| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder(s) | Max Scharl |
| Headquarters | Munich, Germany |
| Key people | Adrian Loudero, Tobi Fuchs, Max Scharl |
| Products | Video Games |
| Owner(s) | Max Scharl |
| Employees | 5+ |
| Website | redspotgames.com |
redspotgames is a video game publisher, distributor and promoter based in Munich, Germany. Established in 2005, the company is known for releasing new games for the long discontinued Sega Dreamcast video game system, recently redspotgames have also branched off publishing to digital services such as Xbox Live and WiiWare
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Max Scharl, CEO of redspotgames was one of the founders of 2002 established Dreamcast-Petition, an initiative and international petition against the discotinuation of Sega Dreamcast software and GD-Rom production. In 2003, the website evolved into Dreamcast Scene and expanded its focus from Petition's to include News Reporting, Downloads, and establishing a public knowledge base. Today, DCS is still a prominent Dreamcast website although Max Scharl isn't as involved as he used to be, due to his responsibilities at redspotgames.[1]
In 2003, Max Scharl was also involved with GOAT Store Publishing in the development of Feet of Fury. He also participated in the promotion and marketing for the game in Europe for no charge and also has been involved in negotiations to release Feet of Fury as the last official Dreamcast game in Europe through Big Ben Interactive, who helt the distribution rights of the Dreamcast brand at this time in this area. [2][3]
The company was formally established in 2005 by Max Scharl along with a couple of friends with private investments.[4] In January 2007, redspotgames published their first game for Dreamcast with a port of Neo-Geo game Last Hope.[5] Last Hope was given a modest print run, with 500 units being limited editions (bundled with vinyl style soundtrack CD, double jewel case and hand-written unit numbers). The limited edition was already sold out in five days after the preorder started. This makes it the fastest sold out Dreamcast game from the independent scene until today.[6] Beside the online distribution through many online dealers, redspotgames marketed the game at several conventions and trade shows most notably Games Convention.[7] Also the game has been seen in shelves of big game dealers worldwide, from New York City to Tokyo.
Further NG:DEV.TEAM titles weren't published by redspotgames, even though they gave distribution and promotion responsibilities to redspotgames for Pink Bullets and Dux for the Japanese territories due to redspotgames' good distribution network there.[8][9]
In 2008, the publisher released Wind and Water: Puzzle Battles, an extended port of the GP2X game by Yuan Works.[10] While the game got positive reviews and was nominated as a Finalist for the Independent Games Festival Mobile 2008,[11][12] the game became a commercial and financial failure due to the scene's sceptical point of view on Puzzle games, even thought the game was a mixture between Adventure and Puzzle.[13] Until today, the game has the most extensive package with full color manual, an included yet short manga and a spinecard.
In 2009, Rush Rush Rally Racing, a top-down-racing-game developed by Senile Team, was released as a standard version and a special edition that included some special stickers, a soundtrack CD and optional additional artwork.[14][15] redspotgames were unable to release the Deluxe Edition on the same date due to pressing problems. It was scheduled for December 4, but missed the mark by 17 days.[16] The so-called "Deluxe Edition" was criticized by few for not featuring an alternate cover art, the publisher listened to the fan demand and in February 2010, the game received its third print run featuring an alternate cover art; it was also sold separately at their online store.[17]
Recently the publisher has expanded their scope by publishing Solar Struggle and Solar Struggle Survival on Xbox Live Indie Game Service and porting Rush Rush Rally Racing on Nintendo WiiWare. redspotgames announced to start taking part in the development process of the games as well instead of only publishing them.[18][19]
Also, in December 2010 redspotgames announced continued support for the Sega Dreamcast in the form of 2011 release Sturmwind published by the team and developed by Duranik.[20] February 2011 redspotgames partnered with NG:DEV.TEAM again and sold Fast Striker via their online store.[21]
| Title | Release Date | Platform | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Hope | 2007 January | Dreamcast | Publisher, Distributor, Promoter |
| Wind and Water: Puzzle Battles | 2008 November | Dreamcast | Publisher, Distributor, Promoter |
| DUX | 2009 June | Dreamcast | Distributor for Japan |
| Last Hope: Pink Bullets | 2009 September | Dreamcast | Distributor/Promoter |
| Rush Rush Rally Racing | 2009 November | Dreamcast | Publisher, Distributor, Promoter |
| Solar Struggle | 2010 August | Xbox LIVE Indie Games | Co-Producer, Publisher, Distributor, Promoter |
| Solar Struggle Survival | 2011 January | Xbox LIVE Indie Games | Co-Producer, Publisher, Distributor, Promoter |
| Rush Rush Rally Racing | 2011 TBA | WiiWare | Co-Producer, Publisher, Distributor, Promoter |
| Sturmwind | 2011 TBA | Dreamcast | Publisher, Distributor, Promoter |