1. Building Stronger Relationships

In-person meetings help foster deeper personal connections, trust, and rapport, which can be essential for long-term collaboration. Face-to-face interaction is often more effective for strengthening relationships compared to digital communication.

2. Observing Studio Culture

Visiting in person allows the publisher to experience the studio's culture firsthand. They can observe the work environment, the team dynamic, and how employees interact, which can provide valuable insights into the studio's values, work ethic, and potential for collaboration.

3. Better Communication and Clarity

Non-verbal cues such as body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions can make communication clearer and more effective. In-person meetings can reduce the chance of misunderstandings that might arise during online calls due to technical issues or lack of visual context.

4. Assessing the Studio’s Facilities and Resources

Seeing the studio’s physical space, equipment, and development infrastructure can give the publisher a better understanding of the studio's capabilities. It helps them assess whether the studio has the resources to handle a project and whether they are equipped for the type of game being developed.

5. Gaining Insight Into the Development Process

A publisher visiting a studio in person can often get a more authentic sense of the development process. Observing the team at work—whether it’s through playtesting, meetings, or brainstorming sessions—can provide valuable insights into the studio's approach to game development.

6. Product Demos and Hands-On Experience

In-person visits allow the publisher to directly experience a game in its current state, whether it's a prototype, an alpha build, or a pre-release version. This hands-on experience is far more immersive than seeing gameplay over a screen and can help with assessing the game’s quality and potential.

7. Addressing Issues or Challenges Directly

If there are challenges in the partnership or concerns about the game’s development, discussing them face-to-face can be more effective. In-person meetings allow for a more open, candid conversation and may help resolve problems more quickly.

8. Team Bonding and Motivation

Visiting in person can serve as a morale booster for the studio’s team. Having a publisher visit shows a genuine interest in the project and the people behind it. This can help motivate the team and show that their work is valued.

9. Networking and Expanding Opportunities

Publisher visits often involve not just the core development team but other key stakeholders, such as marketing, community management, or external contractors. In-person meetings create more networking opportunities and the chance to discuss a wider range of topics.

10. Long-Term Commitment and Strategic Discussions

Publishers often visit studios to discuss long-term plans, future partnerships, or other strategic issues that require in-depth conversation. These discussions can be more productive in person, especially when multiple parties are involved in decision-making, because it’s easier to gauge reactions, address concerns, and explore potential paths forward.

Bonus: Creating a Sense of Importance

An in-person visit signals that the publisher is serious and invested in the project, which can create a sense of importance for the studio. This can help motivate the studio’s staff, improve morale, and reinforce the publisher’s commitment to the project.