Independent Artists and Developers Struggle to Secure Funding Without Pre-Existing Traction or Audience

Summary

Independent creators, especially game developers, find it increasingly difficult to secure publisher funding or investment for their projects unless they already have a proven track record, a significant following, or released titles. This creates a catch-22 where they need funding to develop and market their work, but cannot attract funding without prior success. With more pitches than ever and crowded marketplaces, creators struggle to stand out, leaving many feeling overlooked and financially stuck. Existing accelerators and publishers offer little access to newcomers, making this an unsolved problem.