Game Discovery
Ongoing coverage on Game Discovery.
Latest coverage
Steam rejigs tags in a potential win for game visibility. And, more importantly, capybaras
Valve has updated Steam's game tagging system, removing 28 tags and adding 17 new ones, including 'Bullet Heaven' and specific animal tags like 'Capybaras.' The changes aim to improve game discovery by streamlining subjective and overlapping tags, such as 'Cult Classic' and 'NSFW.' The 'single-player' tag remains the most prevalent on the platform.
Steam's NSFW and Mature tags ditched by Valve in favour of "more descriptive" ones like Sexual Content and Gore, as part of wider revamp
Valve has revamped Steam's tagging system, replacing broad tags like NSFW and Mature with more descriptive ones such as Sexual Content and Gore. This change aims to improve game discovery and recommendations by providing clearer categorizations for genres and themes, with 17 new tags added and 28 removed.
Steam Store Tags Update
Valve has announced updates to Steam's Store Tags to improve game discovery. New official tags have been added, including 'Bullet Heaven' for survivorslike games and 'Desktop Companion' for games with companion app functionality.
Why Summer Break Is Still the Best Time to Discover New Games
Summer break provides players with more free time, leading to increased experimentation with new and hidden games, a trend amplified by subscription services like Xbox Game Pass PC and digital marketplaces. This period also sees friend groups playing together more consistently and live-service games releasing seasonal events, fostering a dynamic environment for game discovery and creating memorable gaming experiences beyond major AAA releases.
Time-Melting Indie Game Skopje '83 Gets Global Love From Japanese Gamers | HappyGamer
The indie game Skopje '83 has gained significant attention from Japanese gamers, highlighted by content creator @hobbidwa for its time-melting qualities. This cross-cultural discovery showcases how indie titles can bridge gaming cultures and emphasizes the importance of human curation in game discovery amidst the vastness of platforms like Steam.
Indie Studios Rally Against Marketing Costs That Kill Games Before Launch | HappyGamer
Indie game developers are facing significant challenges due to high marketing costs that hinder game discovery and lead to financial ruin. The current system favors large budgets, pushing innovative and personal narratives out of the conversation. Emerging solutions like ISEEKAI_GO aim to build alternative ecosystems that prioritize community-driven discovery over traditional advertising models, potentially reshaping the future of indie game launches.
Indie Game Bearzerk Hits Steam Discovery Queue After Single Review | HappyGamer
Indie game Bearzerk, developed by Dadbod_Games, has gained visibility on Steam after receiving a single 'mostly positive' review following fifteen hours of gameplay. This review triggered the game's inclusion in Steam's discovery queue, a crucial step for indie titles struggling for attention in a crowded marketplace. The article highlights the power of individual player reviews and engagement in the success of independent games.
Steam's Wild Week: Pottery Brawler Flops While Old Games Get Mysterious Second Wind | HappyGamer
Steam experienced a turbulent week with the underperformance of the multiplayer pottery brawler Kiln, while older games saw unexpected surges in popularity. Developers are grappling with the unpredictable nature of Steam's discovery algorithms and the challenges of launching new titles. The article highlights the importance of strong execution, community building, and adaptability for indie developers navigating the platform's evolving dynamics.
Three Steam Games Drop to Free in Latest Limited-Time Promotion
Steam is currently offering three games for free as part of a limited-time promotion, a strategy designed to engage players and expose smaller developers to new audiences. These flash deals create urgency and leverage the power of 'free' to drive engagement, boost daily active users, and strengthen Steam's position as a leading PC gaming platform.
Twitter Community Builds Discovery Engine for Hidden Indie Gaming Gems
The indie game community on Twitter is developing a grassroots discovery engine, exemplified by 'Indie Spotlight Tuesdays,' to help hidden gems gain visibility on platforms like Steam. This initiative encourages developers to share trailers, screenshots, and descriptions, fostering organic engagement and community-driven recommendations as an alternative to traditional marketing.
ID@Xbox Showcase Puts Indie Games in the Spotlight with IGN Partnership
Xbox's ID@Xbox program is partnering with IGN for a showcase event to highlight upcoming indie games. This collaboration aims to give smaller developers greater exposure through IGN's large audience on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. The event celebrates creativity and the spirit of game discovery, offering a significant promotional opportunity for independent studios.
Tag, You’re It: GeForce NOW Levels Up Game Discovery With Xbox Game Pass and Ubisoft+ Labels
NVIDIA's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service has introduced new in-app labels to improve game discovery, making it easier for users to identify titles available through subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and Ubisoft+. This update also adds six new games to the platform, including Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard and a new skin for Thor in Marvel Rivals.
Valve designer says "you should make a good game" if you want attention on Steam, there's no "secret…
Valve designer Alden Kroll stated that the key to success on Steam is to create a good game, emphasizing that discoverability tools like Steam Next Fest are helpful but not a substitute for quality. He advised developers to actively engage with fans online using trailers and screenshots to build awareness and excitement before and during a game's release.
Four Indie Games Get Community Spotlight Through Follow Friday Push
BSS Games HQ highlighted four indie games—Little Lake, The Rabbit Haul, Pikku Adventure, and Swimpossible!—through a Follow Friday campaign to boost their visibility. This initiative emphasizes community-driven discovery and developer support as crucial for independent creators in a crowded market. The campaign focuses on connecting players directly with developers, fostering organic promotion beyond traditional marketing.
CoD Launches Are Gone, But Game Pass Should Ditch All The Other Games You've Heard Of, Too
Microsoft has removed day-one access to Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, leading to speculation about a new, cheaper tier focused on curated AA and indie games. The author argues that a more focused Game Pass library could help smaller titles gain attention and provide better value than a vast collection of AAA games.
Content Creators Are Changing the Game for Indie Discovery
Content creators are significantly impacting indie game discovery by leveraging their communities for recommendations, bypassing traditional marketing. This trend allows developers direct access to creators and their audiences, fostering authentic coverage and helping smaller titles find their players. The creator economy's maturation and platform evolution are further enabling this symbiotic relationship, benefiting players with access to diverse games.
Weekend Indie Game Roundup Showcases Hidden Steam Gems Worth Playing
This article highlights four indie games showcased in a 'Follow Friday' roundup: Escape from Ever After, Mesoké, Sol Cesto, and Your Judgment, Inquisitor. It discusses the challenges indie developers face in game discovery on platforms like Steam and praises human curation as a valuable method for finding hidden gems.
PC Gaming’s Secret Weapon: Half Its Revenue Comes From Hidden Gems
PC gaming generates over 50% of its revenue from games outside the top 20, a stark contrast to console and mobile platforms dominated by blockbusters. This diversity is attributed to effective game discovery algorithms, the wishlist system, a strong modding culture, and community recommendations, fostering an environment where indie and niche titles can thrive. This trend highlights the profitability of supporting diverse and experimental game development, positioning PC as a platform for innovation.
ID@Xbox global director says Xbox Game Pass is a discovery multiplier
ID@Xbox global director Guy Richards stated that launching games on Xbox Game Pass can significantly boost their visibility and success on other platforms, including PC via Steam wishlists. He highlighted the discovery multiplier effect, increased player discussion, and the marketing support provided by Xbox as key benefits. The article also briefly mentions recent price increases for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and a leaked internal memo suggesting the service has become too expensive.
Gamers Turn to Screenshots for Perfect Game Recommendations
Gamers are increasingly using screenshots to discover new games, relying on visual cues like art style and mood rather than traditional marketing. Platforms like Steam and communities like Reddit facilitate this trend, allowing users to share and recommend games based on evocative imagery. This method cuts through marketing noise and taps into the emotional experience of gaming, highlighting a shift towards finding games that match a player's current mood.
