This indie publisher is clear about the secret to success: adjusting expectations

The publishing director of Yogcast Games, Simon Byron, has emphasized that planning with small and realistic expectations is essential for success in the competitive world of video games. In a recent interview with GamesRadar+, Byron explained that his team usually anticipates sales of between 100,000 and 120,000 units over a couple of years, a figure that is considered achievable both for them and for the associated studios. Despite these conservative projections, Byron admits that he has never been able to accurately forecast the sales of a game.

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A notable example of unexpected success was PlateUp, a restaurant management game that exceeded all expectations by selling 200,000 copies in its first month. This figure contrasts dramatically with the initial projection of 100,000 units over two years. Byron expressed his surprise at this phenomenon, indicating that such results, while a cause for celebration, also create pressure on future projections, given that some titles fail to meet their goals.

On the other hand, Byron emphasizes the importance of creating and strengthening player communities to achieve the expected sales. The growth in these communities is essential, especially when considering the number of active players on platforms like Steam. “With the number of people currently playing, it should be feasible to achieve those sales targets for a publisher of our size,” he added.

As the video game industry continues to evolve, Byron’s realistic planning strategy could serve as a model for other independent publishers looking to navigate this complex and ever-changing landscape.

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