[Ekaros]

Wouldn't the traditional publisher model somewhat modified be reasonable solution? They have been around for decades and they know the industry, have the connections and so on. Just have to leverage it right way.

Real issue with VC money in games is that returns most of the time just aren't big enough. And picking the winners is very hard.

[klik99]

This is a good question.

Publishers typically invest later in a project to help finish get it over the finish line. They used to invest earlier but over the years started investing later and later - as game engines got better and better, teams could do more with less funding so they stopped doing as much.

IMO VC entering the picture was a reaction to less early funding from publishers - it's filling a need for larger more ambitious projects.

[spacemarine1]

I see equity funding as useful starting funding.

Publishers are great for finishing funding once you know what your game is.