How to sell your game on Steam? Build its brand!

Trailer and screens

Each game submitted to Steam should have screens or graphics and trailer. You need something that will encourage the player to our game. Especially, when it is the first time they're playing the game. It is worth to remember that many of gamers choose products because of what they see (pictures, videos, etc.). Catchy trailer and appealing graphics can persuade them to play the game.

Info about the game

The more info about the game title, the biggest probability that someone will buy it. Information such as system requirements, game modes or controller support is something that gamers are looking for. Lack of them can have an adverse impact on the way the game is accepted and assessed by players.

Updates

Updating the game is a significant element, especially in the Early Access. Publishing even the slightest changes with some comment on your Steam profile give a good impression of devs, and their work. In a result, gamers feel that the game is in progress all the time, and work is moving forward.

Community Hub

Each game available on Steam has its forum. It is a place where gamers can start discussions. It can be questions about the product, dev's plan or bits of advice. Of course, you can find there also less friendly topics such as bug reports or just criticism. Don't panic! You should respond to them in stride.

Reviews

More satisfied players mean your game will get more and more popular. Gamers are people who spend a lot of time playing your game, so they are the best reviewers. They have an impact on whether the rating will be very good or just good. Like in the forum case, you should accept all negative comments with understanding. As far as they are constructive, it's worthy to make reference to them and share your opinion. Thanks to feedback from the devs, gamers may change their reviews. Especially, when changes they suggested were made.

Trading cards and achievements

Each game can be a challenge for the player, just like that. But gamers usually expect something more such as extra achievements. Global ranks work perfectly here. Try to get a hat-trick or don't lose five matches in a row; then you'll get a badge. Want more? Do it at a higher level! The more interesting challenges, the longer gamers will live up to your game. It's important for developers, as well as players. The more time they spend on playing the game, the better chance that they get trading cards from Steam. Cards stimulate internal trade that cranks the prosperity.

This all, of course, don't guarantee sales success. Primarily, the game has to fight about gamers by its idea. But we, as authors of a game, can help a little bit. Keeping good communication with players on Steam and sharing information about your game can only give a helpful hand.

If you want to know how to promote your indie game, take a look at my previous article.