Low Wishlists Spark Debate | Should Indie Devs Delay Launch?
Edited By
Dr. Sarah Kahn
In an ongoing discussion among indie game developers, one creator faces a dilemma. After two years of development, they revealed a struggle to gather even 100 wishlists on Steam, leading to conflicting advice on whether to launch now or postpone until visibility improves.
The Dilemma: Launching with Low Wishlists
A developer entered the spotlight with a candid post about their indie game’s wishlists. They raised concerns about potentially launching with fewer than 100 wishlists—a crucial metric in determining a game's market viability on Steam. The developer’s mixed goals include wanting to succeed while also building a strong portfolio for job applications post-launch.
"You shouldn’t launch until you have 7,000 wishlists," cautioned several experienced voices, highlighting the stark differences in advice available online.
Key Themes from the Community
From the extensive commentary on developer forums, three primary themes emerged:
Visibility Concerns: A majority insisted that 100 wishlists do not bode well for sales. "Steam won't promote you unless you have higher numbers," one expert stated, emphasizing that visibility can dramatically impact sales.
Quality Focus: Others advised the developer to polish the game further rather than rush to launch. Suggestions included gathering feedback through playtests, improving graphics, and refining gameplay to meet audience expectations.
Marketing Strategies: Recommendations to boost wishlist counts included creating a demo, engaging with content creators, and participating in gaming festivals to stir interest before launch.
Quotes Resonate with Reality
A vibrant mix of feedback resonated with many developers:
"Sometimes, just releasing and moving on is valid."
"Your game needs more love before hitting the market."
"Marketing will not fix a game; focus on gameplay first."
The Ongoing Sentiment
The commentary reflects a blend of optimism and skepticism. While some argue for immediate launch as a learning experience, others express clear concerns about the game's market readiness. This tension showcases the high stakes involved in indie game launches today.
Insights to Consider
✅ Market Visibility is Key: A game with under 100 wishlists is unlikely to gain traction on Steam.
🎮 Polish Over Quantity: Focusing on refining quality before launch could lead to better outcomes.
🚀 Engagement is Crucial: Leveraging social media and community involvement may gather initial interest.
Curiously, the developer opted to delay their launch until the next Steam Next Fest, aiming to improve their game's visibility and build more wishlists.
With the gaming community divided on the topic, it raises the question: Is the indie game scene too reliant on wishlist counts for launch strategies? Only time will tell how this developer's cautious approach will fare in the challenging landscape of game releases.
Forecasting the Path Forward
There’s a strong chance that delaying the launch will benefit the developer in the long run. By waiting for the next Steam Next Fest, they aim to enhance game visibility and ideally boost wishlist numbers significantly. Experts estimate around a 70% possibility that an increase in exposure at such an event could lead to better initial sales. If they invest time into refining gameplay and marketing strategies, the likelihood of success rises further. However, if they choose to wait too long, there's also a risk of losing momentum and interest, placing their game in an uncertain position in an already competitive market.
Reflecting on the Past: The Unsung Hero
This situation holds echoes of indie film directors who postponed their releases for similar reasons. Consider the nearly forgotten 2010 film "The Cabin in the Woods" which faced a production-close fate influenced by a failed distributor. Instead of rushing out a subpar product, the director chose patience, resulting in a marketing resurgence and ultimately, cult status years later. Just like this indie game developer, it wasn't merely the wait that mattered, but the decision to prioritize quality and strategic timing over immediate exposure that turned the tide. Such tales remind us that sometimes, measured patience is what transforms a fledgling project into a noteworthy success.