The world of indie gaming is abuzz with the news of Evil Landfall, a new publishing label from the indie developer Landfall. This move marks a significant shift in the industry, as it represents a new direction for Landfall, which has been publishing its own games for a while. The company's new venture, Evil Landfall, is a separate entity that will provide funding for external games, in addition to publishing Landfall's own titles. This expansion is a strategic move, as it allows Landfall to diversify its portfolio and support other developers, while also maintaining its own presence in the market. The new label is led by Kirsten-Lee Naidoo, who was previously head of publishing at Landfall. Naidoo's leadership is notable for several reasons. Firstly, she is a South African woman, which adds a layer of diversity to the industry. Secondly, she is relatively young, which suggests a fresh perspective and innovative approach to publishing. The name 'Evil Landfall' is a clever play on words, reflecting the company's new role as a publisher and its ambition to support other developers. The name also adds a touch of humor and intrigue, which is a welcome change in the often serious and somber world of gaming. The success of Landfall's titles, such as Peak and Content Warning, has been a driving force behind the company's expansion. Peak, in particular, has sold an estimated 17 million units, which is a testament to the company's ability to create engaging and popular games. The success of Peak has also inspired other developers, who are now pitching games that are similar in style and gameplay. This trend of successful indie developers making the leap into funding other indies is a positive development for the industry. It allows for a more collaborative and supportive environment, where developers can learn from each other and grow together. Evil Landfall's approach to publishing is also notable for its focus on early audience testing and short development cycles. The company believes in finding the core of a game quickly and having a shorter development cycle, which eliminates risk and allows for more experimentation. This approach is in line with the trend of mobile game developers, who have been testing games with audiences very early in development and quickly ditching concepts that don't click. The company's investment in games like How To Fish from Dazed Games is a testament to this approach, as it focuses on silly and chaotic games that are similar to Landfall's own titles. Overall, Evil Landfall is a welcome addition to the world of indie gaming. It represents a new direction for Landfall and a more collaborative and supportive environment for developers. The company's focus on early audience testing and short development cycles is a refreshing change in the industry, and its investment in games like How To Fish is a testament to its commitment to supporting other developers. The future of Evil Landfall looks bright, and it will be interesting to see how it continues to evolve and support the indie gaming community.
