Steam Direct Fee
Pay $100 per app (recoupable after $1,000 in sales). Create your Steamworks account at partner.steamgames.com.
Store Page Setup
Capsule images: 460x215 (header), 231x87 (small), 616x353 (main). Write a compelling short description (300 chars) and detailed description with GIFs/screenshots. Tags matter — choose 15+ relevant tags for discoverability.
For more on this topic, see our guide on best free game assets and resources for indie devs.Build Upload
Use SteamPipe to upload builds. Set up depots, branches (default + beta). Test on multiple machines before public release.
Pricing Strategy
Research comparable games. $4.99-14.99 is the indie sweet spot. Consider a 10-15% launch discount. Set regional pricing using Steams recommendations.
Launch Checklist
Build a Steam wishlist pre-launch (aim for 7,000+ for algorithm visibility). Release on Tuesday-Thursday. Have a launch trailer ready. Announce 2-4 weeks before release. Engage with community discussions from day one.