It's taken quite a while, but it seems the Linux version of squad based roguelike Steam Marines has nearly become profitable.
Back in November of 2016, the developer posted this on Twitter about how sales of the game had gone:
Steam Marines 1 lifetime sales are (approximately) 3% Mac and 2% Linux.
— Ω (@Worthless_Bums) November 8, 2016
So. It's generally not profitable for me to support them.
Worth noting though, that they did also say back then that "Linux users almost never contact me for tech support". I should probably also mention, that the Linux version of Steam Marines actually came out nearly a year later than the Windows version.
Fast-forward to February of this year and it's a bit of a different story now:
About a year and a half later I think I've mostly turned this corner?
— Ω (@Worthless_Bums) February 9, 2018
Approximate Steam Marines 1 sales are now:
Mac 6.36%
Linux 4.95%
Rough internal metrics for work on Mac/Lin suggest Mac has moved into profit territory and Linux is almost break even.https://t.co/gpNP8xcFQs
It's really interesting to see that Linux has actually increased sales over a long period, quite nice to see in fact. What's even more interesting, is that with Steam's current market share for Linux being at 0.55% it seems that it's actually doing quite well.
About the game:
Steam Marines is a squad based Roguelike set on a steampunk spaceship. It features tactical play focused on positioning and careful use of resources. Built to keep you on your toes as you progress through the decks of your besieged ship while clearing enemies and trying to reach each level's elevator.
If you don't own it, you're missing out as it's pretty good. You can grab it from Humble Store, Steam and itch.io, although Humble Store doesn't show a Linux icon, so we've let the developer know about that.
The developer is currently working on Steam Marines 2, which is currently on itch.io and they're hopefully going to put up a Linux version soon. They said on Twitter they're hoping to do so in the next few days.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
jasondaigo May 14, 2018
rustybroomhandle May 14, 2018
lucifertdark May 14, 2018
ObsidianBlk May 14, 2018
I honestly think these developers/publishers shoot themselves in the foot by releasing Linux versions months or years later (after hype, excitement, or even memory of their game has significantly dimmed). Then, these same "late to Linux" devs FINALLY release, then look at their sales numbers and say "hey... selling on Linux sucks!". It almost feels like they WANT to MAKE it look like Linux users don't bother with their games.
Also, Linux games should/must come Day1 or very close to Day1. Too many games are on the way, and it's usually more attractive for many to play "the same game as the neighbour". If Linux comes 6 months later, in the meantime i probably will have many other similar games to pick from, so why should i look back ?
I mean, alright, if you are a late buyer, you have a more stable, patched, balanced games, most of the time, but you are also a lone one.
QuoteWhat's even more interesting, is that with Steam's current market share for Linux being at 0.55% it seems that it's actually doing quite well.
If we would overflowing with AAA's like Windows , i think that wouldn't be the same
Quoting: LeopardIf we would overflowing with AAA's like Windows , i think that wouldn't be the same
Yes. It would be a huge surprise if the percentage would be close to the survey, as the percantage of supported games is lower. Like, the games supporting Linux are getting the share of those not doing so.
Quoting: jasondaigoits about the "hyped factor"; i can never purchase hyped titles anyway on linux; when i can get them they are rather old; all my collegues are on windws; and if a game is 3months old or more they will never ever buy that game. cause its "old". no joke; they wont buy it 9/10.
How does that even work ?
How is a game "old" ?
Some games come to mind (CK2) are still getting DLC and content years later.
PublicNuisance May 14, 2018
Quoting: ObsidianBlkIDK... while it's good to hear that Steam Marines is making profit from Linux, even after some time, I still have to wonder how much MORE profit they might have made via Linux had they released it at the same time as Windows.
Yeah, their Linux share might even be 5.1%! They'd pull in a whole $20 more.
ObsidianBlk May 14, 2018
Quoting: tmtvlQuoting: ObsidianBlkIDK... while it's good to hear that Steam Marines is making profit from Linux, even after some time, I still have to wonder how much MORE profit they might have made via Linux had they released it at the same time as Windows.
Yeah, their Linux share might even be 5.1%! They'd pull in a whole $20 more.
Why the snark? Seriously. If you have a reason why you think what I said was wrong or that my idea that releasing a game at the same time wouldn't truly matter, then, by all means, explain.
Luke_Nukem May 14, 2018
Quote95% of the sales came from Windows users. This was despite Linux users arguing that lots would buy if a Linux version was made available.
This is a common theme it seems, yes lots argue for it, but come on, have a realistic expectation - it's not going to blow Windows out of the water regardless of how many argue for it.
Quoting: Luke_NukemQuote95% of the sales came from Windows users. This was despite Linux users arguing that lots would buy if a Linux version was made available.
This is a common theme it seems, yes lots argue for it, but come on, have a realistic expectation - it's not going to blow Windows out of the water regardless of how many argue for it.
Actually, it wouldn't surprise me if it turned out all of those Linux users (and many more) actually bought the game, and some of them (me) bought more than one copy for their friends as well, but it still didn't make much difference. As Luke_Nukem said, realistic expectations are the key. There are how many... several hundred thousands of Linux users on Steam? And how many declared they'd buy it... 50? 150? Assuming the game sold 10k copies, 5% is 500. I doubt there were 500 comments from unique Linux users in +1 threads. That's part of the reason why +1 threads don't make any sense for me whatsoever.
Above said, I'll try to cover them on our curator page sometime soon. They deserve a boost.
lucifertdark May 28, 2018
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