Steam Revenue Calculator: Estimate Your Game Developer Earnings

Steam Revenue Calculator | Game Developer Earnings Estimator

Steam Revenue Calculator

Estimate your game's potential earnings on Steam

Revenue Summary

Gross Revenue: $0.00
Steam Cut (30%): $0.00
VAT (Average): $0.00
Estimated Refunds: $0.00
Net Revenue: $0.00

Regional Breakdown

Additional Insights

Steam Revenue Calculator Guide

How to Use the Calculator

  1. Enter your game's base price in USD
  2. Input estimated units (copies) to be sold
  3. Select your game type/genre
  4. Choose your primary market region
  5. Check additional options (DLC, Early Access)
  6. Click "Calculate Revenue" to see results

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: Indie Platformer

Inputs:

  • Base Price: $19.99
  • Estimated Units: 10,000
  • Game Type: Indie
  • Region Focus: Global
  • DLC: No
  • Early Access: No

Results:

  • Gross Revenue: $199,900
  • Steam Cut (30%): $59,970
  • VAT (avg 15%): $29,985
  • Refunds (8%): $15,992
  • Net Revenue: $93,953

This represents a typical indie game launch with moderate success. The global distribution helps minimize regional pricing impact.

Example 2: Successful RPG with DLC

Inputs:

  • Base Price: $29.99
  • Estimated Units: 50,000
  • Game Type: RPG
  • Region Focus: NA Focus
  • DLC: Yes
  • Early Access: No

Results:

  • Gross Revenue: $1,499,500
  • Steam Cut: $449,850
  • VAT: $224,925
  • Refunds (7%): $104,965
  • DLC Revenue: $524,825
  • Net Revenue: $1,244,585

Higher base price and DLC strategy significantly boost revenue. RPGs typically have good DLC attachment rates.

Example 3: Early Access Strategy Game

Inputs:

  • Base Price: $24.99
  • Estimated Units: 25,000
  • Game Type: Strategy
  • Region Focus: EU Focus
  • DLC: Yes
  • Early Access: Yes

Results:

  • Gross Revenue: $624,750
  • Steam Cut: $187,425
  • VAT: $93,712
  • Refunds (6%): $37,485
  • DLC Revenue: $187,425
  • Net Revenue: $493,553

Early Access strategy games often benefit from community feedback and have lower refund rates.

Example 4: Casual Mobile Port

Inputs:

  • Base Price: $4.99
  • Estimated Units: 100,000
  • Game Type: Casual
  • Region Focus: Global
  • DLC: No
  • Early Access: No

Results:

  • Gross Revenue: $499,000
  • Steam Cut: $149,700
  • VAT: $74,850
  • Refunds (12%): $59,880
  • Net Revenue: $214,570

Lower price point but higher volume. Casual games typically see higher refund rates but can achieve greater unit sales.

Important Considerations

Regional Pricing Impact

Steam's regional pricing can significantly affect revenue. For example:

  • US Price: $19.99
  • EU Price: ≈$18.99
  • Russia Price: ≈$9.99
  • China Price: ≈$9.99

DLC Strategy

DLC attachment rates by genre:

  • RPG: 35%
  • Strategy: 30%
  • Action: 25%
  • Indie: 15%
  • Casual: 10%

Refund Rates

Average refund rates by genre:

  • Strategy: 6%
  • RPG: 7%
  • Indie: 8%
  • Action: 10%
  • Casual: 12%

Sales Distribution

Typical first-year sales distribution:

  • Launch Month: 30-45%
  • First Quarter: 50-65%
  • Remainder: 35-50%

Tips for Accurate Estimates

  • Research similar games in your genre for realistic unit estimates
  • Consider your marketing budget and visibility plan
  • Account for seasonal sales and discounts
  • Factor in your game's development time and quality
  • Consider your target audience and their purchasing power