Rover’s Tale developer Observer Interactive parts ways with Team17 as it moves to self-publishing
Observer Interactive and Team17 have mutually ended their publishing partnership for the developer’s debut title Rover’s Tale, with the Middlesbrough studio moving to self-publishing ahead of the game’s release. The separation, while uncommon for pre-release titles, was described as collaborative by Observer Interactive’s CCO and design director Matty McGrory, who emphasized that both parties prioritized what was best for Rover’s Tale at this stage.
McGrory, formerly a lead designer at Radical Forge, acknowledged Team17’s initial support when the publisher took a chance on the studio “at a time when publishers weren’t exactly throwing themselves” at new developers. Despite the departure, McGrory framed the split amicably, calling the partnership “a really valuable part of the journey so far.” Self-publishing an indie title carries significant risk and operational challenges, as McGrory noted, but the studio appears committed to taking direct control of the release. The move reflects a growing trend of independent developers opting for self-publishing to maintain creative and business autonomy, though it requires the studio to handle publishing, marketing, and distribution independently.