Choosing The Right Genre For Success on Steam

If you're a video game developer for PC, then you know that getting your game on Steam is a big deal. Not only does it give you access to millions of potential customers, but it also puts your game in front of some of the most passionate and engaged gamers in the world. But with tens of thousands of games currently on Steam, how do you make sure your game stands out from the crowd?

One of the big decisions you will have to make that will impact you success is genre. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the five most popular genres of games on Steam, what makes them so popular but also why going niche might be a better option.

Action games are one of the most popular genres on Steam, and for good reason. They're fast-paced, they're exciting, and they're usually easy to pick up and play. Some of the most popular action games on Steam include Counter-Strike, DOOM, and Grand Theft Auto.

If you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping genre, look no further than shooter games. Shooter games are all about reflexes and split-second decisions, and they're usually packed with intense action. Some of the most popular shooter games on Steam include Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and Halo.

Strategy games are perfect for gamers who like to take their time and think things through before making their move. These type of games usually have a high learning curve but can be extremely rewarding once you get the hang of them. Some of the most popular strategy games on Steam include Civilization, Total War, and StarCraft.

RPGs (role-playing games) are one of the deepest and most immersive genres in gaming. In an RPG, you'll usually create a character and embark on an epic quest filled with danger, mystery, and magic. Some of the most popular RPG games on Steam include Skyrim, Pillars of Eternity, and Pathfinder.

MMOs (massively multiplayer online games) are some of the most social games out there. In an MMO, you'll be playing with hundreds or even thousands of other players from all over the world in real-time. Popular MMOs on Steam include World of Warcraft, EVE Online, and Guild Wars 2.

While there are many benefits to choosing a more popular genre such as first-person shooters or puzzle games, there can also be benefits to choosing a niche genre.

If you choose a more popular genre for your game, chances are you will be competing with many other developers who have also chosen that genre. However, if you choose a niche genre, you will immediately stand out from the crowd. This can be beneficial when it comes to marketing your game as well as getting media attention.

When you choose a niche genre, you can target a specific audience with your game. This can be beneficial from a business standpoint because you can specifically cater to the needs and wants of your target audience. For example, if you are developing a strategy game for mobile devices, your target audience might be people who enjoy playing chess or other strategy games.

As we mentioned before, choosing a more popular genre for your game can mean that you will have more competition. However, if you choose a niche genre, there is a chance that you might have less competition. This can be beneficial because it means that there is less of a chance that someone else has already developed a game similar to yours.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a genre for your video game. While there are benefits to choosing a more popular genre such as more overall interest, there can also be benefits to choosing a niche genre. Ultimately, the decision of which genre to choose for your game depends on what you as a developer want to make. But it's important to know that gamers often choose by genre, which can have a big impact on your chances of success. In both cases having good video game marketing is going to help you own a niche or stand out in a crowded genre.