Publisher Kepler experiencing triumphant highs following series of victorious game releases
In a groundbreaking move for the gaming industry, President Emmanuel Macron of France has congratulated Kepler on the success of 'Expedition 33'. This role-playing title, developed by one of Kepler's member studios, has received glowing reviews and sold an impressive four million copies.
Based in London, Kepler is a unique game development company that has grown to nine member studios with the addition of Tactical Adventures and The Gentlebros. Kepler's unusual structure allows each studio to be a part owner, which its chief, Alexis Garavaryan, believes leads to better decision-making.
The team behind 'Expedition 33' chose to sign with Kepler due to their promise of creative freedom. Unlike many game development companies, Kepler does not demand a high level of control over the production of the games in its stable. This approach has proven successful, as projects with "restrained budgets" but strong visuals and innovative game mechanics are Kepler's unique selling point.
This formula was also applied by French studio Sloclap, one of Kepler's biggest members, to create the hit football game "Rematch". Remarkably, Rematch reached five million players in just one month.
Microsoft added 'Expedition 33' to its Gamepass subscription service as soon as the title was released, demonstrating the game's appeal to a wide audience. Kepler also enlisted star actors like Andy Serkis and Charlie Cox to lend their voices to characters in 'Expedition 33'.
Kepler Interactive, the studio founded by seven independent studios and received a $120 million investment from Chinese tech giant NetEase in 2021. This investment has allowed Kepler to continue its mission of supporting creative freedom and innovative game development.
The production style of Kepler could serve as a test case for the rest of the industry, offering an alternative to the expensive and often risky "AAA" blockbusters. Compared to these blockbusters, Kepler's titles are more sustainable and lean, providing a promising model for the future of gaming.
As Kepler continues to grow and produce successful games, its chief, Alexis Garavaryan, has no expansion plans at the moment. This stance is reassuring after the industry's recent excesses, and Garavaryan is focused on finding future hits. In fact, Garavaryan will be attending the Gamescom trade show in Cologne, Germany, in search of the next big thing.
Sloclap shares with 'Expedition 33' both an original proposal and quality execution. Kepler signs up two to three projects out of an average of 1,400 they review each year, ensuring that only the best and most innovative projects make it to production. With such a commitment to quality and creativity, it's no wonder that Kepler has found success in the competitive gaming industry.
