Who Am I?
William Bertin – I spent 15 years as a journalist covering mainstream, indie, and RPG titles, followed by 5 years as a consultant and another 5 as a Senior Scout for a publisher. Now back in freelance, I’m committed to supporting as many promising projects as possible, and to helping change the industry from within.
Sourcing in the Rain ?
I’ve spent years working under others, editors-in-chief, heads of publishing, and time after time, I felt the same frustration: I couldn’t truly support the projects and people I believed in. I lacked decision-making power, and my time was devoted to someone else’s vision, not to the creators who needed it most.
When I launched my own independent video game news site, I discovered what freedom really meant, and I kept that freedom for 10 years. Now, I want the same freedom as a Scout and Consultant. That’s why I’m back as a freelancer.
Sourcing in the Rain is all about scouting (mainly indie games), analysis, and tailored support, for everyone.
Because after the rain, the sun always rises.
What can I do for you ?
🔍 Pitch Deck Analysis
Is your project aligned with the market, your vision, and what players actually want or need? What should be improved, how should it be presented, to whom, and when? That’s what this analysis is for, with a strong focus on your creative and artistic identity. Whether you have a pitch deck, a video presentation, or even a prototype demo, the analysis will be adapted to your project’s format, scope, and team size, to deliver clear, actionable insights.
📊 Benchmark & Positioning
How does your project compare to similar titles already on the market? Who are your direct competitors, and where does your game stand out? This analysis provides a clear overview of your positioning, both in terms of gameplay and market potential. Together, we’ll identify your unique strengths, anticipate possible risks, and highlight the opportunities that can make your project stand out to publishers, players, and investors.
🎯 Milestone Analysis
Your game is in development and you’re approaching a key stage, Alpha, Beta, or even Pre-Release. This is the perfect moment for an objective outside perspective, whether it’s to assess gameplay, design consistency, or simply help you take a step back. It can also be focused purely on market positioning and target audience.
🗂️ Curation Support
Are you selecting games for an event and unsure about your shortlist? Looking for more hidden gems, or a stronger, more diverse line-up?
I can assist with curation across local and national associations, festivals, showcases, and international events.
🧭 Self-Publishing Audit
Not sure if your game needs a publisher? Let’s work together to assess your project’s needs, strengths, and gaps, and determine whether self-publishing or partnering with a publisher makes the most sense for you.
The “do I need a publisher?” question has become one of the biggest of the past few years, and I’m here to help you find the right answer.
🤝 Scouting & BizDev
I’ll keep scouting standout indie games across different platforms, helping publishers and investors discover fresh, high-potential titles early. At the same time, I want to be a voice for indie developers who can’t attend every event, making sure their games get in front of the right people and get the recognition they deserve.