German influencer marketing agency Instinct3 is expanding its horizons with the launch of a new games publishing division, Sidekick. This initiative aims to serve as a comprehensive publishing partner, dedicated to nurturing indie and mid-tier gaming projects.
Leadership and Vision
At the helm of Sidekick are Instinct3’s co-founders, Jasmin Oestreicher and Melvin Frank. Oestreicher, who has been instrumental in the company’s growth and has served as managing director since 2024, emphasizes the importance of staying relevant in an ever-evolving industry. “After ten years in publishing and marketing, I understand the value of experience,” she remarked. “However, it’s crucial to remain attuned to the present, especially in a gaming landscape where audiences quickly discern authenticity from commercialism. Our focus will be on bold ideas, local sensitivity, and fostering creators who aim for lasting impact rather than fleeting profits.”
Frank echoed this sentiment, noting the insights gained from their previous projects. “Over the past year, we’ve engaged with a variety of releases, each offering valuable lessons about what resonates with players and what endures,” he stated. “With Sidekick, we’re eager to apply these learnings, blending them with our unique expertise in creator and community engagement, to elevate the support we provide to indie developers.”
The inaugural title under the Sidekick banner is Deadly Days: Roadtrip, marking a promising start for the new venture. Instinct3 is no stranger to the publishing world, having previously contributed to the releases of titles such as 9 Kings, Asgard’s Fall – Viking Survivors, and TerraScape.
As Sidekick embarks on this journey, the goals are clear: to champion games that align with their vision and to ensure that each subsequent launch surpasses the last in quality and impact.
