Have you produced your own indie game? Are you wondering how to sell it? Why not learn about various distribution models that will be best suited to your developer’s needs? We have listed some suggestions for you below.

1. Sell via platforms for gamers

Some of the most popular distribution platforms include Steam, Desura, and GOG. IndieCity, IndieVania, Green Man Gaming, WildTangent Games and GameStreamer are somewhat less recognizable but they still reach thousands of players globally.

Revenue split

It all comes down to money. Digital distribution platforms will often have their share in your profits. Unfortunately, their revenue split hovers around 50% of a game’s price. The bigger the platform charge, the higher the price of your game, and thus it is less attractive to players. Alternatively, you can always keep the price low and resign yourself to lower earnings. Moreover, some platforms even make decisions about discounts without consulting the developer. This may also mean lower profits.

Royalty payouts

So does it pay off to sell your games with distribution platforms for gamers? Most of them won’t send you money on a regular basis. Your payout date may even be 3 months from the selling date. It’s good practice to make sure you are aware of all terms and conditions regarding royalty payments.

Stand out from the crowd

Another thing to watch out for may be small distribution platforms that disappear from the market. As a result, any cooperation with them may quickly come to an end. On platforms like Steam, in turn, your title may get easily lost among hundreds of other games. In the end, as a developer, you will have to deal with marketing among the gaming community.

Internal review

Submitting to any distribution platform is often linked to a lengthy review process. As a result, following all technical requirements of the platform is but one step. Over time, you may have less control over your game.

2. Sell to business

As opposed to gamer’s distribution platforms, developers can also sell their games to wholesale and retail businesses. You can easily submit your game to the platform and offer it to business clients globally with CodesWholesale.com. Here you can upload your game activation codes and set your own price.

Why it’s worth your attention

First, you have full control over your game – you can set its price and finally get paid what you think you deserve. Importantly, you don’t need to adapt your game to the platform requirements. Overall, the submission of a game is developer-friendly with all formalities kept to a minimum.

Sell your games with white label by CodesWholesale

The CodesWholesale white label provides you with a ready-made sales system crafted for the wholesale distribution of game keys. It allows you to invite customers to your distributors’ network and offer them your game codes.
To reiterate, CodesWholesale.com gives you full control over your game and its price. Best of all, you get immediate access to business clients globally.

3. Sell via your own website

Last, but not least, you can start your own website to make a profit from an indie game. This may be your dev studio website or a website dedicated to a particular game. Online presence is essential if you want to reach a wider audience of players. Besides, on the game’s website players can redeem codes to enjoy hours of play. Note that gamers are critical to your success in the indie gaming industry, therefore, social media channels can be extremely useful in winning them over.

Wrap-up

Which model should you choose for your indie game then? First, consider the pros and cons of all distribution models then choose the one that suits your needs best. If you’re not sure which platform to choose, you can also test some of them for free.

About the author

Tommy
Tommy
Gamer and marketer. Knows how to sell video games. B2B e-commerce educator.