GitHub founder throws himself into indie gaming world by launching publishing studio

GitHub founder Chris Wanstrath has thrown himself into the indie gaming world by confirming that he has launched a video games publisher known as Null Games.

Wanstrath, who had functioned as GitHub’s CEO from 2007 to 2018, has revealed that Null Games have a release date for their hockey-based game, which is entitled Tape to Tape.

The premise of the game is that players will be able to build a team to compete in a hockey tournament, and if they lose a game, then they will be forced to restart, but this time with better equipment and ultimately more adept players.

In a statement, Wanstrath said: “Null is part of a new wave of indie game publishers that put developers first. So many of us grew up exploring amazing digital worlds.

“But as we got older, we learned that the games industry isn’t always fun. The creative people directly responsible for making great games are often treated the worst.

“In the world of indie games, the publishers have all the power and they know it. Contracts are often one-sided, as is the risk. We think there’s a better way.”

While the video gaming world is extremely competitive, Null Games has pitched itself as being a socially responsible developer that creates games that are both fun and engaging, and they don’t have battle passes or loot boxes attached to them. The games are designed to treat players with respect, and the publishing agreement in place is one of the most developer-friendly in the gaming world.

Unfortunately, loot boxes have become the norm in AAA games, and it has largely been met with disapproval by those within gaming circles. In other gaming industries, such as casinos, operators usually have promotions that are devoid of Pay to Win loot boxes. Offers like the best casino bonuses in the UK are more transparent about what you’re getting in such a case.

Wanstrath’s leap into the indie gaming industry may at first seem like a rather bold move, but he will have thought long and hard about the consequences, and it could prove to be a prudent switch.

As we are starting to see, games developers have learned to be more strategic and think about the long-term picture. Their ultimate mission is to make gaming more sustainable for future generations. It will be fascinating to see how Tape to Tape is received, and it could change our attitude to and the way we approach such games in the years to come.