Rethinking Game Success: Why Steam Wishlists Are No Longer Enough

The gaming industry has long relied on Steam wishlists as a key indicator of a game's potential success. However, this approach has become outdated. With conversion rates declining and high-profile game launches failing to meet expectations, it's clear that wishlists alone are no longer a reliable measure of success. Instead, developers should focus on a broader range of signals, including community engagement, player retention, and social media sentiment. By tracking these metrics, studios can gain a more accurate understanding of their game's potential and make informed decisions about marketing, development, and investment. This shift in approach can help both AAA and indie developers to de-risk their game launches, secure funding, and build a loyal community of players. Rather than relying solely on wishlists, developers should prioritize community building and measure the health, sentiment, and retention of their player base to predict and generate success.