A recent survey suggests that 72% of developers view Steam as having a monopoly on the PC game market. This finding, from a Rokky whitepaper titled 'The State of PC Game Distribution,' highlights the dominance of Valve's platform among developers and industry executives.
Survey Results and Insights
Conducted by Atomik Research, the survey involved 306 industry executives from the UK and USA during 2025-05-18 to 2025-05-22. It highlighted that 75% of participants were senior managers, and 77% worked at studios with more than 50 employees. Developers reported Steam as accounting for more than 75% of their revenue.
While Steam looms large, other storefronts like the Epic Games Store and the Xbox PC Games Store are gaining traction: 48% of respondents have released titles on both platforms. Additionally, 10% have used GOG and 8% have distributed via Itch.io.
Marketplace and Revenue Expectations
Developers express interest in leveraging alternative channels for game distribution. Around 80% foresee using non-Steam platforms within five years, expecting at least a 10% revenue increase from marketplaces and e-stores. These platforms offer benefits such as ease of use, pricing control, and international reach.
- Survey timeframe: 2025-05-18 to 2025-05-22
- Primary markets: UK and USA
- Key players: Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox PC Games Store
- Developer concerns: Monopoly, control loss
- Future outlook: Increased use of e-stores, projected revenue uplift
Despite concerns about losing control, developers find value in the diversity and complexity of distribution channels. According to Rokky CEO Vadim Andreev, the current landscape is more varied and vast, offering ample opportunities for developers aiming for expanded reach and control.
