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[Klaim]

I recommend against the release it on every store idea. Many have next to zero sells, while almost all of them require custom assets, and when you go to release a patch or update, it can be a nightmare to have to update every distribution channel.

You mean that it's hard to automatize generating versions for each distribution channel?

[ANtY]

I recommend against the release it on every store idea. Many have next to zero sells, while almost all of them require custom assets, and when you go to release a patch or update, it can be a nightmare to have to update every distribution channel.

that's why you include an auto-updater in your game

[Gregg Williams]

I mean that its just a pain. Bunches of the markets have their own installers you need to build, many you need to deliver builds via email to specific representatives. So you then end up needing to contact people, build new packages, etc, for outlets that aren't really generating any revenue.

An auto updater I do suppose would make this much easier. Though it seems like they have their own share of issues due to security settings on later versions of windows, let alone also on Mac and Linux. If anyone can show me a third party auto updater that is cross platform, handles all the various gotchas, and is secure I'd love to see it though.

Although there are also distribution channels which don't allow you to use any updater other than via their store.

[ANtY]

then you set the game exe as your updater's exe and make the updater start the game

[Conker534]

I don't know anyone that uses Desura other than myself, and Ouren.

[aheydeck]

It's more or less irrelevant to ask "should i release on steam or desura". If you have a good game, the odds are still against getting a steam release. Desura on the other hand, much easier to get a release on.

I've read on different places that Desura sales are quite low, so i don't know if i had extremely low expectations, but as far as Smooth Operators go on Desura - sales are well over my expectations.

[Zenfar]

My game is very unlikely to need a patch, it is finished by release.

Don't taunt the software gods like this

[Mister Dave]

It's more or less irrelevant to ask "should i release on steam or desura". If you have a good game, the odds are still against getting a steam release. Desura on the other hand, much easier to get a release on.

Very easy on Desura, but you still have to go through acceptance before they'll publish you. Odds for getting on Steam? Very low until they change the system. After that it's anyone's guess since we have no idea what Newell is on about yet.

I've read on different places that Desura sales are quite low, so i don't know if i had extremely low expectations, but as far as Smooth Operators go on Desura - sales are well over my expectations.

Scott will tell you if you ask him: they mostly sell RPGs. Other genres not so much.

Sounds good. I am also awaiting an answer about what is involved to get it on GOG's service. The guys will respond soonish so I will see.

Let us know how that goes. They're very responsive (unlike GamersGate staff) but they're also somewhat narrow on what they want their store to sell. Good luck with that.

Here is a also a thought about the pricing. I wonder if it makes sense to price the game higher on desura than on steam.

No. But then you may never find out if you're not Greenlit. Good luck with that too.

[J-Snake]

Finishing the work on the trailer. Then we will see.

[J-Snake]

Do you think it would be less pirated if I try to go for steam only?

[ANtY]

Do you think it would be less pirated if I try to go for steam only?

if it will be pirated then it's fine I think

[Schrompf]

a) You'd be honoured if someone finds your game worth pirating.
b) You'd be honoured if someone finds your game worth putting on Steam.

Both will happen only on a slim chance, so... don't deny yourself any valid options.

[Zenfar]

What about GOG.com ?

[Benjamin385]

What about GOG.com ?

What about GOG?

Its awesome its! DRM Free! Not sure about the revenue split...

I possibly could find out.

[eyeliner]

Gamersgate seems like a valid option as well. They have a few indie titles.

[Oskuro]

Talking out of general ignorance here but... If it is financially feasible, using as many distribution platforms as possible serves a "social" purpose, that is, showing support for alternate platforms to avoid the very real possibility of one of them dominating the market and turning into the next evil monopolistic empire.

And any service that supports swordfighting as a conflict resolution method has my unwavering support. 

[J-Snake]

Here is some information about various services from someone:

http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/RebeccaFernandez/20121115/181717/

[bluescrn]

No. But then you may never find out if you're not Greenlit. Good luck with that too.

Simply putting your game on Greenlight now, long after the initial launch excitement, seems like an admission of failure, an acceptance that it isn't going to get on Steam.

If you game is 'Steam-worthy', whatever that means, then it's more likely to get directly onto Steam, bypassing Greenlight. But this seemingly takes, as well as a good game, a mix of marketing/publicity, networking, and a shitload of sheer luck...

I don't think I'd ever develop a PC-based indie game with the aim of making money from it whilst Valve has it's current policies and such a stranglehold on the market. You can't base a business model around praying that Valve will let you in.

Maybe Microsoft's Win8 store may become more significant in the future, though - a more open platform to put PC indie games on, that will come pre-installed on all new PCs?

[motorsep]

Being on Steam for PC/Mac/Linux is everything. A good idea to distribute through every single worthy digital distributor (Desura, Ubuntu Software Center, etc.). Direct sales are good too.

Most people want for your game to be Steam. Now that Steam is on Linux, having your game on other distribution platforms is more of a PR move.

I see people complain about Greenlight and Valve's policies, but devs forget that PC games is what people want to play when they buy on Steam. We are in 2013, 8 bit graphics belong to mobiles, NES, and direct sales. Masses, who play on Steam, want decent visuals. There are exceptions of course, but those exceptions happened when "indie" was something new. I dare to say 2010 is when it all began to fade away.

Valve have been in business for a looooong time. They know what can have potential and what will sink. After all, they need to make money.

[J-Snake]

Not sure, Anodyne got on Steam. It is about the game, not just about the graphics after all.