The team behind IndieGameBusiness has launched Blue Ridge Games, a new indie publishing label that will draw on the organisation’s experience working with developers and publishers across the games industry. After eight years helping studios and publishers navigate the commercial side of game development, Blue Ridge Games aims to use that industry network and experience to provide publishing support to indie developers, with a stated focus on helping teams bring their projects to market while retaining their creative vision.
Blue Ridge Games CEO Jay Powell said the new label represents an expansion of the work previously undertaken through IndieGameBusiness, with the team now moving directly into publishing.
Indie developers make incredible games, but so many of them get lost simply because no one taught them the business side of games. That’s the gap we’ve spent years closing through IndieGameBusiness®. With Blue Ridge Games, we’re not just continuing to teach that, we are stepping into publishing directly with a veteran team that has been part of the industry for decades. We’re excited to use that experience to support developers who deserve a real shot.
Alongside the launch of the label, Blue Ridge Games has revealed the first title joining its publishing portfolio, MAFATE, an exploration and adventure game from French developer Blue Ramen Studios. Inspired by a real hike through the Mafate Cirque on Réunion Island, MAFATE takes its origins from the development team’s experience visiting the remote region, which can only be accessed on foot. The game places an emphasis on walking, contemplation and discovery as players travel through natural environments. Narrative elements and puzzles are also incorporated into the journey, with the developers aiming to include them without significantly interrupting the slower pace of exploration.
Blue Ramen Studios CEO Loïc Manglou said the partnership with Blue Ridge Games represents an important step for the studio as it works towards bringing MAFATE to players internationally.
We’re incredibly proud to partner with Blue Ridge Games and to have MAFATE supported by such an experienced and passionate team. Their expertise, guidance, and understanding of what makes the project special give us tremendous confidence in what we can achieve together. For Blue Ramen Studios, this partnership represents an important step forward, and we’re truly excited to bring MAFATE to players around the world with BRG by our side.
