Monkey Byte Development LLC is a diverse group, and that diversity is continuing. The company develops games and software, publishers other company’s products, and publishes their own games too. Now the company has announced plans to expand to publishing and selling music CDs from independent bands.
The company’s recent game efforts include Kawasaki Jet Ski Watercraft, which has been published commercially by Encore Software; and Monster Hunter, an arcade-style maze game that Monkey Byte publishes itself. The company’s portfolio also includes Galactic Patrol and a variety of games created by independent developers who have struck publishing and distribution deals through Monkey Byte.
It appears that Monkey Byte’s foray into the music business will be handled similarly to its software enterprise. Monkey Byte Vice President Yon Hardisty says the company is making non-exclusive agreements with bands, enabling them to find other avenues to release their music through as well.
“As with our game publishing, we will be working to promote and expand the audience of all our partners,” said Hardisty. “We see expanding into independent music as a natural progression by working together we bring exposure and momentum to extremely talented individuals who can’t or won’t play by corporate rules.”
Monkey Byte has yet to announce the names of artists whose work they’ll be carrying. Hardisty explained that as Monkey Byte’s portfolio of games is diverse, its music library would be as well.