A new survey conducted by Atomik Research in May suggests that most developers see Steam as having a dominant hold over the PC gaming market. According to the study, 72% of developers believe the Valve-owned platform effectively operates as a monopoly.
The survey included 306 industry executives from countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. Of those surveyed, 75% hold leadership roles within their studios, and 77% work with teams of 50 or more people.
The research was commissioned by Rokky, a digital distribution platform that aims to raise awareness about the risks of Steam’s market dominance — not only for large publishers but also for independent studios.
Steam Generates 75% of Studios’ PC Revenue
Developers revealed that, on average, Steam accounts for 75% of their digital PC revenue. Despite this success, many expressed concern over relying so heavily on a single platform. The majority said they would like to see more support and visibility in alternative stores to reduce dependence on Steam.
Atomik Research’s data shows that 48% of respondents also distribute their titles through the Epic Games Store and the Microsoft Store, while 10% use GOG and 8% choose Itch.io.
Looking ahead, 80% of studios expect to use alternative PC platforms within the next five years. Larger studios tend to prefer Epic Games Store, while indie developers gravitate toward Itch.io.
Developers also mentioned marketplaces like G2A and Kinguin, and digital storefronts such as Fanatical and Humble Bundle, citing their international reach, promotional support, and pricing flexibility as key advantages.
According to the report, 75% of those surveyed believe adopting these alternatives could lead to at least a 10% boost in overall revenue.
Rokky’s CEO: “Variety Is the Key”
Vadim Andreev, CEO of Rokky, encouraged developers to explore other distribution options rather than relying solely on Steam.
“With the rise of digital stores and marketplaces, PC game distribution has become more diverse, broad, and complex than ever,” said Andreev.
“New opportunities are everywhere — as are challenges. Many of the old players remain relevant, but understanding the nuances of this evolving landscape is crucial. We commissioned this study to shed light on the trends that matter most.”
