When it comes to crafting video games, you can generally take three paths. You can A) make a new IP that you can build from the ground up with, B) continue working on a previous IP from your company or another company to see where you can take the universe next, or C) license and IP and make a game based off that. No matter which you choose, the development process will be hard. Companies like Devolver Digital have been famous for walking the line across all three options with plenty of success to show for it.
So it might be a surprise that they’re now expanding to do even more with “Option C.” They’ve created “Big Fan Games,” a new branch of Devolver Digital that will focus on specifically making licensed titles. To be more specific, they want to work alongside other indie devs to help bring special licensed games to life. Here’s what they had to say via a press release, as noted by The Gamer:
“When it comes to ‘licensed games’, we think there’s room for a new approach. One where indie developers get to make the call. To take some risks and explore unique ideas that aren’t dictated by spreadsheets. We formed Big Fan to help make that dream a reality.”
Devolver even noted that many of the big companies that they’ve licensed stuff from in the past, including Disney and Lionsgate, are on board with this new studio and even implied that stuff is in the works with them right now. Another key element is that they, Big Fan Games, want the literal fans of its works to mention IPs that they feel deserve the gaming treatment:
“Have a favorite game you’ve always dreamed of rebooting or a cult classic film or book you’d love to see adapted into a game? We’d love to hear from you?”
At present, no official games have been announced, though that could change soon. Now, it should be mentioned that not every Devolver game has been a hit, but the fact that they have had some of the most unique and subversive titles on the market over the years proves they’re not afraid to try something or take a big swing to see if it lands.
Plus, licensed games have had a hit-or-miss quality to them depending on who’s working on them. So, if Big Fan Games really is about making things quality “for the fans,” then we should see some positive results.
