Instinct3 has introduced Sidekick Publishing, a comprehensive new publishing division

Berlin's Instinct3, a creative agency, has introduced a new publishing entity called Sidekick Publishing, focusing on indie and AA game studios.

The initiative is spearheaded by Instinct3 CEO Jasmin Oestreicher and Melvin Frank, who heads product development for publishing. Sidekick Publishing plans to address a shortfall in the current publishing market by utilizing Instinct3's expertise in community engagement, creator-focused marketing, and genuine storytelling.

The debut title from the new publisher is Pixelsplit's zombie-themed roguelike, Deadly Days: Roadtrip. This game will make its first appearance at Gamescom 2025, with a release scheduled later in the year.

While Instinct3 was initially set to publish Deadly Days: Roadtrip, Sidekick Publishing will now assume this responsibility.

Melvin Frank, now serving as both co-CEO and co-founder of Sidekick Publishing, stated, "Over the past year, various releases have taught us valuable lessons about what resonates and endures." Frank emphasized that the aim of Sidekick is to combine these insights with their expertise in community-building to redefine support for indie developers. Their strategy is to concentrate on games that align with their vision and to ensure that each launch surpasses the previous ones.

Sidekick Publishing is part of a wave of new publishers debuting this year, alongside others like Lyrical Games, Six One Indie Publishing, The CoLab, and a revitalized Artex.