Devolver Announces New Publishing Label for Indie Games: Big Fan Games

Devolver Digital, known for its quality indie games, has officially launched a new sub-label, Big Fan Games, dedicated to developing indie titles based on existing intellectual properties (IPs). This announcement was made on October 1, 2024, by the company which aims to provide indie developers the chance to create unique adaptations of beloved films, television shows, and comic books.

What is Big Fan Games?

Big Fan Games is envisioned as a creative outlet for developers looking to work with iconic characters and worlds that fans love. According to Devolver, the label is on a mission to nurture “fun and inventive games that stand on their own,” rather than merely serving as marketing gimmicks for other media.

The team behind Big Fan Games is composed of industry veterans with experience at major companies like Disney and Dark Horse Comics. This expertise suggests a high level of professional quality for the games that the label will produce.

Existing Titles Under Big Fan Games

The label has started with a lineup that draws from popular existing IPs. Initial titles include:

• Reigns: Game of Thrones
• John Wick Hex
• Hellboy Web of Wyrd

These games have transitioned under the new label despite being released previously, illustrating Devolver’s commitment to enhancing their game portfolio while maintaining recognizable names within the gaming community.

Future Developments

While no new game announcements were made during the launch, a promise of upcoming surprises is present on the Big Fan Games site—a “coming soon” tab provides a hint of what developers may be working on next. The label is actively encouraging game pitches from aspiring creators, emphasizing a collaborative environment for ingenuine adaptations of beloved narratives.

The Industry Landscape

Licensed games have historically received mixed reviews, with some titles becoming classics, such as DuckTales, while others, like Superman 64, are considered failures. However, recent licenses, such as the Star Wars games developed by Respawn, indicate a positive trend in the quality of licensed video games. The industry seems to be moving in a more favorable direction for creative adaptations in video games.

Conclusion

Big Fan Games represents an exciting opportunity for indie developers to connect with established brands and embark on creative adventures in familiar universes. Devolver Digital is set to champion innovative voices in gaming, promoting games that respect their source material while delivering engaging and entertaining experiences.

As the gaming community watches closely, the hope is that Big Fan Games will set a standard for quality licensed content in the years to come.