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Indie game subscription service IndieBox has announced it’s closing its doors. Renowned for creating collector’s editions of PC titles, the service will conclude business with the shipping of its Torchlight II: The Collector’s Edition product. Customers who have also ordered monthly Banner Saga or Invisible Inc add-ons will also receive these orders.
The service isn’t going away entirely, however, but it sounds as though the company’s new venture will be completely different to its current strategy.
"We are changing direction from what you primarily know as Indiebox," the company wrote on its website. "You may not know, but IndieBox has already been powering some of your favourite online stores for game developers (with a lot more coming!). Of course, we are saddened that the subscription model did not work out for us, but we are excited about the projects (including more collector’s editions) that are currently in production and can’t wait to share them with you.
"The subscription model is really tough," it continued. "Not to get ‘too business-y’, but there is this delicate balance between audience size, perceived product value, and cost of goods for each game we produce. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to make the model work given the amount of effort needed to produce Collector’s Editions each month and the amount of subscribers we had."
Founded in 2013, the company’s original aim was to help indie developers navigate the tricky waters of digital distribution. During its four years of operation, the company has produced over 40 collector’s editions of indie PC games for its subscriber base, creating a full retail product every month for more than 3,000 customers.
Active subscribers will have their subscription cancelled automatically by the team, and those with extra months remaining on their plan will also be "taken care of," according to the website.
"To our subscribers, from one-month’ers to those that have been subscribed since the first box. To our affiliates and partners. To every game developer featured in our service. To our friends and family. To past and present employees, contractors, and volunteers. To our phenomenal Chairman and investors. To James, Jason, and Hex – Thank you. Thank you for all of your support and your contributions to the service. Truly. You’ve inspired us every step of the way to constantly improve, question, revamp, and celebrate. You made this subscription service possible. It has been an absolute pleasure serving you and our community of subscribers and we are looking forward to the road ahead."
