Higher Plain Games
Higher Plain Games, run by Simon Smith (@higherplaingames), is a UK-based YouTube channel of about 12,000 subscribers that reviews indie, retro and niche games. It posts roughly 50 videos a year, typically with a median of 225 views per video. Sponsored integrations are rare to none, and rates are estimated at $150 to $250 per video.
Indie and retro game reviews with a loyal, engaged viewership
- Median of 225 views per video across 5,146 uploads since 2008
- Roughly 50 uploads in the past year, so sponsored slots can be scheduled steadily
- Recent flagship review 'Throttle Trace' reached 9,214 views, showing spikes on high-interest titles
Brand fit report
Content
- Formats
- game review, gameplay commentary, long-form discussion
- Tone
- candid, enthusiastic
- Language
- English
- On camera
- No, voiceover and b-roll
- Production
- Phone, natural light
- Typical length
- 4 to 9 minutes
Audience
Commercial
- Brands seen
- None yet
- Categories promoted
- video games
- Affiliate links
- Yes
No sponsorship disclosures found in the last 50 videos; the channel carries an affiliate flag and links to Steam store pages in review descriptions.
Suitability GARM Brand Safety Floor + Suitability
Family friendly
Recent titles such as 'Wanderburg - Early Access Review' and 'Misha - Review | 5 Minutes of Cat Trauma' are game reviews with no adult or drug themes, though some reviewed games use violent or cartoonish combat.
We classify content, never people. No age, gender, ethnicity, religion or political views are inferred about the creator. Audience figures are estimates unless marked verified. Creators can correct anything on their profile.
Platforms
Benchmark score: 35 / 100
Public rule, same for everyone. How it works.
Recent videos
▶Burn With Me - Review | An Occult Card Game Perfect for Hall · 105 views
▶Pixel Washer - Review | Piggy Pixel Power Washing for Beginn · 110 views
▶Treasure Beach - Review | A Whole Lot of Busy Work... For Wh · 162 viewsLast three uploads, latest today.
Higher Plain Games reviews and showcases indie games and niche games. I'm a game collector too so there's plenty of retro gaming content! I have a particular love for racing, party, rhythm-action, walking sims, story-rich, FMV, indie games and unique games. Gameplay and emotion come first. Higher Plain Games and its website are part of the Higher Plain Network - created to help you discover new things you may not have been aware of. I cover PS5, PS4, PS Vita, PSP, PC, PS3, PS2, PS1, Switch, XBO, Xbox, Genesis, Master System, ZX Spectrum, Atari, Wii and Gamecube. I also run special gaming essa
About Higher Plain Games
Higher Plain Games is a YouTube channel and website run by Simon Smith, who also runs the Higher Plain Network. According to the channel description, it reviews indie, retro and niche games across PC, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox and older consoles, and also runs local multiplayer game shows and gaming essays. Uploads arrive at roughly one video per week.
The channel has about 12,000 subscribers and a median of 225 views per video. Viewers are estimated to be mostly adult gamers in the UK and US who look for lesser-known titles and honest opinions. Sponsorships are not seen in recent videos, and the affiliate flag suggests store links rather than paid integrations.
Sponsored videos are estimated at $150 to $250 per video, based on a rate of $20 to $35 per 1,000 median views. That compares with typical paid ad CPMs of $10 to $30, so brands should weigh the cost against measurable reach. Indie developers and publishers seeking focused reviews of niche releases should consider booking this channel.
Written from Higher Plain Games's public YouTube profile, platform data and web mentions. Numbers updated 2026-10-19. Higher Plain Games can edit or remove this page at any time.
Questions about Higher
How much does Simon Smith charge for a sponsored video?
Estimated sponsored integrations for Higher Plain Games are $150 to $250 per video, based on a CPM of $20 to $35 per 1,000 median views. Final rates depend on the scope of the integration and the release schedule. Contact details unlock on Starbooked for $0.80.
What does Higher Plain Games post about on YouTube?
The channel posts reviews of indie, retro and niche video games, plus gaming essays and local multiplayer show features. Recent reviews include titles such as Colorbound, Mechaconda and Throttle Trace. Most videos run between four and nine minutes.
How do I contact Higher Plain Games for a brand deal?
The channel asks for review submissions, demo disc entries and PR requests through its contact form on higherplaingames.com. Contact details unlock on Starbooked for $0.80, and boosted creators can be booked through Starbooked.
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