Merchandise firm Numskull forms games publishing division with Rising Star vets

Video games merchandise firm Numskull has launched a video games publishing division.

Numskull Games is led by former Rising Star Games veterans, including founder Martin Defries and producer Martin Mathers. Defries formed Rising Star Games in 2004, and the firm was famous for bringing Japanese games to Western audiences, including Harvest Moon, No More Heroes and Dead Premonition. Rising Star Games was acquired by Thunderful last year, and Defries was replaced by former Nintendo indie champion Ed Valiente.

Defries has a 35-year history in games, including stints at Sony and Ocean Software, and has run offices in the UK and US.

Numskull told GamesIndustry.biz that its merchandise expertise could benefit games signed to the new label in the form of physical goods and special game bundles.

Numskull Games will be able to publish games both digitally and physically. The firm says it can offer sales, marketing, finance and distribution worldwide.

"Starting a new games publisher that integrates with the infrastructure and vast reach of the Rubber Road group is a compelling opportunity," Defries says. "Their resources and know-how mean that Numskull Games has the ability to promote, market, and sell games that take us beyond start-up immediately."

"Further, by collaborating with Numskull Designs and their expertise, Numskull Games can offer a unique proposition to game studio partners. We already have a raft of exciting projects that will be announced in the coming weeks. The team here are keen to recruit further game content and expand our plans rapidly."