A new survey reveals that 72% of game developers view Steam as holding a monopoly on the PC gaming market, with the platform accounting for over 75% of their revenue. Conducted by Atomik Research in May 2025, the poll highlights growing dependency concerns among industry executives. Despite this, many plan to expand to alternative distribution channels.
Survey Overview
The report, titled 'The State of PC Game Distribution,' was commissioned by the PC distribution platform Rokky and surveyed 306 industry executives from the United States and the United Kingdom between May 18 and May 22, 2025. A majority of respondents held senior management roles, with 77% from companies employing more than 50 people. The findings, shared on November 4, 2025, underscore Steam's dominant position in PC game sales.
Key Findings
Nearly three-quarters (72%) of executives acknowledged that Steam represents a monopoly in the PC games market, and over 50% expressed concerns about their heavy reliance on it for distribution. Steam generates more than 75% of revenue for most studios, yet only 32% of developers continue to support physical media releases.
Distribution patterns show diversification efforts: 48% of companies list titles on both the Epic Games Store and Xbox PC Games Store, while 10% use GOG and 8% utilize Itch.io. Larger firms prefer the Epic Games Store, whereas Itch.io appeals more to independents. Alternative options like marketplaces (G2A, Kinguin) and e-stores (Fanatical, Humble Bundle) are valued for ease of use, pricing control, marketing support, and global reach.
Looking ahead, 80% of respondents anticipate using additional sales channels alongside Steam within the next five years, with three-quarters expecting at least a 10% revenue boost. However, challenges include gray market risks and reduced operational control.
Rokky co-founder and CEO Vadim Andreev commented, 'The rise of e-stores and marketplaces has made PC game distribution more diverse and complex. There are numerous opportunities and challenges. Established players remain important, and it's crucial to understand the landscape, which is why this report highlights key industry trends.'