The Thomas Brush Show Ep. 025 - How To Make Money From Your Game In 2025 w/ Chris Zukowski
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Dec 3, 2024 In a captivating discussion, Chris Zukowski, an indie game marketing expert, shares invaluable insights on how developers can thrive in 2025. He emphasizes that great games still require strategic marketing, leveraging Steam’s algorithm for visibility. Chris explores the significance of wishlists and email lists, describing how they act as essential tools for engagement and sales. He also reveals the importance of targeted outreach and building relationships with key influencers. Discover practical strategies to enhance your game's market presence and navigate the evolving landscape!
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Terminus Survivors' Slow Climb
- The Korean game Terminus Survivors launched with few wishlists and Korean-only text but grew through updates and an Early Access→1.0 bump.
- It succeeded despite violating many launch best practices, proving quality plus persistence can still win.
Wishlists Are Steam Currency
- Large Steam wishlists act as currency inside Steam and can trigger algorithmic sharing.
- Half of many games' traffic often originates from Steam itself, not external campaigns.
Steam Audience Is Tradeable, Not Loyal
- You can partially reuse Steam audiences for future releases but fans rarely follow developers across genres automatically.
- High grossing prior titles give you currency with Valve for cross-promotion and curated opportunities.
