Who Decides What Games Go on Sale on Steam?
Steam, the popular digital distribution platform for PC games, has a vast library of games that are available for purchase. But have you ever wondered who decides which games go on sale on Steam? In this article, we’ll delve into the process of how Steam selects games for its sales and discounts.
The Steam Community
Steam’s sales are driven by the community’s feedback and voting system. When a game is submitted to Steam, it is reviewed by the Steam community, who vote on whether they would buy the game or not. This feedback is used to determine which games are worthy of being featured in Steam’s sales.
The Steam Employee
Every now and then, a Steam employee will check which games have the higher amount of "would buy" votes and will approve them for sale on Steam. This means that the Steam employee plays a crucial role in deciding which games are featured in Steam’s sales.
Pricing Decisions
The publisher is responsible for determining the price of their game on Steam. In the case of indie developers, they may have more control over the pricing of their game. However, Steam takes a 30% cut of all sales, which can affect the pricing decision.
Steam Sales
Steam has several sales throughout the year, including the Steam Winter Sale, Steam Lunar New Year Sale, and Steam Summer Sale. These sales typically feature discounts on a wide range of games, including popular titles and indie games.
Who Loses Money in a Steam Sale?
When a game is discounted during a Steam sale, both the game’s developer and Steam itself lose money. The developer loses out on potential revenue, while Steam loses out on its 30% cut of the sale.
The Biggest Steam Sale
The Steam Winter Sale is typically the biggest sale of the year, featuring discounts on a wide range of games. It usually takes place in December and spans the holiday season.
Who Wins and Who Loses in a Steam Sale?
When a game is discounted during a Steam sale, both the consumer and the developer lose out. The consumer loses out on the opportunity to buy the game at its full price, while the developer loses out on potential revenue. However, the sale can also benefit the consumer by providing them with a discounted price on a game they may have been interested in buying.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision of which games go on sale on Steam is a complex process that involves the Steam community, Steam employees, and the game’s publisher. While the sale can benefit the consumer by providing them with a discounted price on a game, it can also benefit the developer by increasing visibility and sales. However, both the consumer and the developer lose out on potential revenue.