Post Games Why Great Games Sometimes Flop (Simon Carless)
Oct 20, 2025
Simon Carless, founder of Game Discover Co. and a guru in game discoverability, shares insights on the art of ensuring great games aren't lost in the shuffle. He discusses tracking trends with tools like Steam scanning and the role of 'vibes' in player attraction. The conversation dives into the impact of discounts on game launches, revealing their potential to boost long-term revenue but not necessarily rescue initial failures. Carless emphasizes early consulting during development and explores the balancing act between artistic vision and market demands.
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Explosion Of Monthly Releases
- Steam game releases grew from ~25/month in 2012 to ~1,500/month by 2025, creating massive cumulative competition.
- Developers now compete not just with new releases but with the entire back catalog on platforms.
Make Five-Second First Impressions Count
- Prioritize immediate attraction: can a 5–8 second video make players want the game?
- Design visuals and messaging so people instantly know and feel drawn to it.
Benchmark With Data And Player Affinity
- Use data to benchmark your game: track tags, trends, Steam followers, and estimated wishlists.
- Analyze player affinities from public profiles to find which audiences are most likely to engage.