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> This is the harsh reality for most independent game development teams, except for a few super-star-teams which are able to negotiate non-cut-throat contracts. The publisher pays production cost in advance, and recoups production + marketing cost before the developer sees any royalties

i don't understand this.

isn't the definition of an "indie developer" a developer without a publisher?

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That's why I used "independent developer team" instead of "indie developer". Think Crytek, Crystal Dynamics or Yager. These are all medium sized companies (couple hundred to a thousand people) which are independent from (not owned by) publishers, but still need publishers to finance, market and distribute their projects. This in contrast to DICE or id Software which are no longer independent and now owned by EA and Bethesda.

ah! got it. thanks, man.

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