# People Can Fly Embarks on Self-Publishing Journey, Aims for Greater Control and Profitability
People Can Fly, the acclaimed game developer behind titles like Bulletstorm, Gears of War Judgment, and Outriders, has made a strategic shift by deciding to self-publish most of its future games. This bold move signifies a departure from traditional publishing partnerships and marks a new chapter in the company’s trajectory, fueled by a desire for greater control, increased profitability, and creative freedom.
## Unveiling the Reasons Behind Self-Publishing
People Can Fly’s decision to embrace self-publishing stems from several key factors. Paramount among them is the studio’s стремление to exert greater control over its projects, enabling it to make creative decisions without external influences. This newfound autonomy allows the developer to fully realize its artistic vision, unencumbered by the constraints and compromises often associated with publisher collaborations.
Moreover, self-publishing presents a lucrative opportunity for People Can Fly to retain a larger share of revenue generated from game sales. By eliminating the need to split profits with a publisher, the studio stands to reap the financial rewards of its creative endeavors, fostering long-term sustainability and growth.
## Reflecting on Past Collaborations and Challenges
Over the years, People Can Fly has forged partnerships with prominent publishers such as EA, Epic Games, and Square Enix. These collaborations have yielded critically acclaimed games like Bulletstorm, Gears of War Judgment, and Outriders, showcasing the studio’s exceptional talent and expertise. However, commercial success has been a mixed bag, with some titles falling short of sales expectations.
Outriders, despite its initial surge of popularity with 3.5 million players at launch, failed to meet Square Enix’s sales targets. This setback highlights the potential risks associated with publisher collaborations, particularly when expectations are not aligned.
Adding to these challenges, People Can Fly faced issues with royalty payments from Square Enix, underscoring the complexities and potential pitfalls of publisher partnerships.
## Embracing Risks and Mitigating Factors
People Can Fly acknowledges the inherent risks associated with self-publishing, primarily the substantial financial burden of game development and marketing without publisher support. However, the studio is taking proactive steps to mitigate these risks and ensure its success in the self-publishing landscape.
One key strategy is the diversification of its game portfolio. By developing multiple projects simultaneously, People Can Fly spreads the financial risk across various titles, increasing the likelihood of success. This approach also allows the studio to explore diverse genres and appeal to a broader audience.
## Unveiling Financial Projections and Future Plans
Under the self-publishing model, People Can Fly projects an ambitious financial outlook, aiming to generate approximately 3 billion PLN (or $670.5 million) from 2023 to 2027. This bold target reflects the studio’s confidence in its ability to thrive in the self-publishing realm and reap the rewards of its creative and business acumen.
In terms of future output, People Can Fly’s two North American teams are currently engaged in pre-production for two AAA games targeting distinct audiences. While the studio intends to focus primarily on self-publishing, it will continue to engage in work-for-hire projects on selected titles. This approach provides financial stability and allows for experimentation and innovation. One such work-for-hire project, known as Project Gemini, is in development in partnership with Square Enix and is slated for release in 2026, demonstrating the studio’s commitment to maintaining strategic collaborations.
## Conclusion: A New Era of Creative Freedom and Financial Independence
People Can Fly’s decision to self-publish most of its future games represents a bold and decisive move that underscores the studio’s desire for greater control, profitability, and creative freedom. While the path ahead is fraught with challenges, the developer’s strategic approach, financial projections, and commitment to innovation suggest a promising future for People Can Fly in the self-publishing realm. As the studio embarks on this new journey, it is poised to redefine its legacy and forge a path of success on its own terms.
