Kinetic Games Launches Publishing Arm to Support Indie Developers

Kinetic Games, renowned for its smash-hit horror game Phasmophobia, is expanding its horizons by establishing a new publishing division. Dubbed Kinetic Publishing, this new venture is designed to champion independent game developers, offering them the kind of foundational support that Daniel Knight, the original visionary behind Phasmophobia, would have welcomed during his game's nascent development. This strategic move marks a significant evolution for Kinetic Games, transitioning from a successful developer to a pivotal supporter of emerging talent in the gaming industry.

Kinetic Games Ventures into Publishing with Focus on Indie Support

In late 2020, Daniel Knight first unveiled Phasmophobia, which rapidly ascended to become a global multiplayer horror phenomenon. Nearly six years on, the game maintains a robust and engaged player base, demonstrating its enduring appeal. A recent press release highlighted its continued growth, noting an influx of 150,000 new Discord members and an overall community expansion exceeding 700,000 in 2025 alone. The development journey of Phasmophobia has evolved from a solitary effort by Knight to a collaborative endeavor involving a full team, which has consistently rolled out content updates. Future plans for 2026 include even more enhancements, culminating in a highly anticipated 1.0 version launch.

Kinetic Publishing will be steered by a dedicated team of five senior executives, including Knight himself. In a statement to the press, Knight articulated his vision: "Our significant growth as a company now places us in a position where we are eager to back studios that join our fold." Asim Tanvir, who serves as the director of marketing and partnerships at Kinetic Games and is also a key member of the new publishing team, elaborated on their ambitions. He stated, "We aspire to be among the ranks of supportive indie publishers who champion and cultivate creativity. We are confident that the mentorship and resources we offer to indie teams will be instrumental in their success, while also stimulating innovation across the development landscape."

Despite the potential for resources to be stretched thin—especially with a Phasmophobia film adaptation currently in development—Kinetic Games has assured that its development team will operate autonomously, maintaining an unwavering focus on enhancing the horror title as it continues its trajectory of growth. The team at Kinetic Publishing is committed to delivering bespoke support to each new title it takes on. While the company intends to embrace a diverse array of genres, its primary focus will be on small-scale projects characterized by a clear artistic vision and those approaching release within 12 to 18 months. Developers seeking a publishing partner are encouraged to reach out through the official Kinetic Games website.

This strategic expansion into publishing by Kinetic Games signifies a laudable commitment to nurturing the independent game development community. By leveraging their own journey from a solo project to a global success, Kinetic Games is uniquely positioned to understand and address the challenges faced by indie developers. Their emphasis on personalized support and projects with clear artistic direction suggests a publishing model that values creativity and innovation over sheer volume. This move could empower a new generation of game creators, fostering a more vibrant and diverse gaming landscape, and ultimately enriching the experiences available to players worldwide. It's an inspiring example of a successful company reinvesting in the ecosystem that propelled its own rise.