Irwin Mitchell Advises Developer On Publishing Deal

The media & entertainment team at the Manchester office of Irwin Mitchell has advised leading North West-based independent developer, Firesprite, on a major publishing deal for its critically acclaimed video game The Persistence.

The deal will see Brighton based Perp Games simultaneously publish the physical editions of The Persistence game at retail on PlayStation®4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch formats this summer.

The game, described as ‘a brutal sci-fi horror experience’, was previously available only on PlayStation®VR platform. 

The Irwin Mitchell team, headed by Commercial partner Laura Harper, has worked closely with Liverpool-based Firesprite to negotiate the publishing deal.

The deal relates to Firesprite’s own IP and represents a new phase for the cutting edge developer in the commercialisation of its own titles.

Graeme Ankers, MD and Co-founder at Firesprite, said: 

“We’re excited and very much looking forward to bringing this game and universe we have created to new platforms for players. The Persistence is a survival-horror experience designed to keep players on edge from start to finish, and with a procedurally generated environment forming around them, no two playthroughs are ever identical, meaning you will never find safety or security in the same place.”

Rob Edwards, managing director of Perp Games, added:

“Firesprite has created such an atmospheric, intense, and massively enjoyable game in The Persistence and we are absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to bring it to new audiences across all formats.” 

Firesprite is a long-standing client of Laura’s and this publishing agreement follows a major licensing and worldwide distribution deal with Sony that she advised in relation to in 2018 for the game’s launch on the PlayStation®VR platform.

Expert Opinion

“The games industry is incredibly important to the North West economy and successful development studios such as Firesprite play a key part in boosting the region’s global reputation in the sector.

“The Persistence has been a hugely successful title for Firesprite and this deal, which follows on from the licensing deal two years ago for the PSVR platform, will open it up to an even larger group of gamers.

“Perp Games is the perfect publishing partner for this game and I look forward to seeing further global success for Firesprite as a result.”
Laura Harper - Partner

Irwin Mitchell’s media & entertainment team provides legal advice to individuals and businesses across the music, TV, film, literary, gaming and digital media industries.

Some of its clients include international recording artists and song writers, record labels, publishing companies, management companies, world renowned authors, film production companies and global media agencies.