Sony is going multiplatform! Sony is about to publish games to the Nintendo Switch! Did that wake you up? Both of those statements are true, but the full story is even stranger, if you can believe it. Early this morning Sony Music Entertainment announced that it is breaking into the world of game publishing with a new indie label called UNTIES. UNTIES seeks to free game creators from the various ties that hold them down from getting their games the attention they deserve, and the label has vowed to “make free, limitless publishing a reality.” From this morning’s press release:
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“Recent progress in the game development world has made it possible for even small-scale production teams to create high-quality games. The evolution of digital publishing has also made it possible for creators to deliver their own titles to consumers all around the world, which spawned an indie game movement centered around North America.
“Conversely, this has created an unfortunate side effect where certain creative, unique titles end up getting buried in the market without getting the proper exposure they deserve. UNTIES hopes to unearth high-quality titles like these and utilize SME’s vast entertainment business wisdom in order to expose them to as many consumers as possible. UNTIES will also handle PR and sales on multiple platforms.”
It’s a huge initiative, and because this is Sony, you can be that they’re going to scout some of the most talented developers from around the world. In fact, UNTIES has already revealed its debut lineup, and things are shaping up nicely.
The Games:
Tiny Metal
Perhaps the most exciting game on the list to me personally, Tiny Metal looks to be the true spiritual successor of Advance Wars. This one is going to hit the Nintendo Switch, and long before the long-awaited Wargroove. From the release:
“UNTIES’ first title is TINY METAL, a classic style strategy sim created by AREA35, a new studio led by spirited young creator Hiroaki Yura. On November 21st (JST), the game will be released worldwide on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. TINY METAL’s fusion of classic turn-based strategy battles and cutting-edge 3D graphics powered by Unreal Engine is sure to entertain fans all around the world. Despite the fact that the game is built off the classic turn-based strategy genre, it’s filled with brand-new systems and unique twists on old favorites.”
Last Standard
“Last Standard is a 3D action game that was created by “I From Japan,” an elite group of college student creators. It garnered a huge response at the indie game area during Tokyo Game Show 2017!
“The Psycho Dive System allows players to use social media to analyze the unconscious mind and fight using weapons created from the deepest recesses of the player’s mind. Fight epic battles with weapons created from unique human traits!”
Music and Mechs!
DEEMO Reborn
“Rayark started out with indie games, then went on to make hit games on various platforms, including smartphones. Their most famous work is DEEMO, an eternal masterpiece that snatched the heartstrings of gamers all around the world with its emotional piano rhythm gameplay and impressive story. UNTIES is now working together with Rayark to turn DEEMO into a completely new 3D game that features VR compatibility.”
Merkava Avalanche
“Merkava Avalance was created by WinterCrownWorks, a 2-person development team that specializes in creative game production.
“Mech battle lovers will be instantly drawn into MA and its tank-style mech group warfare. Mechs can move at high speed, dodge, or use wires to dart into close range and open fire or toss grenades. Every battle in this game is filled with pure mecha intensity!”
