How does Steam rank top sellers?

How Does Steam Rank Top Sellers?

Steam, the largest digital distribution platform for PC games, has a unique algorithm to rank top-selling games on its platform. This ranking system is crucial for developers and publishers to promote their games and attract more players. In this article, we will delve into the details of how Steam ranks top sellers and provide some insights into the ranking factors.

Top Sellers List Generation

The top sellers list on Steam is generated automatically based on all revenue sources for a game, including DLC (Downloadable Content) and in-game transactions. This means that the ranking is not solely based on the game’s initial sales but also takes into account ongoing revenue streams.

Revenue Share and Pricing

When a game is sold on Steam, the platform takes a 30% cut of the revenue. This is a standard practice in the gaming industry, and most digital distribution platforms follow a similar revenue share model. The remaining 70% is split between the game developer and publisher.

Pricing and Discounts

Steam partners are responsible for setting and managing pricing for their products. The platform offers various pricing tiers, including discounts and sales. These promotions can significantly impact a game’s sales performance and ranking.

Sales and Marketing Strategies

Game developers and publishers employ various sales and marketing strategies to promote their games and attract more players. These strategies can include:

• Pre-orders: Offering a game for pre-order can generate significant revenue and improve the game’s ranking.
• Discounts and sales: Offering discounts and promotions can attract more players and increase revenue.
• Marketing campaigns: Running targeted marketing campaigns can increase visibility and drive sales.
• Community engagement: Building a strong community around a game can increase player engagement and drive sales.

Steam’s Algorithm

Steam’s algorithm is a complex system that takes into account various factors to rank top-selling games. The algorithm considers the following factors:

• Revenue: The total revenue generated by a game, including DLC and in-game transactions.
• Sales velocity: The rate at which a game is selling, including both initial sales and ongoing revenue streams.
• Player engagement: The level of engagement players have with a game, including playtime, achievements, and community participation.
• Reviews and ratings: The overall quality and rating of a game, based on player reviews and feedback.
• Release date: The release date of a game can impact its ranking, with newer games potentially having an advantage.

Ranking Factors

Here are some of the key ranking factors that Steam’s algorithm considers:

• Top grossing games: Games that generate the most revenue on the platform.
• Most played games: Games that have the highest playtime and player engagement.
• Best reviewed games: Games that have received the highest ratings and positive reviews from players.
• New releases: New games that have recently been released on the platform.
• Trending games: Games that are currently trending and popular among players.

Conclusion

Steam’s top sellers ranking is a complex system that takes into account various factors, including revenue, sales velocity, player engagement, reviews, and release date. By understanding these factors, game developers and publishers can develop effective sales and marketing strategies to promote their games and improve their ranking on the platform. Whether you’re a seasoned game developer or a newcomer to the industry, understanding Steam’s ranking algorithm can help you succeed on the platform.

Table: Top Ranking Factors

Bullets: Tips for Improving Your Game’s Ranking

• Offer pre-orders and discounts to attract more players.
• Run targeted marketing campaigns to increase visibility.
• Focus on building a strong community around your game.
• Monitor player engagement and feedback to improve your game’s quality.
• Consider offering DLC and in-game transactions to increase revenue.