Steam provides developers a unique opportunity as it permits hoarding behaviors typical in collectors. Unlike consumers of other entertainment services, gamers tend to buy games without concern for how much they will play them. Despite criticism over Valve's revenue model, the 30% cut is justified because developers profit from consumers' impulsive spending tendencies. This behavior creates a market where even games that may never be played can still generate revenue for developers, particularly if they fit a clear genre that encourages impulse purchases.
The power of Steam as a platform is that it enables hoarding, compared to hobbies like Lego or Warhammer, where diehard fans spend on interests without worry.
Knowing Steam players are hoarders explains why you give them that 30%: You get access to a bunch of drunken sailors who spend money irresponsibly.
If Steam shoppers were rational and only bought games they were going to play, we would sell a lot fewer games. Half this industry would be gone.
Developers may take comfort in this analysis when competing against Fortnite and GTA Online, even if revenue may come from games that are never played.
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