For indie developers, accumulating Steam wishlists is crucial for visibility and sales. A robust wishlist count can lead to better placement in Steam’s discovery algorithms, increased exposure during sales events, and a stronger launch. Moreover, here’s how to effectively boost your game’s wishlist numbers.
Wishlists are the currency of visibility on Steam; and indie developers need them to thrive. This in-depth guide shows you how to optimize your Steam page, leverage events, and use social media and influencer marketing to build momentum. From devlogs to demos, we cover 10 powerful ways to boost wishlist numbers in 2025. If you’re launching a game soon, this one’s a must-read.
1. Launch Your Steam Page Early
Creating your Steam page early allows you to start gathering wishlists and building community interest. Furthermore, as highlighted in this Reddit discussion, early exposure increases the chances of Steam showcasing your game to potential wishlisters. Ensure your page includes:
- A compelling trailer highlighting gameplay.
- High-quality screenshots showcasing key features.
- A clear, concise game description with relevant tags.
This foundation is essential for all subsequent marketing efforts.
2. Optimize Your Steam Page
An optimized Steam page converts visitors into wishlisters. Focus on:
- Capsule Art: Invest in professional artwork that stands out.
- Tags: Use accurate and popular tags to improve discoverability.
- Description: Clearly communicate your game’s unique selling points.
For example, regularly update your page with news and community posts to keep potential players engaged. For instance, refer to Vagon’s guide on optimizing your Steam page.
3. Leverage Social Media Platforms
Utilize platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit to share development updates, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with your audience. Moreover, consistent posting and interaction can build a loyal following and drive traffic to your Steam page. Also, as one indie developer shared on Reddit, regular social media activity significantly contributed to their wishlist growth.
4. Collaborate with Influencers
Partnering with streamers and content creators can expose your game to broader audiences. Provide them with early access or exclusive content to showcase. Ensure they include a call-to-action for viewers to wishlist your game. Reverb Communications emphasizes the impact of influencer marketing on increasing Steam wishlists.
5. Participate in Steam Events
Events like Steam Next Fest offer significant exposure. To maximize benefits:
- Submit a polished demo.
- Engage with players during the event.
- Promote your participation across all channels.
On the other hand, timing your event participation close to your game’s release can amplify interest and wishlist additions. According to Reverb Communications, games featured in Steam events often see a substantial increase in wishlist numbers.
6. Engage with Gaming Communities
Although active participation in forums and communities related to your game’s genre can build awareness, sharing insights, responding to feedback, and avoiding overt self-promotion is key. Lastly, authentic engagement fosters trust and interest. For instance, Polygon highlights how indie developers successfully built their initial player base through community engagement.
7. Utilize Email Marketing
Build an email list through your website or during events. Regular newsletters with development updates, exclusive content, or early access opportunities can keep your audience engaged and encourage wishlisting. Also, as suggested by Fungies.io, email marketing remains a powerful tool for indie game promotion.
8. Monitor and Adjust Your Strategy
Use analytics tools to track the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. Monitor traffic sources, conversion rates, and wishlist growth to identify what’s working and adjust your strategy accordingly. How to Market a Game provides insights on analyzing and improving your game’s daily wishlist rate.
9. Create a Developer Blog or Devlog Series
Maintaining a devlog—either on your website, Steam page, or platforms like Itch.io or Medium—keeps players informed and invested. Sharing behind-the-scenes progress, challenges, and milestones builds transparency and anticipation. According to Game Developer, consistent devlogs can directly influence wishlist conversions.
10. Offer a Free Demo or Prologue
Offering a short, polished demo or prologue version of your game gives players a reason to try before they commit. It lowers the barrier of entry and often leads to a wishlist if the experience is positive. As seen with successful titles like Dredge and Dave the Diver, free demos are a proven driver of wishlist growth when paired with Steam festivals or press outreach. This is supported in Steamworks documentation as an effective discovery strategy.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, increasing your game’s wishlists on Steam is a multifaceted endeavor requiring consistent effort across various channels. To sum up, by launching your Steam page early, optimizing it effectively, engaging with communities, and leveraging social media and influencer partnerships, you can build momentum leading up to your game’s release.
For more in-depth guides and resources tailored for indie developers, read more of our dev-hub articles.