30% Cut

from Elemental Forums

I have noticed a trend... its not particularly hard to see.

Apple app store: 30% cut

Amazon Books: 30% cut

Steam (steamworks): ??? cut

Impulse store: 30% cut, or 15% if you sell through your own website

Android store: 30% cut

Everyone else: probably 30% cut too...

New Impulse microtransactions: 30%.

PayPal: 5% cut + 5 cents for microtransactions, 2.9% + 30 cents for standard transaction

 

As an indie game developer... I currently am making a game that will be free to play with microtransactions. I wanted to get on steam but was rejected... dunno why. I was excited that i had a good chance of getting on Impulse, but then I heard that they wanted 30%. I wanted to use a platform that had lots of features but honestly I don't think it makes financial sense. Most of these services are little more than a portal. The bandwidth costs they pay for are minimal. Some of the services game platforms have like community/social networking, matchmaking, achievements etc are pretty cool, but they alone aren't worth more than 5%. Obviously if I just use PayPal and do all the little extras myself, it would save me a huge amount of money. 

What do you guys think... do these services offer a value thats worth 30%? Keep in mind that you have to pay salaries, taxes, marketing, etc. Do these services boost sales for the average game, or do games sell themselves these days?

 

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35,771 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

The bandwidth costs they pay for are minimal.
End of quote
.

Setup your own....cover those 'minimal' costs yourself....get wealthy on 'microtransactions' ....;)

Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

Okay, besides the fact that you can get a few TB/mo for 10$ I don't really know how much bandwidth costs are, but i wish i had the option of paying the bandwidth costs and paying a smaller % cut for my revenues

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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

2 people each have an apple cart.

One sets up trade in the middle of a desert [cos the real-estate is free].

The other sets up in a bustling shopping arcade and pays 30% of his apple sales in rent.

Which one is more successful/sells his apples? ...;)

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Yep, it's all about exposure. With millions of visitors both Steam & Impulse will get your product in front of a larger audience than you can possibly accomplish alone with unlimited bandwidth. The cost you pay them is small relative to the cost you'd pay in advertising to make the same sales.

Reply #5 from Elemental Forums Top

[insert From Dusk Till Dawn quote about the cut for staying in El Rey being 30%, and non-negotiable.]

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Hello Angel,

If you sell lemonade on two streets, then you will sell more lemonade.

Good Luck