Pitchify Debuts "Pitch Direct" to Standardize Game Funding and Combat "Gatekeeping" in Developer-Publisher Matchmaking

Pitchify's new Pitch Direct service connects indie developers with publishers like Team17 and Curve Games. Explore the transparent, merit-based pitching platform.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 11:17 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from GamesIndustry.biz

Leveling the Playing Field for Indie Developers

The traditional process of securing a publishing deal has long been criticized for its lack of transparency and reliance on "who you know" rather than "what you’ve built." Pitchify's new Pitch Direct service seeks to dismantle these systemic imbalances. Co-founder Gina Jackson noted that access to funding is too often shaped by proximity and insider knowledge. Pitch Direct shifts the focus back to quality by providing a structured, criteria-led environment where developers can see exactly what a publisher is looking for before they submit.

Transparent Criteria and "Fast No's"

One of the primary frustrations for developers is sending pitches into an "email abyss" only to be ignored. Pitch Direct allows developers to craft submissions with clear guidance on a publisher’s specific needs, including target platforms, genres, and financial constraints. Des Gayle, head of studio at Altered Gene, emphasized that the service allows for much more meaningful conversations. Even a "fast no" is considered a win in this system, as it allows developers to stop wasting time on unsuitable partners and move on to the next opportunity.

Initial Publisher Partnerships

At launch, Pitch Direct features 15 open submission slots from a diverse group of nine initial publishing partners. These include: