Pilot 4: The Spotlight Tool

One of the toughest challenges for independent game studios is securing the funding they need to bring their games to life. From covering salaries to handling marketing and distribution, external support is often crucial. But getting noticed by publishers and investors isn’t easy, especially for smaller teams without big networks or resources.

That’s where the BSG-Go project comes in. Building on the success of BGI, the team set out to create a better way for indie developers to connect with the right people. The original Publisher Newsletter, which showcased promising games selected by industry mentors, evolved into something bigger: Spotlight. More than just a newsletter, Spotlight is a full-fledged platform with a dedicated website and a carefully curated newsletter designed specifically for publishers and investors.

Check out the platform here: www.spotlightgames.eu

From Idea to Reality

Spotlight wasn’t just thrown together—it was built with careful thought and collaboration. Adding a website wasn’t just about making things look good; it was about making past recommendations easily accessible and creating a smooth selection process for industry professionals. The team worked closely with mentors and developers, testing different templates to ensure the platform would actually meet the needs of both creators and investors.

Its first big test? NärCon Sommar, a major gaming festival with 15,000 attendees. This event gave developers a chance to use Spotlight in a real-world setting, showcasing their games and gathering direct feedback.

Changing How Games Get Discovered

Traditionally, indie developers had to travel to conferences and trade fairs to pitch their games—an expensive and time-consuming process. Spotlight is changing that. Now, developers can get their games in front of the right people without even leaving their studios.

The platform brings together two key elements: a polished website where games are showcased and a targeted newsletter that lands directly in the inboxes of publishers and investors. By tackling the usual barriers of networking—cost, time, and environmental impact—Spotlight is making it easier for indie studios to get noticed.

Check out the newsletter here.

How Spotlight Works

It stands hereby apart from a conventional “hotlist” by offering more than just a sales pitch for developers. Instead, it provides publishers and investors the opportunity to get involved early in the development process. But it goes even further—only a carefully selected group of in-development games make it to Spotlight, ensuring high-quality standards for investors and enhancing its reputation. Likewise, not just any investor can participate; they must sign up to establish long-term relationships with developers.

• Submission: Publishers can submit standout indie games to be featured on the Spotlight platform.
• Curation with Insight: The team worked with industry mentors to fine-tune categories and rating systems, making it easier for publishers and investors to assess each game’s potential.
• Real-World Testing: The pilot launch at NärCon Sommar gave developers the opportunity to test submissions and gather useful feedback.
• Newsletter Impact: The first Spotlight newsletter featured three promising indie games and was sent directly to key industry contacts, receiving great feedback on its clarity and usefulness.

What’s Next?

The pilot phase showed huge potential, but this is just the beginning. Here’s what’s coming next:

• Live Pitch Sessions: Developers will be able to pitch their games to investors in virtual events.
• Improved Features: Expect better filtering, more precise categorization, and self-service tools for users.
• Long-Term Sustainability: Plans are already in motion to keep Spotlight running beyond the scope of the BSG-Go project.

A Brighter Future for Indie Games

Spotlight isn’t just another hotlist—it’s a game-changer for indie developers trying to secure funding and industry connections. By breaking down traditional barriers, it’s giving smaller studios a real shot at success, without the massive costs of in-person networking events. And as an added bonus, it’s also a more sustainable way to connect in the gaming world.

For indie developers, Spotlight isn’t just about visibility—it’s about opportunity. And that’s something worth celebrating.

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