To attract a publisher, you need a longterm strategy

In a new Gamasutra feature, Ubisoft producer Majdi Kraiem writes that publishers look for development partners that "seek to continuously improve" -- ones that are "more likely to be around in the next five years." "Publishers often look for longterm partnerships," writes Kraiem. "It's a rational approach, as making a game with a third party developer represents an investment for both parties in term of resources and developing the tech, tools, know-how, and more," he writes. Kraiem has worked at Ubisoft since 2007, and has collaborated with studios such as Capy Games, People Can Fly, and Techland. In his article, he writes about the due diligence process -- both explaining what a publisher wants and a developer should look for. Publishers want longterm relationships, Kraiem writes, as "for either a new project or a sequel, it is definitely easier for a publisher to work with someone familiar -- and with an existing production pipeline, in the case of the latter." "The publisher is also betting on the fact that the studio is going to improve over time," he writes. "Basically, for a publisher, due diligence consists of understanding the studio's culture and wishes, and identifying its potential. As a studio, you should be clear about your strategy, and what your longterm goals are, especially in terms of improving your structure and your games. A studio that seeks to continuously improve and questions itself is definitely more likely to be around in the next five years." The full feature, which contains a wealth of details about the relationship between the two parties, and explains what developers should want from the due diligence process, is live now on Gamasutra.