Czech-based Beresnev Games, the developer behind mobile games such as Monster Demolition, Race Master 3D, and Flippy Knife, has accused a "major international publisher" of unfair practices. CEO of the studio, Oleg Beresnev, shared details about the conflict with the publisher on social media.
Monster Demolition
- According to Beresnev, the publisher actively interfered in the internal affairs of the studio. For example, at the beginning of their partnership, the publisher communicated with the lead product managers without the knowledge of Beresnev Games' management and advised them to demand a substantial salary increase. The publisher also attempted to poach some key employees.
- After the game published by the publisher gained popularity, they tried to force new terms of cooperation on Beresnev Games. The publisher drafted a contract that prohibited the developers from making sequels or prequels of the game and prevented them from terminating the partnership unilaterally. Beresnev Games refused to sign it.
- Under the guise of "standard practice," the publisher integrated its cross-promo networks into the game, the operation of which was paid from the project's advertising expenses. Only the publisher could see the data from these networks, causing Beresnev Games to lose financial control over the game.
- The publisher also consulted legal experts, leading to Beresnev Games receiving "50-page letters with numerous threats of recovering large sums." It is claimed that these threats lacked basis, as the studio was accused of breaching terms not specified in the agreement.
- During the conflict between the studio and the publisher, negative reviews about Beresnev Games' staff emerged online. Beresnev suspects that this was another move by the publisher to tarnish the reputation of the team.
- Beresnev Games is currently striving to protect its business, and the situation is still unfolding.
"This experience has opened our eyes to how crucial it is to choose publishers carefully and draft contracts considering all potential risks. We are now particularly cautious with new partnerships and hope our story serves as a warning to other studios to prevent them from encountering a similar situation," Beresnev concluded.
Beresnev did not disclose the name of the publisher. It is noted that, according to the studio's website, their last two games were published by the company SayGames, while Beresnev Games independently released their previous projects.