Why to avoid distributing digital gaming keys only via Steam?
Though Steam can definitely be considered as one of the most popular gaming distribution platforms. At Rokky, we also use Steam to deliver digital keys to our customer gamers. Apart from this, we use our own digital key marketplace, and in this article we’ll tell you why it’s not really reasonable to sell the keys only via Steam. But first, let’s dive into how we work with our publisher partners.
How Rokky works with partners
Collaboration for common success
Step 1: Establishing Partnerships
We begin by engaging in detailed discussions with publishers, including distribution regions, pricing strategies, and contract terms. Once both parties reach an agreement, a contract is signed. With the trust we’ve built over the years, many of our contracts are long-term and open-ended, ensuring stable relationships.
Step 2: Acquiring Digital Keys and Starting Distribution
After contracts are finalized, Rokky’s Account Managers step in. We work closely with publishers to determine the number of digital keys needed, establish marketing strategies, and coordinate timelines for promotions. We also discuss the terms for restocking additional keys as needed. Once everything is aligned, Rokky distributes the keys to e-shops or sells them directly to gamers via our own platforms.
Step 3: Monitoring Sales and Providing Reports
As gamers around the world purchase and enjoy their favorite titles, we monitor the performance of each game. Our partners receive regular, detailed sales reports that outline key metrics, including marketing activity outcomes. These reports can be provided monthly or even more frequently upon request. Rokky ensures all partners have access to an in-depth analysis of their sales, empowering them with the data needed to make informed business decisions.
Additionally, we maintain full control over partnerships by offering the option to halt sales or block certain partners when necessary. We also provide recommendations to enhance security within the platform, ensuring a safe and effective environment for all parties involved.
Step 4: Comprehensive Marketing Support
Rokky takes pride in helping publishers boost their visibility through various marketing initiatives. We promote new publishers and their titles through website banners, special campaigns, and targeted CRM outreach. We keep our partner distributors and customers informed about upcoming releases, special offers, and exclusive discounts.
Our social media presence also plays a key role in attracting new players, especially via platforms like LinkedIn. Moreover, we tailor promotional activities based on regional and seasonal trends, such as focusing on the Lunar New Year in China or the Christmas holiday season in Europe and the U.S. Our approach often includes strategic price reductions and unbeatable deals to make the games more accessible to players around the world.
We begin by engaging in detailed discussions with publishers, including distribution regions, pricing strategies, and contract terms. Once both parties reach an agreement, a contract is signed. With the trust we’ve built over the years, many of our contracts are long-term and open-ended, ensuring stable relationships.
Step 2: Acquiring Digital Keys and Starting Distribution
After contracts are finalized, Rokky’s Account Managers step in. We work closely with publishers to determine the number of digital keys needed, establish marketing strategies, and coordinate timelines for promotions. We also discuss the terms for restocking additional keys as needed. Once everything is aligned, Rokky distributes the keys to e-shops or sells them directly to gamers via our own platforms.
Step 3: Monitoring Sales and Providing Reports
As gamers around the world purchase and enjoy their favorite titles, we monitor the performance of each game. Our partners receive regular, detailed sales reports that outline key metrics, including marketing activity outcomes. These reports can be provided monthly or even more frequently upon request. Rokky ensures all partners have access to an in-depth analysis of their sales, empowering them with the data needed to make informed business decisions.
Additionally, we maintain full control over partnerships by offering the option to halt sales or block certain partners when necessary. We also provide recommendations to enhance security within the platform, ensuring a safe and effective environment for all parties involved.
Step 4: Comprehensive Marketing Support
Rokky takes pride in helping publishers boost their visibility through various marketing initiatives. We promote new publishers and their titles through website banners, special campaigns, and targeted CRM outreach. We keep our partner distributors and customers informed about upcoming releases, special offers, and exclusive discounts.
Our social media presence also plays a key role in attracting new players, especially via platforms like LinkedIn. Moreover, we tailor promotional activities based on regional and seasonal trends, such as focusing on the Lunar New Year in China or the Christmas holiday season in Europe and the U.S. Our approach often includes strategic price reductions and unbeatable deals to make the games more accessible to players around the world.
Collaboration Methods
Rokky offers flexibility in how we collaborate with publishers. Partners can choose between direct communication or working through integration services, depending on what suits their operations best.
Direct Collaboration
In this model, publishers work closely with us through direct contact—whether by email, calls, or other convenient channels. This approach allows for real-time decision-making without the added cost of third-party services.
Collaboration via Integration Services
Alternatively, some publishers prefer working with an integrating company that handles communication with Rokky on their behalf. While this method streamlines operations and reduces the need for dedicated staff, it does involve additional commission fees.
Partnering with Industry Leaders
Over the years, Rokky has built strong relationships with both indie and major publishers. Among our notable partners are
Direct Collaboration
In this model, publishers work closely with us through direct contact—whether by email, calls, or other convenient channels. This approach allows for real-time decision-making without the added cost of third-party services.
Collaboration via Integration Services
Alternatively, some publishers prefer working with an integrating company that handles communication with Rokky on their behalf. While this method streamlines operations and reduces the need for dedicated staff, it does involve additional commission fees.
Partnering with Industry Leaders
Over the years, Rokky has built strong relationships with both indie and major publishers. Among our notable partners are
- PlayStation
- Bandai Namco
- Capcom
- Warner Bros.
- Team17
- Saber Interactive
- Curve Games
- Nacon
- Bloober Team
- Hooded Horse
- Offworld Industries
How Rokky Helps Publishers Grow Revenue
Our expertise in the gaming industry enables us to drive revenue growth for our partners through data analysis, marketing forecasts, and regional insights. Here’s how we do it:
1. We launch games with targeted marketing campaigns.
2. We analyze the results and fine-tune strategies for future launches.
3. We apply our knowledge of specific regional markets to enhance performance.
4. We incorporate pre-orders where applicable to build momentum.
5. We use the insights gathered to forecast future sales and plan successful campaigns.
All we require from our publisher partners is a timely supply of digital keys before the game’s launch. From there, we manage the distribution, marketing, and analysis to ensure the game’s success.
Finally, we provide unlimited support through various channels, including email and messaging platforms. Our teams meet regularly in person at major gaming events, conferences, and even at our London headquarters.
1. We launch games with targeted marketing campaigns.
2. We analyze the results and fine-tune strategies for future launches.
3. We apply our knowledge of specific regional markets to enhance performance.
4. We incorporate pre-orders where applicable to build momentum.
5. We use the insights gathered to forecast future sales and plan successful campaigns.
All we require from our publisher partners is a timely supply of digital keys before the game’s launch. From there, we manage the distribution, marketing, and analysis to ensure the game’s success.
Finally, we provide unlimited support through various channels, including email and messaging platforms. Our teams meet regularly in person at major gaming events, conferences, and even at our London headquarters.
So, why is it not good to count only on Steam?
Let's start with the obvious: relying solely on Steam limits your revenue streams to just one channel. By using multiple platforms, such as your own website or other stores, you diversify your assets.
Another reason to avoid focusing only on Steam is that, as a monopolist, it can set its own rules, which could affect your sales plans and disrupt normal business activities. Additionally, Steam has a fixed calendar for industry events, promotions, and offers, which may not always align with your partners' needs and project timelines.
Finally, the more channels you use to distribute digital keys, the greater your brand awareness becomes. It’s simple logic: people are more likely to remember a brand they’ve seen three to five times than one they encounter only once (and possibly by accident).
The bottom line is that relying on just one channel—even a popular one like Steam—restricts your flexibility. Having the freedom to make your own business decisions is far more beneficial for both your company and your partners.
Ready to Grow Your Business with Rokky? We’re proud to work with a wide range of game publishers, and we’re always looking to expand our network. Join us today to take your business to new heights!
Another reason to avoid focusing only on Steam is that, as a monopolist, it can set its own rules, which could affect your sales plans and disrupt normal business activities. Additionally, Steam has a fixed calendar for industry events, promotions, and offers, which may not always align with your partners' needs and project timelines.
Finally, the more channels you use to distribute digital keys, the greater your brand awareness becomes. It’s simple logic: people are more likely to remember a brand they’ve seen three to five times than one they encounter only once (and possibly by accident).
The bottom line is that relying on just one channel—even a popular one like Steam—restricts your flexibility. Having the freedom to make your own business decisions is far more beneficial for both your company and your partners.
Ready to Grow Your Business with Rokky? We’re proud to work with a wide range of game publishers, and we’re always looking to expand our network. Join us today to take your business to new heights!
Join Rokky and boost your sales!
