Steam Wishlist: What It Means for Game Developers
October 22, 2024
When developing a game for Steam, one of the most important yet often overlooked tools in your marketing arsenal is the Steam Wishlist.
It’s easy to think of the wishlist as just a convenient feature for players to keep track of games they’re interested in, but for developers, it’s so much more. A growing wishlist count not only reflects early player interest but also directly influences your game’s visibility and success on the platform. Understanding how Steam Wishlists work and how to leverage them is essential for any game developer aiming to make an impact. Whether you’re an indie developer with a small team or a larger studio preparing for launch, wishlists play a critical role in shaping your game’s trajectory on Steam—from pre-launch visibility to long-term sales performance.
In this guide, we’ll explore what Steam Wishlists mean for game developers and how to maximize their potential to boost your game’s success.
1. Early Indicator of Interest
A high number of wishlists can be an early sign that your game is attracting attention. It shows that potential players are interested, even before your game is released.
2. Boosting Steam’s Algorithm
Steam’s internal algorithm favors games with high wishlist counts. The more wishlists your game has, the more likely it is to be promoted on the platform, which increases visibility through features like “Popular Upcoming” and “Discovery Queue.”
3. Better Launch Day Performance
When your game officially launches, all those players who wishlisted it will receive a notification, reminding them to check it out. This can lead to a strong initial sales boost, which further signals to Steam’s algorithm to promote your game to more players.
4. Driving Post-Launch Sales
Even after launch, wishlists continue to play a critical role. During sales events like Steam’s seasonal sales, your wishlisted players will be notified of discounts, encouraging conversions long after your release.
5. Funding and Publisher Opportunities
A growing wishlist count can be an important metric when seeking funding or partnership with publishers. It shows potential stakeholders that there’s already interest in your game.
How to Increase Your Steam Wishlists
- Engage early with your community: Use social media, newsletters, and platforms like Reddit to build anticipation.
- Offer a demo during Steam Next Fest: This can attract more players and convert them into wishlisters.
- Collaborate with influencers and streamers: They can help drive interest and visibility for your game.
Conclusion
For game developers, Steam wishlists aren’t just vanity metrics—they are crucial indicators of player interest and have a direct impact on your game’s discoverability, launch success, and long-term sales. Focus on building your wishlist count as an essential part of your game marketing strategy.