GamePro Makes Games Professionally

Jason Wong • Mar 11, 2009 • Comments ()

Here's some surprising news amidst recent game studio closures: GamePro has thrown its name into the game publisher hat. The newly formed GamePro Labs intend to publish titles developed by small independent studios. The company will be open to all major platforms including Xbox 360, PC, iPhone, PlayStation Network, and interestingly enough the Zune (does anyone actually have a Zune?).

GamePro Labs is accepting game submissions, so that means you, yes you in the Star Wars T-shirt. It's time to start coding that game you've been bragging about for years now. The fledgling publisher is only marketing a limited number of tiles each year, so let yours be the one they pick by making sure it's actually good before you send it in. Live the dream. Submit your triple-A game idea built on a shoe-string budget here.

As publisher, GamePro will handle payments and promote the title in its magazine. As developer, you'll get a publisher account on GamePro.com with exclusive access to the developer community and advertising tools; be able to manage distribution relationships with Microsoft, Apple, and others who sell your games; and receive a monthly check (i.e. the payola) from GamePro for all units sold.

Three developers have already been signed, and they'll be revealed at the Games Developer Conference held in late March.

In addition, GamePro will be publishing a free, custom edition of its magazine for 7-Eleven stores. That means in the not-too-distant future, you can read about your game and down a Slurpee at the same time. Can you imagine the joy of reaching that 7-Eleven audience you've always dreamed about? How sweet it'll be indeed.