In an engaging discussion with GamesRadar, Luca Galante, the mastermind behind the indie hit Vampire Survivors, revealed his evolution from a solo designer to the founder of Poncle Presents, a new publishing venture. Galante is not shy about calling out certain game publishers that he believes take advantage of gamers. With Poncle Presents, he aims to contribute positively to the gaming landscape that has shown him such support.
“I see a lot of publishers I don’t admire,” Galante shares passionately. “This has shaped my vision of what a good publisher should embody. Many publishers are only focused on extracting money, as the gaming industry is incredibly profitable. They tend to release games that are unfinished or merely in early access, leaving them to flounder and fade into obscurity. It creates a scenario where products are left in a state of disrepair and don’t generate revenue.”
“From my perspective, a publisher should prioritize creating authentic games and products of real worth. It’s crucial to recognize that not every title will become a blockbuster. Supporting games after they launch is essential, no matter how successful they are. Once a game is available, it has an audience, and whether that audience is large or small, they deserve fair treatment. Post-launch support is a vital responsibility for publishers to uphold.”
“We’ve been incredibly fortunate with Vampire Survivors,” Galante reflects. “The game's success is undeniable. Although we learned valuable lessons from our own missteps during development, it inspired us to give back to the indie community. It’s a chance to share the luck we’ve experienced.”