Pitch platform Pitchify has introduced a new service called Pitch Direct, designed to streamline how game developers connect with publishers. The system matches projects with publishers based on clearly defined criteria, cutting through the noise of traditional submission processes and making it easier for developers to find the right fit for their games.
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How the system works
Publishers using Pitch Direct lay out their submission requirements upfront: budget ranges, target platforms, development timelines, and preferred genres. Developers can browse these specifications and pitch directly to publishers whose needs align with their projects. This replaces the old model of cold emails and networking events, which often gave an edge to developers who already had industry contacts rather than those with the strongest projects.
The platform includes built-in project management and communication features. CRM tools, search filters, and direct messaging let developers and publishers track submissions and coordinate follow-ups without jumping between email threads and spreadsheets. The goal is to cut down on admin work while improving submission quality by helping developers target publishers who actually want what they're offering.
The service has already attracted a solid lineup of publishers. Curve Games, Team17, Green Man Gaming, Kando Factory, Excalibur Games, Super Rare Games, Miniclip, Rainy Frog, and Kwalee are all on board.
Making publishing access less about who you know
Gina Jackson and Matt Spall, who co-founded Pitchify, built Pitch Direct to address a structural problem in game publishing: access has historically favored developers with the right connections or geographic proximity to publisher offices, not necessarily the best projects. Jackson has pointed out that insider knowledge and networking have often mattered more than the actual quality of a pitch.
By making submission criteria public and standardized, the platform shifts the focus to whether a game fits a publisher's actual needs. Publishers spend less time wading through pitches that were never a good match and more time evaluating projects that meet their specifications.
What this means for developers and publishers
Pitch Direct fits into a broader shift toward digital platforms that formalize business processes in the games industry. Developers working outside major hubs or without established networks stand to benefit the most, as the system evaluates projects on merit and fit rather than who submitted them. Publishers get a more efficient discovery process and less time spent on administrative sorting.
The structured approach could change how developers think about publisher outreach, particularly those just starting out. By prioritizing clarity and accessibility, the service opens up opportunities that might have been closed off under the old networking-heavy model.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Pitch Direct?
Pitch Direct is a service from Pitchify that lets game developers pitch projects directly to publishers using clearly defined submission criteria, including budget, genre, platform, and timelines.
Which publishers are using Pitch Direct?
Current participants include Curve Games, Team17, Green Man Gaming, Kando Factory, Excalibur Games, Super Rare Games, Miniclip, Rainy Frog, and Kwalee.
How does Pitch Direct help developers?
The platform lets developers identify publishers whose requirements match their projects, improving the odds of a successful pitch and reducing wasted effort on mismatched submissions.
What tools does Pitch Direct provide?
Pitch Direct includes CRM tools, search filters, and direct messaging between developers and publishers to simplify communication and submission tracking.
Does Pitch Direct replace traditional networking?
Yes. The service replaces informal, connection-driven networking with a transparent, criteria-based process that evaluates projects on quality and fit rather than insider access.
Who founded Pitchify?
Pitchify was co-founded by Gina Jackson and Matt Spall to make the game publishing process more accessible and transparent.
