It was always Icon Games' long term aim to self-publish, and now with the many new online publishing opportunities and available platforms it is an ideal time. To be honest the old publisher funded business model is becoming more and more unsuitable; developing & pitching demos to publishers has become harder to sustain as publishers take longer and longer to make decisions, and expect to see ever more complete games. It's not unusual for a game to take 6 months or more to go through publisher submission and contract negotiation (during which the developer must find some way to pay their staff). These increasing delays have made it ever more challenging for professional developers to manage their businesses, to the point where it has now become easier to take on the challenge of self-publishing than to continue with the old business model. And let's not forget the ever present problem of publisher payment delays!
Obviously there are still great publishers out there and Icon Games' still have on-going relationships with some of them, but more and more they are in the minority and for this reason we now find ourselves bringing forward our plans to self-publish. Icon Games plans to release three games on WiiWare and PSP between now and the end of 2009 (five SKUs in all), plus further titles to be announced shortly.
In addition to their three WiiWare titles due for launch this year Icon will be releasing four PSP titles:
Arcade Air Hockey & Bowling - PSP Q4 2009
Fully featured 3d versions of Air Hockey & Bowling, with smooth analogue control and realistic gameplay. Win trophies and unlock new equipment in the World Tour career mode, or challenge a friend to play.
- 2-player ‘Hotseat’ multiplayer – play with friends and family in versus play modes
- Varied game modes – including Practice, Versus and Season
- Player rewards - unlock new equipment and special trophies
- Season mode – become the World Ranked No.1 player; winning extra rewards and secrets along the way
Arcade Pool & Snooker - PSP Q4 2009
Test your cue skills with this authentic billiards experience. Try your hand at 7 different billiards games, including 9-ball, 8-ball (US & UK rules), 15-ball, snooker & more.
- Authentic simulated billiards experience with smooth analogue cue action
- 2 player ‘Hotseat’ play – challenge a friend to a game of pool
- Player rewards - unlock new cues and pool tables
- Season mode – become the World Ranked No.1 player; winning extra rewards and secrets along the way
Stuntcars - PSP due Q4 2009
High-speed competitive stunt racing over fast paced track circuits with chicanes, ramps, raised hairpin turns, half-pipes and even jumps over alien UFO’s! Can you become the ultimate Stunt Car Racer?
- 24 wild and challenging stunt tracks
- Extensive single player gameplay, including Race, Time Trial, Championship and Time Challenge modes
- Choose from 6 individually tuned cars which are rated differently for speed, acceleration, braking and handling
- Earn Achievement awards; 12 to win – including Gold Hero, Track Warrior, Stopwatch Pro, Stunt Champion
Arcade Darts - PSP due Q4 2009
With authentic darts playing feel, prepare for fun as you control your throws precisely and easily to beat your opponent. Challenge 20 different computer players with a range of skill levels or play against a friend.
- Varied Play Modes – including Practice, Versus, Arcade, Career and Custom Tournament play
- Game variations – 6 different game variations including 701, 501, 301, Around the Clock, Around the Clock Reverse and Cricket
- 2-player ‘Hotseat’ multiplayer – play with friends and family in versus play modes
- Player rewards - unlock new dart flights & dart sets
- Arcade Mode – start at the bottom and progress from rookie to pro with the ultimate goal of becoming the best player. Win rewards and secrets