A recent study reveals a startling statistic: 72% of developers believe Steam has a monopoly on the PC games market. This finding, part of a comprehensive whitepaper titled 'The State of PC Game Distribution' by PC distribution platform Rokky, highlights a significant concern in the gaming industry. The study, conducted by Atomik Research, surveyed 306 industry executives across the UK and USA, with a majority holding senior management positions in studios with over 50 employees. The results indicate that Steam is a dominant force, accounting for over 75% of revenue for the majority of studios. However, the study also reveals a growing trend towards diversification in distribution channels. While Steam remains a key player, developers are increasingly exploring alternative platforms such as the Epic Game Store and the Xbox PC Games store. Interestingly, almost half of the surveyed developers have distributed their titles to both Steam and the Epic Game Store, while 10% have used GOG and 8% have utilized Itch.io. Rokky's survey, however, notes that larger companies with diverse portfolios tend to favor storefronts like the Epic Games Store over Itch.io, which caters to independent developers. The study also uncovered that 32% of developers release some of their games on physical media, including discs, cartridges, and 'keys-in-boxes'. Additionally, marketplaces like G2A and Kinguin, as well as e-stores such as Fanatical and Humble Bundle, are gaining popularity for their ease of use, pricing control, promotional support, and international reach. Developers are optimistic about the potential benefits of these alternative channels, with 80% of respondents expecting to use them alongside Steam within five years. Moreover, 75% predict a significant revenue boost of at least 10% from using these marketplaces and e-stores. Despite these advantages, concerns about the gray market and potential loss of control have been raised by respondents. Rokky's co-founder and CEO, Vadim Andreev, emphasizes the evolving landscape of PC game distribution, stating that it is more diverse, complex, and full of opportunities than ever before. He stresses the importance of understanding the nuances in this rapidly changing environment, which is why the company created the whitepaper to highlight the trends that matter.
