Devolver Digital has launched a new publishing label called Big Fan Games. The label is dedicated to indie games based on movie, TV, comic book, and other entertainment properties. Big Fan Games is led by the team from Good Shepherd, which Devolver acquired in 2021.
Lincoln Hershberger, a video game veteran with 27 years of experience, will lead Big Fan Games. Amanda Kruse, head of business development, has extensive experience in both the film and video game industries. She helped form Lionsgate’s games division.
“I love adaptation,” Kruse said. “When we were trying to figure out what we specialize in, we didn’t want to be just another Devolver. They are so cool and original.
How can we separate ourselves? So I was excited to pitch ‘let’s do adaptations.’ Because that is what is exciting for us and most of our team.”
Hershberger said that Devolver co-founder Nigel Lowrie’s interest in fan-favorite properties like “Monkey Island” fueled the creation of the new label. The idea is to offer something distinct from Devolver’s usual fare of original indie games.
Big Fan Games provides a full suite of publishing services. These include finance, PR, marketing, community management, and platform relations. The team works closely with Devolver when it makes sense, but remains a specialized group focused on high-quality adaptations.
“We are like a SWAT team. We are all specialists at what we do.
Big Fan Games launches new label
We don’t have duplicate people. If Devolver is talking to PlayStation, we are all on that call together. We focus on games and developers, and worry less about our own personal brand building,” Kruse explained.
One key element that sets Big Fan apart is its handling of properties. The team seeks out passionate indie developers interested in particular properties and facilitates their projects. Hershberger shared an example from Gamescom last year where they connected with a Barcelona-based team eager to work on a beloved property.
Big Fan negotiated the rights and is now close to finalizing that deal. “There is an art to adaptation,” Kruse added. “Not everyone knows how to navigate the licensing, union regulations, and other complexities involved.”
Hershberger noted the creative freedom smaller teams have in exploring uncharted areas of a property.
“You can take risks that you can’t with $60 million, $70 million, $100 million production budgets,” he said. Big Fan currently has six active projects. It aims to launch three to five games annually.
This focus on quality adaptations signifies a shift in the gaming industry’s approach to licensed games, which were once seen merely as merchandise. Games based on popular properties like “Star Wars,” “Lego,” “Harry Potter,” “Warhammer,” and “Spider-Man” have set a new standard. These titles are not only commercial successes but also critically acclaimed.
They show the potential of well-executed adaptations. As the distinction between the games and entertainment industries continues to blur, Big Fan Games positions itself at the forefront of this exciting intersection. It aims to deliver memorable gaming experiences based on beloved properties.
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