Latest / The Gaming Playbook w/ Harry Phokou
#69 - Pontus Maehler: Indie Game Funding, Deal Terms and New Markets in 2026
Why are indie game funding deals getting harder in 2026?
In this episode, I'm joined by Pontus Maehler, games industry advisor and Co-Founder of Agora Gaming Partners, an advisory firm focused on video gaming M&A, publishing, and fundraising.
He breaks down the real state of game publishing, project financing, China publishing opportunities, and how indie studios can survive the current market.
We cover how publishing deal terms have changed, why vertical slices matter more than ever, common mistakes developers make when pitching publishers, and what actually gets games funded today.
If…
The skinny
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