CaffeineAddict
Well-Known Member
When you want to buy a game from steam or some other platform you'll notice every game has a developer and publisher.
I never paid much attention to these details but not long ago wondered what's the difference and why should I care?
In short game developer is game studio that develops the game, very simple.
Game publisher on the other hand is the one that finances game development, either in full or partially, depending on contract between developer and publisher.
The publisher also takes care of sales and everything else that is not development, however the exact extent of their duty depends on contract.
What this means is, it is game publisher that dictates the rules of how a game is made, how long development should take, etc.
So next time think twice before attacking the devs for not fixing this or that bug or not implementing a feature you want, because if dev studio is also not publisher then they're limited with time and resources that can be spent.
You can asses how well a game will be updated and maintained upon release based on who is the publisher.
You'll notice that some dev studio is both the developer and publisher, it means they're their own boss, these are limited only by the budget they allocated to a game, and often time I find their games to be the most well supported.
Normally big studios can afford this, smaller or beginner studios are likely to seek a publisher so their resources will be limited.
Bottom line, both are important, if both are same it's better for you.
I never paid much attention to these details but not long ago wondered what's the difference and why should I care?
In short game developer is game studio that develops the game, very simple.
Game publisher on the other hand is the one that finances game development, either in full or partially, depending on contract between developer and publisher.
The publisher also takes care of sales and everything else that is not development, however the exact extent of their duty depends on contract.
What this means is, it is game publisher that dictates the rules of how a game is made, how long development should take, etc.
So next time think twice before attacking the devs for not fixing this or that bug or not implementing a feature you want, because if dev studio is also not publisher then they're limited with time and resources that can be spent.
You can asses how well a game will be updated and maintained upon release based on who is the publisher.
You'll notice that some dev studio is both the developer and publisher, it means they're their own boss, these are limited only by the budget they allocated to a game, and often time I find their games to be the most well supported.
Normally big studios can afford this, smaller or beginner studios are likely to seek a publisher so their resources will be limited.
Bottom line, both are important, if both are same it's better for you.
