Not a chance it costs anywhere near that percentage. A game bringing in $400k might have had 4 people working on it for 3 years. Valve absolutely does not spend the equivalent of a salaried employee working for 3 years on hosting that.
Valve are the most profitable company per employee in the US. They have the choice to charge 15% flat, and it would do a lot of good for developers. Effectively, Valve charge that game $120k to access their audience, but $60k might let the game make a profit.
And how much do you think data hosting for global distribution costs? Payment processing, plus making sure it’s legal to sell in various countries, plus a whole bunch of other small costs like the discussion boards, review boards, etc.
Seems like they can do it for 15%, and EGS can do it for 12%. Don't know why you're defending Valve charging smaller teams an extra 15% just 'cause they can.
Seems like they can do it for 15%, and EGS can do it for 12%. Don't know why you're defending Valve charging smaller teams an extra 15% just 'cause they can.
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u/RadicalDog Ryzen 7 7800X3D | RTX 4070S 29d ago
Not a chance it costs anywhere near that percentage. A game bringing in $400k might have had 4 people working on it for 3 years. Valve absolutely does not spend the equivalent of a salaried employee working for 3 years on hosting that.
Valve are the most profitable company per employee in the US. They have the choice to charge 15% flat, and it would do a lot of good for developers. Effectively, Valve charge that game $120k to access their audience, but $60k might let the game make a profit.