Thanks for the replies. I plan to sell the games individually and in a pack together at a discount(if the distributor will allow this). Hopefully the pricing point and the use of steamworks components will curb some pirating(one can dream right?). Taking a trip down to their headquarters is out because as a simple indie developer (violin playing)those funds would be put to better use(lights, food, etc...). I can get the ball rolling while the games are in beta testing and have all the paperwork finished before the games are released. If things fall through I can always take them to another service or self distribute. Does anyone know the percentage steam will take from sales and if they require exclusivity?

I think bundling two totally different games together is a mistake as the games have nothing in common.

Quote: Original post by Obscure
I think bundling two totally different games together is a mistake as the games have nothing in common.

Yep, you're right. It sure didn't work with the Orange Box... [razz] [lol]

The one thing you need to make sure of is that they both target the same audience. The Orange Box had a single player story-based action/adventure, a multiplayer deathmatch game, and a puzzle game, but they all targeted the same audience. If you can do the same, packaging them together might be worthwhile. If not, it probably won't help your sales any.

Then again, pre-ordering the Orange Box did give Steam users a free copy of Peggle... and that's a totally different type of game.

Quote: Original post by Obscure
I think bundling two totally different games together is a mistake as the games have nothing in common.

However if you're already packaging the games up individually for online sales, surely it's not much more effort to offer an additional option of both as a combo pack?

Quote: Original post by Obscure
I think bundling two totally different games together is a mistake as the games have nothing in common.

How about a collection of games (e.g., EA Sports Collection, Arcade Classics)?

Quote: Original post by JBourrie

Quote: Original post by Obscure
I think bundling two totally different games together is a mistake as the games have nothing in common.

Yep, you're right. It sure didn't work with the Orange Box... [razz] [lol]

The one thing you need to make sure of is that they both target the same audience. The Orange Box had a single player story-based action/adventure, a multiplayer deathmatch game, and a puzzle game, but they all targeted the same audience. If you can do the same, packaging them together might be worthwhile. If not, it probably won't help your sales any.

Then again, pre-ordering the Orange Box did give Steam users a free copy of Peggle... and that's a totally different type of game.

Anyone know if Steam requires a distribution fee from its publishers, and if so, how it's divied? I'd understand it if they were content with taking their distribution fee from gross sales on products that they know will sell well, but would an indie dev get the same kind of deal?

What are the fees from other digital distributors, and when/how are they accounted?

I think that most times it is not a wise choice to pack up 2 games together. It looks usually a bit like that one game alone is not good enough, it makes it a bit "cheap". This is a bit like selling a game for too less. You can sell your casual game for $1 or for $10, most people would choose the $10-variant, because they think its "better".

If both games sold well and the sells start decreasing you can generate some new customers with offering "gold editions" or "2in1" packs.

best regards and best of luck with your games,

Quote: Original post by Morgan Ramsay

Quote: Original post by Obscure
I think bundling two totally different games together is a mistake as the games have nothing in common.

How about a collection of games (e.g., EA Sports Collection, Arcade Classics)?

A collection of Sports games.... a collection of classic arcade games... each contain games which target the same market. The OP is doing a single player puzzle game and a multi-player only death match game.

Quote: Original post by Obscure
A collection of Sports games.... a collection of classic arcade games... each contain games which target the same market. The OP is doing a single player puzzle game and a multi-player only death match game.

I've seen collections of games by specific developers or publishers. Nomad 3D Collection?

You can also bundle commoditized products for convenience consumers, which is the case for classic arcade games. If the op's games only differ in gameplay—for example, Jazz Jackrabbit versus Jazz Jackrabbit 3D—they can be bundled as a brand collection, too.

Based on the information provided, there's no good way to determine what exactly should be done. But you're right that the safe bet is to sell the products individually.

Quote: Original post by Obscure

Quote: Original post by Morgan Ramsay

Quote: Original post by Obscure
I think bundling two totally different games together is a mistake as the games have nothing in common.

How about a collection of games (e.g., EA Sports Collection, Arcade Classics)?

A collection of Sports games.... a collection of classic arcade games... each contain games which target the same market. The OP is doing a single player puzzle game and a multi-player only death match game.

are you saying it's as insane as putting peggle in the Orange Box?