Update 10/14/2022: Space for non-binding found new publishers for its console versions after developers Toge Productions and Mojiken Studio accused the previous publisher PQube of manipulation and terminated their contracts.
The two developers along with PQube and new publisher Chorus Worldwide released a statement on Twitter (below) announcing that A Space’s console release for Unbound is back on track and a specific date will be released. soon to be revealed.
The four parties reached an agreement regarding the transfer of rights, and “while there were commercial differences on some terms”, the statement confirmed that all funding (which caused the original dispute) ) has been transferred to Toge Productions and PQube has fully assisted in the transition.
– Space for non-binding 💫 (@ASFTUgame) October 14, 2022
Original story: Upcoming life simulation game A Space for the Unbound has been delayed indefinitely as developers Toge Productions and Mojiken Studio terminated their agreement with publisher PQube following a funding dispute.
The Indonesia-based developers released a statement on August 24 claiming they were exploited and manipulated by PQube, who allegedly withheld third-party diversity funding is given to the studios and uses it as leverage to increase its revenue share.
However, PQube denied these allegations, telling IGN that it fully respected its publishing agreement and that Toge Productions attempted to enforce unreasonable amendment terms.
Statement from Toge Productions and Mojiken Studio read: “Earlier this year, we discovered that PQube Games, a UK-based publisher with whom we had signed a contract to publish A Space For The Unbound on consoles for the western regions,” reads: West, did some things that made us feel manipulated and taken advantage of, and so we had to terminate our agreement with them.
“At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2020, PQube Games used our location and legacy as developers from Indonesia to obtain diversified funding from a single console platform. The Diversity Fund is a grant that aims to help underrepresented game developers, especially during a pandemic.
“However, instead of awarding those funds to the developers as expected by the grant, PQube Games deliberately withheld information about the funding and used it as a leverage for their own benefit. Instead of paying for our sponsorship, PQube Games hid the truth about the grant’s prize and added it as a minimum guarantee that could be collected and then used it. to negotiate an increase in their revenue share.”
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The studios said they were “absolutely heartbroken” about the matter and “clearly unable to trust PQube Games nor continue to work together”. Publishers “have not only lacked reasonable courtesy but also their obligations to us as a result of these predatory practices. We must stand up to exploitative publishers and speak out about this. to prevent something like this from happening again in the future,” they said.
However, PQube’s response to IGN denied the studio’s claims. “We have honored all of our publishing agreement obligations and have supported Toge Productions at every stage of product development throughout their delays and difficulties,” it said.
“This support includes the provision of substantial additional funding, grant-level funding, to support development, mining, and marketing. It failed to do so and despite substantial efforts by PQube to address this issue, they have managed to resolve the issue in this way. We will respond through the appropriate channels.”
The remaining gap between PQube and the developers will likely come behind closed doors but, with the desire to speak out on the matter, there are likely to be further developments. Toge Productions and Mojiken Studio will also be looking for a new publisher for the Western console versions of A Space For The Unbound, though didn’t say they have any plans currently.
A Space For the Unbound was first announced in 2020 and promises to be a laid-back, story-driven game set in Indonesia in the late 90s. It follows the relationship between a boy and a girl with supernatural powers and has revolving themes. around anxiety and depression.
