Industry veterans partner to launch game publisher Digital Bandidos for indie developers

• The Bandidos will publish The Town of Salem game series including a mobile release for The Town of Salem 2 and Soulstone Survivors

Video games industry veterans Steve Escalante and Lance James have unveiled a new publisher Digital Bandidos. 

Both Escalante and James hail from award-winning publisher Versus Evil and are focused on making Digital Bandidos a haven for indie developers. 

They're primarily focused on PC and console titles with a development budget of around $3 million. They will use their extensive experience in management, marketing and business development to provide a support system for indie game developers.

Specialising in RPG, strategy, and action genres, Bandidos will publish The Town of Salem game series, including a mobile release for The Town of Salem 2 and Soulstone Survivors, which sold nearly a million units in Early Access. 

Championing indie game developers 

“I've spent the first half of 2024 talking with studios in North America and Europe about the challenges they face in today's market," said Digital Bandidos CEO Steve Escalante. The message is clear: they need good partners, funding, expertise in publishing, and help to bring their products to fruition. 

“That means continuing the journey I started over ten years ago of championing the indie game developer. We have even better tools, more experience, a proven track record, and an amazing team. We couldn't be happier with the direction we are headed in and are incredibly excited about the future of Digital Bandidos."

Escalante has extensive experience in game publishing, including roles at ZeniMax and founding Versus Evil, which supported indie hits. Co-founder James has a background in competitive gaming and game development and has worked on titles like The Banner Saga and Pillars of Eternity 2.