A recent survey reveals that a significant majority of PC game developers perceive Steam as a monopoly in the digital distribution market. Despite this widespread concern, most developers continue to rely heavily on Valve’s platform for the bulk of their sales and revenue, highlighting a complex relationship with the dominant storefront.
Key Takeaways
- 72% of surveyed developers believe Steam holds a monopoly on PC gaming.
- Over 75% of developers report that Steam accounts for the majority of their sales revenue.
- Despite concerns, 80% expect to continue using alternative sales channels alongside Steam in the next five years.
Developer Perceptions of Steam’s Market Position
A survey conducted by Atomik Research, with responses from 306 industry executives in the US and UK, found that a substantial 72% of participants believe Steam constitutes a monopoly in the PC games market. This perception is further underscored by the fact that 88% of respondents indicated that at least three-quarters of their revenue originates from Steam, with 37% reporting that the platform accounts for 90% of their total income.
Reliance on Steam and Future Outlook
Despite the prevailing view of Steam as a monopoly, developers remain heavily reliant on the platform. The survey noted that over 75% of developers acknowledge that most of their sales come from Steam. However, the landscape is evolving, with 80% of respondents anticipating the use of alternative sales channels in addition to Steam over the next five years.
Competition and Alternative Platforms
While Steam dominates, other platforms are attempting to gain traction. The survey indicated that 48% of executives’ companies also distribute through the Epic Games Store and the Xbox PC Games store. Smaller percentages utilize GOG (10%) and Itch.io (8%). Notably, many popular PC games, such as Fortnite, Minecraft, League of Legends, and World of Warcraft, are not available on Steam, demonstrating that the market is not entirely consolidated.
Broader Market Challenges
Beyond concerns about Steam’s market share, developers also expressed worries about other industry trends. The increasing popularity of free-to-play games was cited as a top concern by 40% of respondents. Market saturation and discoverability issues, along with the rise of subscription services, were also significant points of apprehension for a considerable portion of the surveyed executives.
