In an exciting development within the gaming industry, a group of former employees from Versus Evil has embarked on a new venture, establishing an indie publishing company known as Digital Bandidos. This innovative initiative is spearheaded by Steve Escalante, the former general manager, who now takes the helm as CEO. Joining him in this endeavor is Lance James, the former production chief, who will assume the role of executive producer.
Focus on Indie Development
Digital Bandidos aims to carve out a niche in the gaming market by concentrating on PC and console games with budgets capped at million. This strategic focus reflects a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by indie developers in today’s competitive landscape. Escalante shared insights from his conversations with studios across North America and Europe, emphasizing the pressing need for strong partnerships, funding, and publishing expertise.
“I’ve spent the first half of 2024 talking with studios in North America and Europe about the challenges they face in today’s market,” Escalante noted. “The message is clear: they need good partners, funding, expertise in publishing, and help to bring their products to fruition.”
With a commitment to championing indie game developers, Escalante is determined to continue the journey he began over a decade ago. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of Digital Bandidos, stating, “We have even better tools, more experience, a proven track record, and an amazing team. We couldn’t be happier with the direction we are headed in and are incredibly excited about the future of Digital Bandidos.”
