Release Manager (all genders)

Role Overview

As a Release Manager at Sidekick Publishing, you will serve as the essential operational core supporting our diverse portfolio across PC, console, and mobile platforms. Your responsibilities span managing backend platform setups, storefront configurations, overseeing release schedules, liaising with first-party partners, and driving commercial activations on various digital stores.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and maintain product pages, metadata, pricing, packaging, regional settings, release timelines, digital assets, and backend configurations across different platforms including PC, console, mobile, and third-party stores.
• Coordinate commercial initiatives such as discounts, platform sales, bundles, featuring opportunities, and first-party programs across the game portfolio.
• Facilitate communication between platform holders, game developers, porting teams, distributors, and other external stakeholders to ensure clarity on tasks, responsibilities, deadlines, and prevent miscommunications.
• Manage submission processes, certification standards, age rating compliance, and approval procedures required by platforms.
• Coordinate release readiness activities including builds, release candidates, version control (branches and depots), launch checklists, go-live preparations, and hotfixes while actively tracking potential blockers, dependencies, and last-minute risks to avoid release-day surprises.

Candidate Profile

• Experience: Minimum of two years in game release management, platform operations, or related roles with direct responsibility for managing releases or storefront operations.
• Technical Skills: Proficient knowledge of Steamworks; familiarity with console, mobile, or third-party store backends is highly advantageous.
• Commercial Acumen: Solid understanding of storefront mechanics, platform events, discounting methods, featuring strategies, distribution channels, and sales cycle planning.
• Operational Excellence: Methodical, dependable, and detail-oriented, particularly when handling backend settings, checklists, deadlines, and documentation.
• Communication Skills: Effective at maintaining alignment among developers, platform partners, and internal teams across multiple games, platforms, and deadlines.

Bonus: Experience in shipping a successful indie game within the last two years with clear insights into your role, successes, and lessons learned.

What Sidekick Publishing Offers

• A pivotal role in a dynamic and expanding publisher where you can influence release workflows and platform operations from the ground up.
• Direct ownership of a growing game portfolio with streamlined decision-making and close collaboration with developers and platform partners.
• Engaging work focused on enjoyable, story-rich entertainment experiences.
• Competitive remuneration commensurate with your experience and role seniority.
• Generous paid time off of 30 days annually to ensure rest and recharge.
• Memorable team events and access to concerts and other group activities.
• Complimentary keys to our games and titles within our network.
• Various discounts and perks through our corporate benefits program.

Additional Benefits (Location-Based)

• Access to a modern, dog-friendly office in Berlin-Spandau with ergonomic workstations and a large communal kitchen.
• VIP membership to a nearby gym.
• Subsidized public transport pass (BVG ticket).

About Sidekick Publishing

Sidekick Publishing acts as the vital support system for developers, helping creators focus on delivering great games and stories. Emerging from INSTINCT3, a creative and creator-focused agency, Sidekick belongs to a wider group driven by gaming, content creation, and internet culture. We cherish craft, value creative curiosity, and uphold a disciplined approach to execution.

Our portfolio spotlights games that captivate larger communities, creators, and audiences beyond mere gameplay.

Work Culture and Expectations

• Curiosity about games across genres and insights into the mechanics, communities, and commercial strategies that drive success.
• A mindset of constructive curiosity that encourages questioning established processes and proposing enhancements.
• A strong sense of ownership to proactively communicate, anticipate challenges, and keep projects progressing.
• While you are not required to be based in Berlin, occasional presence at our Spandau office (a few times yearly) is expected; most daily work can be remotely completed.
• Fluency in English is essential as it is the primary language used with developers, partners, and platforms; German language skills are a plus but optional.