What the median indie game earns on Steam
2 min read
By Eduardo Orellana ·
Very little, for most. Gamalytic reported in 2023 that half of the paid games released on Steam in the previous three years had grossed under $700; excluding games priced under $5 the median rose to about $4,000, and excluding those under $10 to about $17,000. Across all games then on sale, 67% had earned under $5,000 and 8.9% over $200,000. Averages are far higher because a few hits pull them up.
Median, not average
One game earning $50 million and nine earning $500 average $5 million. The median, the game in the middle, is what to plan on.
Gamalytic's breakdown (2023)
Games released in the previous three years:
- Under $5,000: 76.5%.
- $5,000 to $50,000: 13.4%.
- $50,000 to $200,000: 4.5%.
- Over $200,000: 5.6%.
Median of paid games: under $700; about $4,000 for games at $5 and up; about $17,000 for games at $10 and up.
Gross is not what you keep
These are gross figures. Steam takes 30% (less above $10 million and $50 million), then refunds, taxes and any publisher or partner shares come out. See estimating revenue from reviews.
Where Flockbay fits
Flockbay keeps building cost low and prepares the Steam page, trailer and playtests that move a game up the distribution. Free to build; publishing tools free in beta until 1 December 2026.