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Hey everyone! Our indie studio is releasing its first game and we decided to make it completely free on Steam.
r/IndieDev
6/29/2025
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | https://store.steampowered.com | Game Distribution Platform | Platform for releasing and distributing games, supports free games and paid DLC/OST |
| Unity | https://unity.com | Game Engine | Used Unity 2021 with URP (Universal Render Pipeline), originally WebGL build upgraded for desktop |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Uncertainty about monetizing short games
- Concerns about Steam's policies for free games
- Need to validate game IP before investing in larger projects
- Desire for honest feedback without financial barriers
Problems to Solve:
- How to gain traction for a new IP without established audience
- How to monetize short experiences ethically
- How to build community support for future projects
Potential Solutions:
- Releasing game for free to maximize reach and feedback
- Offering optional OST pack for financial support
- Using wishlists as a metric for interest
- Planning sequels/prequels if IP resonates
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Free product offering to build IP awareness
- Using short-form content to test market reception
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Leveraging Steam wishlists for interest metrics
- Free release to lower barrier to entry and maximize downloads
Monetization & Product:
- Optional OST pack as indirect monetization
- Focus on product-market fit validation before scaling
- Avoiding paid DLC/microtransactions to maintain goodwill
User Engagement:
- Direct developer interaction in communities (e.g., Reddit)
- Transparent communication about development philosophy
- Encouraging wishlists as low-commitment support