Slashman wrote:Except that these days, that's not actually true. Egosoft could go independent and self publish via Steam(totally digital).
You're a bit too optimistic on that front. Most of the independent developers you see on Steam are start up companies which just a few people, and their games are simple. Yes, some are quite innovacative, but they're simple and low level for the most part.
While Egosoft is making a niche game, that doesn't mean their type of game are cheap to make. I don't say they're measured up to the industry AAA in term of cost, but you can be sure it's a much more expensive projects than most of the "indie" you know.
Lots of successful niche developers have.
Name me a few, since I can't remember any. In fact, most are the opposite.
- Bungie broke off with MS after Halo 3 because they have secure so much money and can stand on their own.
- Kerboros was independent, but later have to go to Paradox.
- Talesworld was independent, but also have to go to Paradox.
- Most of the current indie I know of have always been indies.
Publisher does more than just advertise and sell the game, for the most part they have to bankroll the developers during their development cycle. That's why they tend to get a big share, and usually, rightly so in a business sense. Tell me, will you bankrolling a project (at the risk of losing it) for only a kitty share?
This is just my conjecture, but while I don't think Egosoft have to sleep on their next meal, their profit are probably enough to cover their cost with a little extra. I doubt they're in a position where they can go independent.