Recently I had the opportunity to interview David Sterling, the Co-Founder and managing director at LOOT Interactive, as LOOT Interactive recently announced their first foray into publishing indie games on the PS4. Due to schedule constrains we weren’t able to have a one-on-one conversation, so we did the interview through e-mail; I sent questions and the answers were sent back. Judging by the responses, Mr. Sterling seems like a really passionate and awesome person. Hit the jump to check out the full transcript of the interview!
Q: LOOT was started back in 2009, you started with items in PlayStation®Home, then jumped to streaming services. Since you’re also a porting studio, becoming a indie console game publisher was the next logical step. But what actually pushed you in the direction of indie console game publishing?
A: Nothing really pushed us to become a publisher, it was more of an evolution. I guess that’s how LOOT has always done things since day one. We realized a need existed in the marketplace and we filled it with a great product and service. Our love for indie games runs deep. There is incredible game development occurring out there by relatively small teams and individuals. It is quite an exciting time to be involved in the gaming industry. They are truly redefining the videogame experience and we are fortunate enough to help them realize their full potential.
Q: Are all of your published titles going to be for Sony platforms? Or is there a goal to eventually be a multi-platform publisher?
A: We are a multi-platform publisher. Our first multiplatform title is already in production. And let me tell you, as with all of our titles, it kicks ass!! I can’t wait to tell the world what it is.
Q: Whispering Willows, Back to Bed, and Velocibox are going to your first titles published on the PS4 after officially becoming an indie console game publisher. Are there any titles in particular that you would want to publish?
A: I think we have always been an indie game publisher. Even when we were part of Sony, we were indie. Sony was so supportive in launching our porting/publishing effort, that they gave us the freedom to really do it right. Now, we are just expanding on that freedom. We look at many titles. When we eval a title, we look for that something special. That something special which exists in the game…and with the developer. Our games must have both. There are tons of titles I want to publish. I wish I could publish them all right now, but it is very important for us to bring our A game to every title that we put our name on. We want our customers to understand why we chose the title and why they should play it. That is so important to us. I believe that is what sets us apart.
Q: Whispering Willows, Back to Bed, and Velocibox are all games that are on Steam right now, are these titles indicative of the type of games that LOOT Interactive will be publishing on consoles?
A: Of course. We would not be doing them if they weren’t. They are very different titles, but still define great indie development and have wide appeal to our gaming audience. Gamers play games for the challenge. That’s how we entertain ourselves. Some people sit on a couch and watch TV or YouTube, we play games because we love the rush. Our games give gamers that rush in all sorts of different ways.
Q: Since LOOT is transitioning to a publishing role, will you no longer port games as well?
A: We will continue to port and publish our games. Porting is an important function of our business.
Q: What is the vetting process like when picking a game to publish onto a console?
A: Wow…how long do you have for this question? It takes as long as it takes until we understand the title completely. Not just what it is, but how is it trying to relate to the player….and is it successful? Even more important, is there messaging that is important to the game that wasn’t done or done properly when the title came out initially? I see a bunch of titles that can benefit greatly from our point of view.
Q: Is there a dream game you would like to port or publish?
A: Tons! I have been playing videogames for a long time. Off the top of my head, I would love to do a reboot of The Immortal, Shining In The Darkness and Nightmare Creatures. I had so much fun playing those titles. The arcade versions of Stargate, Wizard Of Wor and Star Castle all hold a special place in my gamer heart. Old school stuff is way cool.
LOOT Interactive will be unveiling Velocibox, Whispering Willows, and Back to Bed for the Playstaion 4 at E3 2015.