An independent survey revealed that 72% of game developers consider Steam to have a monopoly on the PC games market. The study, published by distribution platform Rokky and conducted by Atomik Research, surveyed 306 executives from the UK and US between 2023-05-18 and 2023-05-22.
Market Influence and Alternatives
Rokky's whitepaper highlights that a significant majority of surveyed studios generate over 75% of their revenue from Steam. This dominance is underscored by the fact that only 48% of respondents had distribution on Epic Games Store or Xbox PC Games Store, 10% on GOG, and less than 8% on Itch.
The study suggests that Valve's platform is a key player in the industry due to its extensive functionality and reach, according to Rokky CEO Vadim Andreev. However, the sample primarily represented larger companies, with 77% of respondents hailing from firms with more than 50 employees, which may influence the results.
Future Distribution Strategies
Despite Steam's prevailing influence, 80% of game developers plan to explore alternative channels within the next five years. This strategy involves utilizing other storefronts, marketplaces, and bundle specialists, indicating potential shifts in distribution dynamics.
This move is partly driven by the search for diversified revenue streams and a competitive landscape, pressuring developers to adapt.
