My game got a noticeable bump in sales/wishlists/demo plays once I hit 10 review

[u/Jobblesack_Games]

Before launch on September 3rd I had ~750 wishlists (could have been much higher but it's my first game and I did a lot of things wrong leading up to launch) the main big spike at the is from streamer coverage, that vast majority of which came from one major Youtuber (ImCade <3). And the second big spike, though more-so in wishlists came once my game hit 10 reviews (it probably also helps that they are 100% positive). That's the critical point at which steam starts showing blue text on the reviews summary.

Sadly a number of my friends had some big life things happening (just after labour day doesn't seem to be a great time of year for that) or don't have steam, so was only able to get 1 review from them so far.

Spent the first few days after launch watching/engaging with every bit of content that was made by people about my game, and incorporating that feedback into the first and soon second update. It was a big help getting a couple of reviews from them, though some were streamers that were given keys to cover the game so their reviews don't count towards the score, but still helpful social proof and I feel it encourages others to leave a review.

Right now 1/4 of my reviews are not in English, so I'm definitely thankful that I localized my game as those reviews count towards the score too.

So if you're an indie developer, do what you can to get people to put those reviews in early as it definitely helps with visibility! Has anyone else seen similar bumps at 10, 50, 500 reviews? Also best of luck with all your launches!

Here's the game's page if anyone is interested:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3721660/Cozy_Crunch/

[u/jruiz_]

https://howtomarketagame.com/2022/01/25/why-your-first-10-reviews-are-the-most-important/

[u/Jobblesack_Games → u/jruiz_]

Thanks for the link. I had heard that number of Chris before elsewhere and wanted to share some of my own data. Also, that blog post is from 2.5 years ago so my current data helps show that this is a still a relevant metric that Steam takes into account.

[u/jruiz_ → u/Jobblesack_Games]

Yeah, I commented to supplement your post. Especially since this shows that what the blog covers is still true. Glad you got to experience it firsthand!

[u/Darknesium → u/Jobblesack_Games]

Gotta add that Chris is constantly updating his info, so reading his blog is almost a must do

[u/nubes_ix]

Congrats! I'm making a cat-themed game too -- cat lovers, UNITE!

[u/Jobblesack_Games → u/nubes_ix]

😸

[u/Pab10Suarez → u/nubes_ix]

hey i am also making a cat game hehe

[u/DaisyGamesStudio]

Yep, this is normal. The sooner you get them, the better the bump usually too!

[u/Funny-Buffalo-7837]

i just hit my first 10 reviews too, hoping to see that bump!