In “From Discovery to Launch: An Inside Look at the Publisher-Developer Relationship”, actor and host Ben Starr leads a 45-minute unscripted conversation with Playstack’s Harvey Elliott (CEO) and Patrick Johnson (Head of Discovery) and Joe Clark, Director at Studio 316, to uncover what truly drives publishing decisions.

With real-world examples from an extensive portfolio, including games like Balatro and Abiotic Factor, this session de-mystifies the publisher-developer relationship and offers practical advice on building strong, sustainable partnerships. Expect interactive audience participation, honest discussion, and actionable takeaways you can apply directly to your next pitch.

Takeaway

Learn how publishers actually assess games - from early discovery to greenlight - and how to position your project to align with both creative and commercial criteria

See the full game signing process from both sides of the table, understanding what happens after a game is signed through honest insights from both publisher and developer

Gain practical advice with real-world examples to help you create a pitch that resonates and showcases your game in the strongest possible way

Intended Audience

This talk is designed for developers, producers, and small studio leads who want to better understand the full publishing process, from initial discovery to long-term support. No prior publishing experience is required, just curiosity about how to pitch confidently, collaborate effectively, and set your game up for long-term success.