How much does it cost for a publisher to publish an already completed game?After covering the publishing costs, how much of the sales do they take and how much would the developer actually see? Thanks! Darkan

I think the 10% number is when the publisher fronts development costs (even when that up-front investment is recoupable from royalties). If the publisher has significantly less risk, (and significantly less money they're losing interest on), you might be able to get a slightly better cut -- at least you'll be negotiating from a stronger position.

However, the key word in that phrase is "slightly".

Again you really need to provide a lot more specific information to get useful answers. What quality level of product are you talking about, budget or full price. If full price is it really Triple A quality or just an A or B title? Are you talking retail or on-line? What formats, what territories? - All of these things will make a huge difference to the costs.

On the % front the developer will get the % the product deserves and they are able to negotiate. The deal might be a one off up front payment only or anywhere between 10-35% depending on quality, track record, negotiating skills etc. - As an example I am negotiating a contract at the moment where the publisher funds everything and the dev gets 25% - but the dev has a good track record, the game is great and the publisher really wants it.