How to Sell a Game on Steam: Full Guide

This guide walks you through the entire process of selling a game on Steam, from preparing your build to getting paid. Youâ€™ll learn what to prepare, how to submit your game through Steamworks, and how to handle the release day smoothly.

What You’ll Need

A Steam account with a verified email address.
A completed game build (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Game assets: capsule images, screenshots, and a short trailer.
A Steamworks account (created when you pay the fee).
A US$100 Steam Direct fee (recoupable after your game earns at least US$1,000).
Legal info: your real name, address, and tax details (for payment).
A bank account that can receive international wire transfers (if outside the US).

Step-by-Step

Create your Steamworks account. Go to partner.steamgames.com and click “Join Steamworks.” Sign in with your Steam account, agree to the terms, and pay the US$100 fee. This fee is refunded once your game reaches US$1,000 in adjusted gross revenue.
Complete your tax and banking info. In Steamworks, go to “Payments & Tax” and fill out the required tax forms (W-9 for US residents, W-8BEN for non-US). Enter your bank details for receiving payments. This step is mandatory before you can release a game.
Create a new product. In Steamworks, click “Create New Product,” then choose “New Application.” Select the type “Game” and give it a working title. This creates a placeholder for your game.
Upload your build. Use the Steamworks SDK (or the “Upload Build” tool in the Steamworks dashboard) to upload your game files. You can upload a Windows, macOS, and Linux build. Make sure your build runs correctly on the target OS.
Set up your store page. Fill out the store page fields: description, tags, categories, and system requirements. Upload your capsule images (the header, small, and large capsules), screenshots, and a trailer. These are the first things players see, so make them count.
Configure pricing. Go to “Pricing” and set your game’s price in USD. Steam will automatically convert to other currencies. You can also set a launch discount (up to 90% off) for the first week.
Set up the build for release. In the “Build” section, select the build you uploaded and mark it as “Default.” This is the version players will get when they buy the game.
Submit for review. In the “Store Page” tab, click “Submit for Review.” Steam will review your store page and build to ensure it meets their guidelines. This usually takes 1â€“2 weeks. You can also submit your build for a “Build Review” separately (faster) if you’re ready to release.
Choose a release date. Once approved, pick a release date. You can release immediately or schedule a future date. Steam requires at least 2 weeks notice for a scheduled release to be featured on the upcoming page.
Release your game. On release day, go to the “Store Page” tab and click “Publish” (or “Release”). The game will go live, and players can buy it. After release, you can monitor sales and reviews in the Steamworks dashboard.

Common Mistakes

Not testing the build thoroughly. A build that crashes on launch will get negative reviews and refunds. Test on multiple machines and OS versions.
Uploading a build with missing files. Ensure all assets (textures, audio, DLLs) are included. Use the “Verify” tool in Steamworks to check.
Ignoring the store page quality. Poor images, vague descriptions, or missing tags reduce visibility. Use all available slots for screenshots and a trailer.
Setting an unrealistic price. Research similar games. A price too high can deter buyers; too low may look low-quality.
Forgetting about the Steam Deck. Steam now requires games to be verified for Steam Deck. Test your game with Proton and submit for verification if possible.
Not checking tax info. Incorrect tax forms can delay payments. Double-check your legal name and address.

Tips

Build an audience early. Use social media, a dev blog, and a Steam page in “Coming Soon” mode to gather wishlists. Games with many wishlists rank higher in search.
Use the “Coming Soon” feature. This lets players follow your game and get notified on release. It also helps you gauge interest.
Optimize your tags. Choose 5â€“15 accurate tags. Tags affect search and recommendation algorithms.
Consider a launch discount. A 10â€“20% discount on the first week can boost initial sales and visibility.
Update your game regularly. Post-release updates fix bugs and add content, which can improve reviews and sales.
Read the Steamworks documentation. Valve provides detailed guides on every step. They are updated regularly.

Troubleshooting

Your build is rejected. Read the feedback from Steam. Common reasons: missing files, crashes, or policy violations. Fix the issue and resubmit.
Payment is delayed. Ensure your tax and bank info are correct. Payments are made monthly, about 30 days after the end of the month. Contact Steam support if it’s longer.
You can’t upload a build. Check your internet connection and firewall. Use the Steamworks SDK’s “SteamPipe” tool if the web upload fails.
Your store page isn’t approved. Review the rejection reason. Common issues: missing legal disclaimers, misleading description, or inappropriate content. Adjust and resubmit.
Game not showing in search. Make sure your game is released (not just in “Coming Soon”). Also, check that your tags and title are correct.
Players report crashes. Use the Steamworks “Crash Reporting” tool to collect logs. Release a patch quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to sell a game on Steam?

The fee is US$100 per game, paid when you create a Steamworks account. It’s refunded once your game earns at least US$1,000 in adjusted gross revenue.

Can I sell a free game on Steam?

Yes. You can release a free game without paying the fee, but you still need a Steamworks account. However, you won’t earn revenue, and the fee isn’t applicable.

How long does it take to get approved?

Store page review typically takes 1â€“2 weeks. Build review can be faster. Plan for at least 2 weeks before your desired release date.

Do I need a company to sell on Steam?

No. Individuals can sell games. You’ll need to provide your personal tax info and a valid bank account.

Can I sell a game that’s already on another platform?

Yes, you can sell on Steam and other platforms simultaneously. Just ensure you follow Steam’s rules about key distribution and pricing parity (you can’t sell keys cheaper elsewhere).

What if my game is in early access?

Steam supports Early Access. You’ll need to follow the same steps, but you can release an unfinished version and update it over time. You must be transparent about the state of the game.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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