Owlcat has announced its new role as a publisher for other developers. Read on to discover the studios they’re partnering with and the games they’ll be bringing to market.
Owlcat Games Announces New Publishing Endeavor
Owlcat Aims to Support and Amplify Narrative-Driven Games
On August 13th, Owlcat Games, the renowned developers of cRPGs, proudly announced on their website that they are expanding their role in the gaming industry by taking on the mantle of a publisher. This strategic move signifies a pivotal shift for the studio, which has earned widespread acclaim for its self-published titles such as Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. This transition was facilitated by their acquisition of META Publishing in 2021. Owlcat's new publishing initiative is designed to support other developers in bringing their narrative-driven games to market, utilizing their expertise to enhance and promote innovative storytelling in gaming.
The decision to venture into publishing stems from Owlcat’s ambition to broaden their influence beyond game development. The studio has a keen interest in collaborating with like-minded studios that share their passion for crafting compelling narrative experiences. By becoming a publisher, Owlcat aims to provide these developers with the resources and support necessary to realize their creative visions. This initiative underscores Owlcat’s dedication to expanding their impact and nurturing the growth of the gaming community at large.
Upcoming Games Under Owlcat’s Publishing Wing
As part of their new publishing role, Owlcat Games has embarked on evaluating a wide array of projects, ultimately forging agreements with two promising development teams. The studio’s portfolio will now encompass titles that resonate with their emphasis on narrative-driven gameplay. Owlcat’s strategy focuses on partnerships with developers who can deliver rich, immersive stories, a principle that lies at the heart of their own game design philosophy.
Emotion Spark Studio, based in Serbia, has been chosen for its upcoming project, Rue Valley. This narrative RPG centers on a protagonist ensnared in a mysterious time loop within a remote town. The game delves into themes of mental challenges and personal growth as the main character seeks to unravel the anomaly's secrets. The collaboration with Owlcat aims to harness the studio’s expertise to elevate the game’s storytelling and player engagement.
From Poland, ‘Another Angle Games’ is working on Shadow of the Road, an isometric RPG set in an alternate feudal Japan. This title merges elements of samurai culture, honor, and allegiance with a tactical turn-based combat system. Players will navigate a world teeming with magical yokai and steampunk technology, offering a unique blend of narrative depth and strategic gameplay. Owlcat’s involvement is poised to provide the necessary support to ensure the successful development and launch of the game.
Both titles signed under Owlcat’s new publishing banner are in the early stages of development, with more details expected to be revealed later this month. Rue Valley and Shadow of the Road epitomize Owlcat’s commitment to fostering innovative and engaging narrative experiences. The studio plans to share additional insights about these games as they progress, offering a closer look at the worlds and stories they will bring to players.
Owlcat’s foray into publishing heralds a new chapter in their journey, with a mission to cultivate a diverse range of storytelling experiences and contribute to the growth of the gaming industry. Their efforts will not only spotlight emerging talent but also enrich the variety and depth of narrative-driven games available to players worldwide.