“Game Developer Checklist for Releasing on Steam: Tips for Standing Out and Boosting Sales”

Anyone can publish games on Steam. Register as a developer on Steamworks and pay $100 equivalent. After completing various paperwork and creating a store page, even individuals who do not receive support from publishers can release games. However, even if the release itself is possible, whether the game will sell in large numbers is another matter. That’s why the techniques for such beginner sellers are being shared.

Matt Hackett first gave a checklist of materials to prepare for the Steam store page. Specifically, capsules and trailers. Capsules are image materials that are displayed on individual store pages and game lists. In other words, it is the first image that consumers will see when visiting Steam, including the key art and title name of the work. Developers are required to prepare multiple specified sizes.

A checklist for capsule images prompts you to include the game title name, as well as make sure it’s legible and legible. It is also important that the image be of a game genre or an image that shows the selling elements of the work. One way is to hire an artist to create an image with such elements. In other words, even if it’s just an image, it’s an image that catches the eye, so it should be easy to understand and impressive.

As for the trailer, on the other hand, it seems to be good to be conscious of watching it while skipping. Techniques on the checklist include engaging viewers right from the start, showing gameplay right away, and keeping trailers under 60 seconds long. It should. Also, it seems to be a good idea to include a message at the very end that encourages users to add to their wish list or make purchases. In general, the scene of the manufacturer’s logo often flows at the beginning of the trailer, but this scene should be omitted.

*Mike Rose, CEO of publisher No More Robots, opposes omitting the logo scene. He says that even if it’s just for a second or two, it’s important to have the opportunity to get the name of the studio known.

There’s also a “checklist for making your work stand out more in the store.” It is a cheat of the algorithm adopted by Steam. According to the checklist, it is important to get more than 7,000 wishlist registrations before the release, and to have more than 10 user reviews posted as soon as possible after the release. Regarding reviews, it is important to collect 10 reviews, whether they are positive or negative. Only “overwhelmingly unpopular” status affects store page visits.

In addition, although it is not a checklist, it also contains useful information that developers should know. In the first week of launch, we can expect to add about 15% of all registrants to the wishlist, a strategy to implement a 20% discount after launch and re-notify wishlist registrants, and 20 to 55 reviews per review. Information is provided on what is expected to lead to book sales. Overall, there is also the idea that a game with 100 reviews will sell 3,000 copies.

Hackett’s developer checklist tweet has so far received more than 900 retweets and more than 5,000 likes, attracting a lot of attention. Some developers asked related questions, and he answered some of them. For example, getting certified for compatibility with the Steam Deck will lead to increased sales, the guideline for sales is about every 8 weeks, and if you prepare a trial version, there is a possibility that it will catch the attention of live broadcasters. It is stated.

Regarding the checklist, Mr. Hackett said that although there is more in-depth information, the aim was to quickly check the important points. As a result, it seems that it is widely shared among developers as useful information. However, he said that he would like to further brush up the checklist in the future, and is soliciting further information and ideas. If you’re interested, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on his progress.