A game that started as a joke became one of Steam’s biggest stories this week. According to reports, 18-year-old Michael Major released a game and set the price at $200, naming it This Game Costs $200. The reason for the $200 price tag was that Steam does not allow developers to set a price higher than that.
Neither the developer nor the players believed the game could actually sell for that amount. The game’s description called it “a psychological experience,” and the developer explained, “where I try to convince you that this game truly does cost 200 dollars.” Surprisingly, the psychological tactic worked, as the game initially earned $1,345,650.
However, the developer did not get to keep 90% of that money. Many players bought the game solely to get a refund. After refunds and other deductions, the developer received only $2,045—a fraction of the gross earnings.
Reports suggest that most players purchased the game to earn Steam Points. Steam’s policy grants more points the more a player spends on games. Even if a game is refunded, the points remain, allowing players to keep both the points and their money.
Why Joke Games Keep Going Viral
Joke games are nothing new on Steam. Some are made purely for fun, while others are designed to test player reactions. Their unusual concepts often grab attention much faster than typical game launches.
Once people start talking about these games, more users become curious. Videos, memes, and social media posts help spread the word even further. This attention can lead to thousands of sales, even if the game offers very little gameplay.
This case demonstrates that large sales numbers do not always translate into big profits. Refunds can quickly reduce a developer’s actual earnings. The game may have become famous overnight, but the final outcome proves that internet buzz does not always turn into real income.
Leave a Reply