[casual_games] Self-publishing: How, benefits, and headaches?

[Paul Hart]

Hi,

I've been lurking for a while, reading with interest. I'm a full-time 
coder, but when it comes to games I'm a bedroom programmer.

I'm developing J2ME mobile games and am interested in the intricacies of 
self-publishing. To some extent the catalyst for the question was seeing 
Mark Ripley posting here with his www.cheeky.gr site but I'm interested 
in knowing what the benefits are (if any) of publishing through more 
recognized channels.

I've been focusing on the programming of games and not the getting of 
games to players, so my understanding of that side of things is more 
sparse. I've read through the IGDA Mobile White Paper, and that's helped 
a bit, but I'm interested in hearing other people's perspectives. 
Although I'm going the mobile route, I'm keen on getting stories from 
everyone.

If it makes any difference (probably does), the games I'm working on 
will require a back-end server to complete the functionality. I come 
from a web and CRM background, so coding that isn't something I'd need 
to outsource unless I had to tie in with another company's proprietary 
systems.

Thanks for your time,

Paul