Vampire Survivors Studio Poncle Launches Poncle Presents to Champion Indie Games

Vampire Survivors, developed by solo creator Luca Galante under the Poncle banner, has rapidly become one of the most celebrated indie successes in recent years.

Originally launched on PC and subsequently ported to major consoles including the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo eShop, the game’s addictive gameplay loop has garnered a massive following and impressive sales milestones since its debut.

Building on that momentum, the one-man studio has officially expanded into publishing with the establishment of Poncle Presents, a move designed to uplift and support other aspiring indie developers. In a recent interview with GamesRadar, Luca Galante—founder and creative mind behind Poncle—discussed his motivations for launching his own publishing venture.

Galante voiced candid criticism of certain practices within the video game publishing landscape, particularly among publishers who, in his observation, frequently prioritize profit over quality.

He noted a pattern where some publishers exploit digital platforms such as the Nintendo eShop, releasing unfinished or unsupported titles that ultimately do not serve players or creators well. "I’ve noticed a number of publishers focus solely on maximizing revenue by leveraging digital platforms," Galante explained.

"Whether it’s launching incomplete games or abandoning projects post-release, this approach leaves players with broken experiences and indie creators without adequate support." Galante emphasized that the purpose behind Poncle Presents is to set a new standard by acting in the interest of both developers and their audiences.

"My vision for a good publisher is someone who delivers authentic, high-quality games—products that offer genuine value," Galante stated.

"It’s equally important to recognize that not every title has to be a runaway hit, but all games deserve ongoing post-launch support.

Once a game reaches players, regardless of its level of success, those gamers should be treated with respect." This ethos is rooted in Galante’s own experience with Vampire Survivors, which exceeded expectations thanks to organic community support and sustained attention from both critics and fans.

The developer acknowledged that, despite facing challenges during the game’s rollout, the success of Vampire Survivors presents an opportunity to give back to the indie development community by sharing valuable lessons learned. "We were fortunate with Vampire Survivors.

Its success gave us the resources and insight to help other indie teams avoid common pitfalls," Galante added.

"Poncle Presents is our way of paying forward that luck and helping new voices reach audiences on platforms like Nintendo Switch and beyond." By launching Poncle Presents, Galante aims to foster a healthier, more ethical approach to indie game publishing—ensuring that games released on major platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo eShop, meet the high standards counted on by dedicated players.

As Poncle expands its influence from development into publishing, the indie gaming landscape looks set to benefit from this new direction.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo eShop Vampire Survivors Switch indie games Indie Games developer Poncle Poncle Presents Luca Galante Nintendo eShop