A new initiative aims to give indie game developers and publishers greater ownership, visibility and new routes to market through premium physical editions.
Boutique physical games publisher 33 Games and transmedia games studio Beyond The Pixels have announced a strategic partnership to help independent developers and publishers bring their games to life as premium physical editions via The Forever Project, a self-service site making physical releases accessible and affordable to indies.
The collaboration combines 33 Games’ expertise in manufacturing, physical publishing and retail fulfilment with Beyond The Pixels’ experience in creating commercially focused original IP, building communities and launching independent games.
Together, the two companies intend to create a streamlined self-service pathway that enables indie developers to produce collector-quality physical releases for PC and Mac with their USB Cartridge package, without the traditional barriers of high cost, scale or complexity.
As digital storefronts become increasingly crowded, the initiative offers independent creators an alternative route to market, allowing them to sell directly through their own websites, at gaming conventions, crowdfunding campaigns and selected retail partners, while creating new revenue opportunities beyond digital distribution.
“We want to bring back a time when buying a game was more than just a transaction, it was an experience. Opening the box, flipping through the manual, admiring the artwork, and holding the cartridge in your hands made every game feel special,” said HaZ Dulull, Founder & CEO of Beyond The Pixels, in a press release.
“Physical games create lasting memories. They become collectables you can proudly display, share with friends, and keep forever – something digital simply can’t replicate.”
The partnership has already demonstrated strong market demand through a Kickstarter campaign for Astro Burn, Beyond The Pixels’ modern retro “cute-’em-up”, which achieved 156% funding, proving that players continue to value premium physical editions when paired with compelling independent games.
The initiative reflects the growing resurgence of physical media across entertainment, where collectors increasingly seek tangible products that celebrate creativity, craftsmanship and ownership.
“Today’s indie developers are creating some of the most original and exciting games in the industry, much like the creative explosion of the 1990s. Whether self-published or working with an indie publisher, they deserve the opportunity to turn their games into beautiful physical editions that players can truly own forever,” said Steven Charles, CEO of 33 Games, in the same press release.
“Independent developers face an increasingly difficult challenge standing out in today’s digital marketplaces, where storefronts have become the primary route to market. Our partnership with Beyond The Pixels changes that by making premium physical publishing accessible to indie developers. It gives them the freedom to sell directly to their community, at events, and through new retail opportunities.”
Charles continued, “More importantly, it puts control back into the hands of creators, giving them new revenue opportunities while allowing their games to be experienced as the premium physical products they deserve to be.”
Developers and publishers can register their interest today by visiting The Forever Project website, where they can learn more about the initiative ahead of the official service launch in August 2026.