Indie Dev "Horses dev" Accuses Epic Games Store of Ghosting, Contradicting Love Claim
A recent controversy has cast a spotlight on the often-complex relationship between major digital storefronts and independent game developers. Horses dev, the studio behind the well-received game, has openly disputed a claim by an Epic Games Store executive that the platform "loves" their studio, asserting instead that they have been "effectively ghosted".
The Core of the Dispute
The contention arose following comments from an Epic Games Store representative. Horses dev, in a public statement, countered this sentiment directly. The studio expressed profound disappointment, highlighting a perceived lack of communication and support despite earlier positive interactions or public endorsements. This accusation of being "ghosted" — a colloquial term for an abrupt cessation of communication without explanation — paints a stark contrast to the warm rhetoric often employed by platform holders when discussing their support for independent creators.
Such disputes underscore the precarious position many indie developers find themselves in. While a partnership with a prominent store like Epic Games Store can offer significant exposure and financial backing, a breakdown in communication can be devastating for smaller studios operating with limited resources and tight development cycles. The impact extends beyond mere inconvenience, potentially affecting marketing, future development plans, and even the morale of the development team.
Epic Games' Response
In response to the escalating claims, Brian Sharon, Epic Games' senior communications manager, provided a statement to Eurogamer. While the precise wording of Sharon's full statement would typically offer Epic Games' perspective and a potential explanation for the communication breakdown, the initial reports indicate an attempt to address the situation without directly confirming or refuting the "ghosting" accusation in detail. Platform holders often navigate these situations carefully, aiming to maintain positive developer relations while also managing public perception.
This incident is not isolated. The broader game development community frequently discusses the challenges of working with large publishers and storefronts, including issues related to contract negotiations, marketing support, and consistent communication. The Horses dev situation serves as a potent reminder that while major platforms can provide essential gateways to audiences, the underlying relationships require constant nurturing and transparent communication from all parties involved.
Summary
The public disagreement between Horses dev and Epic Games Store highlights the significant communication gaps that can arise between indie developers and large digital storefronts. Horses dev's assertion of being "ghosted" directly challenges Epic Games' public display of affection for the studio, leading to questions about the consistency and reliability of developer support in the competitive gaming landscape. The incident underscores the critical need for clear and consistent communication channels to foster healthy and productive partnerships within the industry.
Resources
- Eurogamer: A prominent online video game news website that often covers industry disputes and developer statements.
- IGN: A global leader in gaming news, reviews, and media, frequently reporting on developer relations and platform controversies.
- Gamasutra (now Game Developer): A long-standing resource for game industry professionals, providing insights into development challenges and business practices.
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A recent controversy has cast a spotlight on the often-complex relationship between major digital storefronts and independent game developers. Horses dev, the studio behind the well-received game, has openly disputed a claim by an Epic Games Store executive that the platform "loves" their studio, asserting instead that they have been "effectively ghosted".
The Core of the Dispute
The contention arose following comments from an Epic Games Store representative. Horses dev, in a public statement, countered this sentiment directly. The studio expressed profound disappointment, highlighting a perceived lack of communication and support despite earlier positive interactions or public endorsements. This accusation of being "ghosted" — a colloquial term for an abrupt cessation of communication without explanation — paints a stark contrast to the warm rhetoric often employed by platform holders when discussing their support for independent creators.
Such disputes underscore the precarious position many indie developers find themselves in. While a partnership with a prominent store like Epic Games Store can offer significant exposure and financial backing, a breakdown in communication can be devastating for smaller studios operating with limited resources and tight development cycles. The impact extends beyond mere inconvenience, potentially affecting marketing, future development plans, and even the morale of the development team.
Epic Games' Response
In response to the escalating claims, Brian Sharon, Epic Games' senior communications manager, provided a statement to Eurogamer. While the precise wording of Sharon's full statement would typically offer Epic Games' perspective and a potential explanation for the communication breakdown, the initial reports indicate an attempt to address the situation without directly confirming or refuting the "ghosting" accusation in detail. Platform holders often navigate these situations carefully, aiming to maintain positive developer relations while also managing public perception.
This incident is not isolated. The broader game development community frequently discusses the challenges of working with large publishers and storefronts, including issues related to contract negotiations, marketing support, and consistent communication. The Horses dev situation serves as a potent reminder that while major platforms can provide essential gateways to audiences, the underlying relationships require constant nurturing and transparent communication from all parties involved.
Summary
The public disagreement between Horses dev and Epic Games Store highlights the significant communication gaps that can arise between indie developers and large digital storefronts. Horses dev's assertion of being "ghosted" directly challenges Epic Games' public display of affection for the studio, leading to questions about the consistency and reliability of developer support in the competitive gaming landscape. The incident underscores the critical need for clear and consistent communication channels to foster healthy and productive partnerships within the industry.
Resources
- Eurogamer: A prominent online video game news website that often covers industry disputes and developer statements.
- IGN: A global leader in gaming news, reviews, and media, frequently reporting on developer relations and platform controversies.
- Gamasutra (now Game Developer): A long-standing resource for game industry professionals, providing insights into development challenges and business practices.
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Chapter 1: Loomings.
Call me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. It is a way I have of driving off the spleen and regulating the circulation. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people's hats off—then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute for pistol and ball. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his sword; I quietly take to the ship. There is nothing surprising in this. If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.
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