How Much Steam Gets per Game?
Steam, a popular digital distribution platform for PC games, takes a significant cut from every sale made on its platform. But just how much does Steam take? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Steam’s revenue share model and provide answers to some frequently asked questions.
The Short Answer
Steam takes a 30% commission on every sale made on its platform. This percentage applies to all games, including indie titles and AAA blockbusters. For example, if a game sells for $10, Steam would take $3, and the game developer or publisher would receive $7.
The Long Answer
The 30% commission is a standard practice in the digital distribution industry, and Steam is not unique in this regard. However, the exact revenue share model can vary depending on the type of game, the developer’s agreement with Steam, and other factors.
Revenue Share Models
Steam offers different revenue share models for different types of games. Here’s a breakdown of the different models:
| Game Type | Revenue Share |
|---|---|
| Indie Games | 30% (with a minimum revenue threshold) |
| AAA Games | 30% (negotiable with Valve) |
| Virtual Goods | 30% (for in-game purchases) |
Minimum Revenue Threshold
For indie games, Steam has a minimum revenue threshold of $10,000 per quarter. If the game generates less than $10,000 in revenue, Steam will only take a 30% commission on the revenue earned above the threshold.
Negotiable Revenue Share
For AAA games, the revenue share is negotiable with Valve, the company behind Steam. Larger publishers and developers may be able to negotiate a better revenue share, potentially lowering Steam’s commission to around 20-25%.
Virtual Goods Revenue Share
For virtual goods, such as in-game items or currency, Steam takes a 30% commission on all sales.
Additional Fees
In addition to the 30% commission, Steam charges an additional 5% fee for game development costs, known as the "Steam Fee." This fee is used to fund the development of new Steam features and services.
What Does Steam Get Out of It?
So, what does Steam get out of its 30% commission? The platform takes a significant cut of the revenue generated by game sales, which helps to fund its operations and drive innovation. Here are some of the ways Steam uses its revenue:
- Server Maintenance: Steam uses a significant portion of its revenue to maintain its massive servers, which host and deliver games to millions of players.
- Development Costs: Steam invests in the development of new features and services, such as its Steam Workshop and Steam Trading Cards.
- Marketing and Promotion: Steam uses its revenue to promote games and attract new customers, which helps to increase visibility and drive sales for developers.
- Innovation: Steam uses its revenue to fund innovative projects and initiatives, such as its SteamVR virtual reality platform and Steam Chat app.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Steam takes a 30% commission on every sale made on its platform, with a minimum revenue threshold for indie games and negotiable revenue shares for AAA games. While the commission may seem steep, it helps to fund Steam’s operations and drive innovation, making it an attractive platform for game developers and publishers.