BrightLocker wants to unite consumers and developers through crowdpublishing

Austin-based publishing outfit BrightLocker is aiming to give consumers a greater say in game development through the introduction of a new "crowdpublishing" platform.

Unlike conventional crowdfunding, which only gives people the chance to financially back a project, BrightLocker says crowdpublishing will give them the opportunity to participate in the "funding, creation, selection, and development" of games.

Members of the BrightLocker community kick-start the process themselves, submitting game ideas which are then voted for by other users. If an idea receives enough support it moves on to the funding and development stages. 

Active BrightLocker users will also be able to earn rewards, achievements, and currency that will have a variety of uses on the platform itself and in future crowdpublished games. 

"In addition to benefits for players, BrightLocker is also attractive for developers," read a company statement.

"Crowdpublishing on BrightLocker allows developers to work on games ‘pre-approved’ by gamers, reducing user acquisition cost and making development more efficient, dramatically increasing a titles chances of being a hit product. The games on BrightLocker are not limited to any one platform."

BrightLocker will launch early next year, although the curious amongst you can sign up for the closed beta, which will begin in early December.