Slay the Princess’ developer is the latest to expand into indie game publishing

Black Tabby Games, the acclaimed two-person indie studio responsible for the narrative horror titles Slay the Princess and Scarlet Hollow, announced on Thursday that it is launching its own publishing division, Black Tabby Publishing. The new venture, based out of the studio's existing operations, represents a strategic expansion to support other independent developers in an increasingly volatile market. The company has already secured publishing agreements for two upcoming titles: Prove You're Human from Sunset Visitor, the studio behind 1000xResist, and an unannounced project from the animation duo SmallBü. This move places Black Tabby Games among a growing cohort of successful indie developers who are leveraging their own success to build publishing ecosystems. Companies like Innersloth (Among Us), Pocketpair (Palworld), and Landfall (Peak) have previously made similar transitions. The trend underscores a significant shift in the indie landscape, where established creators are using their resources, community trust, and industry experience to curate and champion new talent, often providing crucial support in areas like marketing, funding, and platform relations that can be barriers for smaller teams. The establishment of Black Tabby Publishing is a direct response to the perceived instability and consolidation within the broader video game industry. By entering publishing, the studio aims to create a more sustainable and supportive pathway for innovative indie projects that might otherwise struggle to find footing. This strategy not only diversifies Black Tabby's business model but also allows it to shape a portfolio of games that align with its distinctive brand of compelling, choice-driven storytelling and atmospheric design, as evidenced by its initial signings. For developers like Sunset Visitor and SmallBü, partnering with a peer-led publisher like Black Tabby offers potential advantages over traditional publishing deals, including more aligned creative vision and a partnership built on shared understanding of the indie development process. The announcement signals Black Tabby's confidence in its brand and its commitment to fostering the next wave of independent game development, positioning itself not just as a creator, but as a key patron within the indie community.