What it's like to release a game on Steam
Added 2024-12-06 16:06:00 +0000 UTCSo this is it! The final episode of Developing.
In this one I break down the launch of Mind Over Magnet, talking about the release, the sales numbers, the bugs, the reviews... and where the money you make actually ends up going!
And I also talk about the lessons learned from making this game. What went right? What went wrong? And what would I do differently if I ever make another video game?
You can watch it on YouTube or Nebula, or read it as an article on Substack.
I want to give a heartfelt thank you to all of you for your support. Not only did you literally fund the development of Mind Over Magnet, but you've been patient and supportive while I worked on this thing. Even if that meant taking time away from Game Maker's Toolkit.
I'm now reading for a big Christmas break (I think I deserve it!), and then in 2025 I'm going to be focusing on making GMTK the best YouTube channel about game design it can possibly be.
Oh! Before I forget. Don't miss the Patreon-only Game Jam next week. I'm hoping to take part myself in some small way. Join us on the Discord to learn more.
Speak soon!
Mark
Comments
Always amazed and inspired by your transparency and realness, I'm also so happy for you that you've come to this place of relief and joy and pride (and "I'm so glad that's done" lol). It's been incredible to ride along on this journey, I hope you get all the rest over the holidays!
jt
2024-12-13 03:26:04 +0000 UTCOne more mission accomplished then. ;)
JR
2024-12-07 10:16:31 +0000 UTCThe unexpected moment a man turning off some lights hits you right in the feels. π
Riccardo Margiotta
2024-12-07 09:49:12 +0000 UTCCheers! And yeah, I always try to make sure my lessons can go a little further afield than just game dev. The details can change, but if you're being creative and making stuff, a lot of the feelings are the same.
Game Maker's Toolkit
2024-12-07 06:13:27 +0000 UTCNice, good luck!
Game Maker's Toolkit
2024-12-07 06:12:37 +0000 UTCThe game is actually now on Itch. As for the others... I might look into them next year, but every new platform adds extra hurdles and hassle (from all the legal stuff, to taxes, to support, to uploading patches across multiple sites), so for launch I tried to make my life as easy as possible.
Game Maker's Toolkit
2024-12-07 06:12:29 +0000 UTCNice, good luck!
Game Maker's Toolkit
2024-12-07 06:11:07 +0000 UTCI've been working on a PhD thesis since before this series started. This series has hit hard for me several times! Let it be known that I was tearing up a little during almost all of the second half of this video. Mark, you may have been working on a series about video game development. But a significant part of it may have been similarly relevant to just about anyone working on their own (creative, scientific or other) project, at least if they are doing it solo, over a significant amount of time and/or for their first time. So in two words: Thanks - and congratulations! Or in two different words (equally from the heart): mad respect! (And yes, there've definitely been a few points in your part about lessons learnt that I'll have to digest a little more thoroughly some other day soon.)
JR
2024-12-06 22:58:19 +0000 UTCthanks for allowing us to tag along the making of your game! it inspired me greatly to bite the bullet and start making games too. (with a friend we funded a tiny studio called "smol dreamers", and we make tiny games made in a short time, released for "pay what you want" on itch)
eveningdreamer
2024-12-06 20:40:43 +0000 UTCTell me about why you released on Steam with no mention of GOG or EGS. Surely a wider audience is a good thing, and I think they even take lesser cuts of the profits. Or heck, you seem to have a good relationship with Itch, so why not there too?
cptnoremac
2024-12-06 17:28:19 +0000 UTCThis was a great journey to follow and I enjoyed the finished game! Thank you for being so transparent about the whole process. You have inspired me to finally try to make my own game. It is something that has been on my mind for over ten years and I finally got an idea that I would like to give a shot.
Lasse Haukka
2024-12-06 17:27:00 +0000 UTCI absolutely love the idea of a patron only game jam, I only wish I wasnβt knee-deep in a bunch of certifications for work or else I would be absolutely down!!!
Mark Rivinius
2024-12-06 16:13:40 +0000 UTC
