mutual respect. We aim to create an environment where developers feel empowered, understood, and supported at every stage of the publishing process. This collaborative ethos is fundamental to our identity as Curveball Games.
Ed Gregory: A Guiding Force in Games Publishing
The appointment of Ed Gregory as our Senior Publishing Manager is a testament to our ambition and commitment to excellence. Ed’s extensive background within the video game industry, particularly his impactful tenure at PlayStation and PQube, provides Curveball Games with an invaluable asset. His deep understanding of global game markets, platform strategies, marketing best practices, and developer relations is precisely the expertise we need to steer our new publishing arm towards success.
During his time at PlayStation, Ed gained firsthand experience with the intricate workings of one of the world’s largest gaming platforms. He developed a keen insight into platform requirements, certification processes, and the strategies necessary to succeed in a highly competitive digital storefront environment. This experience is crucial for ensuring that the games we publish are optimized for and readily accepted onto all major consoles and PC platforms.
His subsequent roles at PQube, a well-respected games publisher, provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the publishing lifecycle. He was instrumental in bringing numerous successful titles to market, from indie darlings to more established franchises. This involved managing marketing campaigns, overseeing product development, building relationships with developers and licensors, and navigating the complexities of international distribution. His track record speaks for itself, demonstrating a consistent ability to identify and nurture talent, and to execute successful publishing strategies.
As Senior Publishing Manager at Curveball Games, Ed will be responsible for overseeing our entire publishing portfolio. This includes scouting for new projects, managing relationships with signed developers, guiding the development process, formulating marketing and release strategies, and ensuring the overall success of each published title. His leadership will be critical in shaping our publishing philosophy and establishing Curveball Games as a trusted and effective partner for game creators.
Ed’s vision for Curveball Games is one of empowerment and collaboration. He understands that the best games emerge when developers are given the freedom to innovate while also receiving the expert support they need to navigate the business side of the industry. His approach is hands-on and developer-centric, aiming to build strong, lasting partnerships. We are confident that under his stewardship, Curveball Games will become a leading force in indie and mid-tier games publishing, championing unique and exciting titles that captivate players around the world.
The Future of Games Publishing: Curveball’s Commitment to Innovation and Quality
As we embark on this exciting new chapter as Curveball Games, our commitment extends beyond simply publishing video games. We are dedicated to fostering innovation, championing diversity in game development, and ensuring that the gaming experiences we bring to market are of the highest quality. We believe that by providing comprehensive support and strategic partnership, we can help developers realize their most ambitious visions and deliver truly memorable games to a global audience.
Our vision for the future of games publishing involves embracing new technologies, exploring emerging markets, and continuously adapting to the evolving demands of the gaming community. We are particularly interested in supporting games that offer unique gameplay mechanics, compelling narratives, and innovative artistic styles. We believe that the indie and mid-tier segments of the market are fertile grounds for such creativity, and Curveball Games is positioned to be a vital catalyst for these groundbreaking titles.
We are building a team of experienced professionals who are passionate about games and dedicated to the success of our developer partners. From marketing and PR specialists to QA experts and production managers, our team possesses the collective knowledge and drive to ensure that every game we publish achieves its full potential. We are investing in cutting-edge tools and technologies to enhance our publishing capabilities and provide our partners with the best possible support.
Curveball Games will operate with a transparent and collaborative ethos. We understand that trust is paramount in any partnership, and we are committed to open communication and mutual respect with every developer we work with. We aim to build long-term relationships that extend beyond single projects, growing together with our development partners as they continue to create exceptional gaming experiences.
Our presence in Cardiff, Wales, signifies our commitment to supporting and growing the local games industry. We believe that Wales has a wealth of untapped talent and potential, and we are eager to contribute to its development by providing opportunities and resources for local developers. By establishing a strong games publishing presence in the region, we aim to attract further investment and talent, solidifying Wales’s position on the global gaming map.
The launch of Curveball Games represents a bold step forward, driven by a passion for gaming and a deep understanding of the needs of game developers. We are excited about the journey ahead and look forward to working with talented creators to bring a diverse range of exciting new games to players worldwide. Our goal is to redefine what it means to be a games publisher, offering a partnership that is both supportive and transformative, ensuring that quality and innovation remain at the forefront of everything we do. We are ready to deliver curveballs to the industry, in the best possible way, by championing extraordinary games from talented developers.