Have you ever dreamed of making your own video game and selling it to millions? What if we told you that it’s possible—even without a big studio behind you? That’s right! Self-published games can and do become bestsellers. The secret? A mix of creativity, smart marketing, and a little bit of luck.
TLDR: Yes, self-published games can definitely become bestsellers!
A strong idea, unique gameplay, and great marketing can help your game stand out. Platforms like Steam and itch.io make it easier than ever to get your game out there. Some huge hits started small. Indie developers with no studio backing have broken millions in sales!
What Is a Self-Published Game?
Let’s break it down. A self-published game is made and released by the developer without the help of a publisher. That means:
- No big company funds your project.
- You handle the marketing.
- You set the release date and price.
In short, you’re your own boss. You wear many hats: programmer, artist, marketer, and sometimes even musician!
Can it Really Become a Bestseller?
Absolutely! Some of the biggest indie hits were self-published. Remember Stardew Valley? One guy made it. One. Guy. And it sold millions!
Still not convinced? Here are a few other blockbuster indie games made without publishers:
- Undertale – quirky RPG made with charm.
- Slay the Spire – addictive card game everyone played.
- Phasmophobia – a spooky multiplayer game made by a single developer!
Just because a game is indie or self-published doesn’t mean it’s small or low-quality. Some of these titles became even more popular than AAA games with multi-million dollar budgets!
What Makes a Self-Published Game Succeed?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a few key ingredients help:
1. Unique Gameplay
People love new ideas. They get tired of the same thing over and over. So if your game brings something fresh to the table, it stands a better chance.
2. Solid Execution
Even the greatest idea can flop if it’s filled with bugs. So spend time polishing it. Make sure it runs smoothly. Visuals don’t have to be AAA-level, but the game should feel good to play.
3. Strong Community
Many indie games succeed thanks to loyal fans. These are the people who leave reviews, tell their friends, and stream gameplay. Show them love, and they’ll help your game grow!
4. Smart Marketing
Here’s a truth bomb: even the best game won’t sell if nobody knows it exists.
Marketing can make all the difference. This might include:
- Posting on Reddit, Discord, or gaming forums
- Reaching out to YouTubers and streamers
- Running ads on platforms like Instagram or Twitter
- Creating a cool trailer that grabs attention
Where Can You Sell a Self-Published Game?
Another reason self-publishing is more doable today: online platforms. You don’t need to beg a store to put your game on its shelf.
Here are some top choices:
- Steam – the #1 platform for PC games
- itch.io – great for indie and experimental games
- Epic Games Store – another big platform with a growing audience
- Google Play and Apple App Store – mobile games can also dominate
Each platform has its own rules, but most let you upload your game directly. Some charge a small fee or take a cut from sales.
Challenges of Self-Publishing
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Being your own publisher is tough. You’ll face some big challenges:
Time and Effort
You’ll work long hours. Making a game is hard—releasing and promoting it adds even more weight to your plate.
No Budget
Without a publisher, you’re often bootstrapping everything. That means DIY trailers, self-made art, and possibly learning sound design from scratch.
Visibility
The biggest challenge? Getting noticed. There are thousands of games released every year. Standing out is not easy.
Tips for Indie Game Success
There’s no cheat code to becoming a bestseller, but these tips can help:
- Start small: Don’t aim for your dream MMO right away. Make a short, sweet game to learn how the process works.
- Build in public: Share progress on social media. Let people become fans before launch.
- Get feedback early: Friends, Reddit users, or even strangers can point out bugs or boring parts.
- Join game dev communities: You’re not alone! Other devs can offer advice, support, and sometimes even partnerships.
- Celebrate small wins: First download? Awesome. First sale? Even better. Every step counts.
Success Stories That Inspire
Looking for motivation? Here are real indie game developers who started small and hit it big:
ConcernedApe – Stardew Valley
This farming sim was made by one guy over several years. He did the art, code, music—everything. When it launched, it exploded in popularity. It sold over 20 million copies!
Toby Fox – Undertale
This weird little RPG charmed everyone with its humor and music. It was made with GameMaker and released on Steam. Now it’s a cult classic.
Eric Barone – Again, just wow
He showed that persistence, patience, and passion can beat big budgets.
So… Can You Do It?
Definitely, yes! With the right idea, dedication, and smart use of tools, your self-published game can become a hit.
Will it be easy? No. But it’s absolutely possible.
You don’t need a million-dollar budget to build something memorable. You just need a fresh idea and the will to see it through. The world loves underdog stories—and you could be the next one!
Final Word
If you’ve got a game idea burning in your brain, don’t wait. Start today. Learn as you go. Build. Improve. Share. The path is tough, but the rewards can be huge.
Who knows? Your little pixel art project could be tomorrow’s big hit.