googleUnderstanding Steam’s Revenue Sharing Model
When you release a game on Steam, it’s important to understand how the platform takes its cut and what factors influence this percentage. Steam, being one of the largest digital distribution platforms for video games, has a revenue sharing model that varies depending on the type of game and the agreement with the developer.
Standard Revenue Sharing
For most games, Steam takes a standard revenue share of 30%. This means that out of every dollar you earn from game sales, Steam keeps 30 cents, and you get the remaining 70 cents. This model applies to both new and existing games, unless you have a special agreement with Steam.
Steam Direct and Greenlight
When you submit your game to Steam, you have two options: Steam Direct or Steam Greenlight. Steam Direct requires a one-time fee of $100, which is non-refundable. This fee is used to cover the costs of reviewing your game. Once your game is approved, you’ll be subject to the standard 30% revenue share.
On the other hand, Steam Greenlight is a community-driven process where users vote on whether they want to see your game on Steam. If your game is greenlit, you’ll also be subject to the standard 30% revenue share. However, there’s no upfront fee for Greenlight.
Steam Direct and Greenlight: A Comparison
| Feature | Steam Direct | Steam Greenlight |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Fee | $100 | None |
| Review Process | Steam reviews your game | Community votes on your game |
| Revenue Share | 30% | 30% |
Steam Direct and Greenlight: Which is Better?
Whether Steam Direct or Greenlight is better for you depends on your game and your goals. If you’re looking for a more streamlined process and don’t mind the upfront fee, Steam Direct might be the way to go. However, if you want to engage with the community and have a chance to improve your game based on feedback, Steam Greenlight could be a better option.
Steam Direct and Greenlight: Success Rates
According to Steam’s own data, the success rate for Steam Direct is around 50%. This means that out of every 100 games submitted, 50 are approved. The success rate for Steam Greenlight is lower, with only about 20% of games getting greenlit. However, it’s worth noting that the success rate can vary depending on the genre and quality of the game.
Steam Direct and Greenlight: The Impact on Revenue
While the revenue share is the same for both Steam Direct and Greenlight, the impact on your revenue can vary. If you’re able to get your game approved through Steam Direct, you’ll have a more streamlined process and potentially reach a wider audience. However, if you’re successful on Steam Greenlight, you might have a more engaged community and a higher chance of word-of-mouth marketing, which can lead to increased sales.
Steam Direct and Greenlight: The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Steam takes a 30% revenue share from most games, regardless of whether you go through Steam Direct or Greenlight. The choice between the two depends on your game and your goals. If you’re looking for a more streamlined process and don’t mind the upfront fee, Steam Direct might be the better option. However, if you want to engage with the community and have a chance to improve your game based on feedback, Steam Greenlight could be a better choice.
