Tim Bender, CEO of indie publisher Hooded Horse, has quietly built a company that keeps hitting remarkable marks in an unpredictable industry. Though the studio behind hits like Manor Lords might suggest a shoot-for-the-stars mentality, Bender describes himself as fundamentally unambitious. Instead of chasing rapid growth or soaring profits, he values stability and ethical treatment of developers above all else.
For a company that’s fresh off some notable successes, Hooded Horse feels like it’s operating on a different wavelength. Bender’s focus isn’t on quick wins or flashy IPOs but on creating something lasting and positive. He talks about wanting the publisher to be around for 100 years or more, not just measured by revenue but by being a force for good in gaming.
One of the clearest examples of this approach is Hooded Horse’s stance against the reckless embrace of AI. Bender worries about AI’s impact on creators, making it clear the company wants to stay grounded in supporting human talent rather than chasing shortcuts provided by machine learning. It’s a rare position these days, particularly in an industry eager to capitalize on the latest tech trends.
Ethics and developer care aren’t just buzzwords here. Hooded Horse strives to treat its teams fairly and foster a work environment where creativity can flourish without the usual pressures of burnout and crunch. It’s a long game philosophy, one built on mutual respect and prioritizing well-being over short-term gains.
In an era where indie publishers often push to scale up quickly or get snapped up by larger entities, Hooded Horse’s slow and steady approach feels refreshing. Their success with Manor Lords and other titles proves that doing things differently, with integrity, can still pay off. For Tim Bender and his team, gaming is about more than just business—it’s about building a lasting legacy with heart.
Source: pcgamer.com
