Good Games Group acquires Ziff Davis' publishing business to launch Balor Games
Good Games Group has launched a new publishing label called Balor Games to focus on the "long-term stewardship" of triple-I titles.
The company, which was established by former Humble Games Leaders Alan Patmore and Mark Nash in 2024, acquired Ziff Davis' publishing business for an undisclosed fee to support its expansion.
That deal includes the back catalog of titles previously published under the Humble Games label.
Good Games Group also purchased the complete Firestoke Games catalog and the publishing rights to Fights in Tight Spaces.
The flurry of deals means Balor Games is now the custodian of over 60 indie titles, including Slay the Spire, A Hat in Time, SIGNALIS, Forager, Coral Island, Monaco, and Wizard of Legend.
Good Games Group intends to position Balor Games as a "cultural curator" within the indie space. In practice, that means the division will aim to provide the resources and expertise required of an experienced publisher without compromising the autonomy of its partners.
"Balor Games' acquisition strategy is designed to provide stability and continuity for partner studios while unlocking new growth opportunities across back catalog titles," reads a press release.
"With full publishing rights consolidated under one banner, teams can benefit from renewed lifecycle support, coordinated community building opportunities, and expanded commercial strategy across platforms and regions."
"Bringing these catalogs together strengthens our ability to support studios, sustainably and responsibly"Good Games Group co-founder Mark Nash told Game Developer that Balor will be "selectively investing" in new projects—such as co-op tactical horror first-person shooter SCP: 5K—while deepening support for its existing portfolio.
"Yes, we are still accepting pitches and we would love to receive them over at www.balorgames.com. We are looking for ambitious independent developers who want a committed publishing partner, not just financing. Our goal is to build enduring relationships grounded in creative alignment, transparency, and long-term belief in the work," he explained.
Notably, Nash said Balor isn't chasing scale for its own sake and is laser focused on helping its partners achieve their full potential.
"Our focus is on providing sustained lifecycle support, community building, and thoughtful commercial strategy across platforms and regions," he continued.
"This doesnt change our ambition, it sharpens it. We are not chasing scale for its own sake. We are focused on partnering with teams whose creative vision we believe in and helping them reach their full potential. If anything, bringing these catalogs together strengthens our ability to support studios, sustainably and responsibly."
