googleDoes It Cost Money to Put Games on Steam?
Are you a game developer contemplating the submission of your game to Steam? One of the most common questions that arise is whether there are any costs associated with getting your game listed on the platform. Let’s delve into this topic and explore the various aspects that might affect the cost of putting your game on Steam.
Steam Direct
Steam Direct is the primary method for developers to submit games to the Steam platform. As of my last update, the process involves a one-time fee of $100 USD. This fee is non-refundable and is used to help cover the costs of maintaining the Steam platform and providing customer support.
| Steam Direct Fee | Amount | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| One-time submission fee | $100 | USD |
Once you’ve paid the fee, you’ll have access to Steam Direct for a year. After that, you’ll need to pay the fee again to maintain your access. It’s important to note that this fee is not a guarantee that your game will be accepted on Steam. The Steam team reviews each submission and decides whether it meets their quality standards.
Steam Greenlight
Before Steam Direct was introduced, Steam used a community-driven process called Steam Greenlight. Developers could submit their games to Greenlight, and the community would vote on whether they wanted to see the game on Steam. This process was free, but it was not always straightforward, as the community’s votes were not always indicative of the game’s potential success.
While Steam Greenlight is no longer an option for new submissions, some developers may still have games that were accepted through this process. These games are subject to the same Steam Direct fee and requirements as any other game submitted to Steam.
Additional Costs
Beyond the Steam Direct fee, there are other costs that you might encounter when putting your game on Steam. Here are a few to consider:
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Marketing and Promotion: While Steam provides some tools for promoting your game, such as the Steam Store page and community features, you may need to invest in additional marketing efforts to reach your target audience. This could include social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, or paid advertising.
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Localization: If you want to reach a global audience, you may need to localize your game into different languages. This can involve hiring translators and possibly adjusting the game’s content to fit different cultural norms.
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Customer Support: Providing customer support is an important part of maintaining a successful game on Steam. This could involve hiring support staff or using third-party support services.
Steam’s Revenue Share
When you publish a game on Steam, you’ll be subject to a revenue share agreement. As of my last update, Steam takes a 30% cut of the revenue from games sold on the platform. This means that for every sale, you’ll receive 70% of the proceeds. However, there are some exceptions to this rule:
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Steam Direct Fee: The $100 USD fee you pay to submit your game is not included in the revenue share.
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Steam Direct Volume Discount: If you sell a certain number of copies of your game within a year, you may be eligible for a volume discount on the revenue share. This discount can reduce the percentage of revenue that Steam takes to 15%.
It’s important to carefully consider the potential revenue from your game when budgeting for the costs associated with getting it on Steam.
Conclusion
Putting your game on Steam can be a significant investment, but it also offers the potential for reaching a large and diverse audience. While the Steam Direct fee is a one-time cost, there are other expenses to consider, such as marketing, localization, and customer support. By understanding the costs and revenue share, you can make an informed decision about whether Steam is the right platform for your game.
