Capsule images
Header, small, main and library capsules at Valve's exact pixel sizes — your #1 conversion asset.
Developer Guide · Steam Publishing
How to publish a game on Steam
The complete path from a finished build to a live Steam store page — written by AGE Games, a registered Steam publisher that ships its own Unreal Engine 5 titles through this exact process.
The six steps
- 01
Create a Steamworks account
Sign up at partner.steamgames.com with your Steam account. Steamworks is Valve's portal for everything store-related: builds, pricing, capsules and community tools.
- 02
Complete the digital paperwork
Valve requires identity verification, tax information (W-8BEN for Canadian studios) and bank details before you can sell. Budget a few days for the verification review.
- 03
Pay the app fee & register your app
Each game costs a $100 USD Steam Direct fee, recoupable after your game earns $1,000. Registering the app gives you an App ID — the anchor for your store page and depots.
- 04
Build your store page
Write your short and long descriptions, tag the game correctly and upload the required capsule art, screenshots and a trailer. A 'Coming Soon' page can go live before your build to start collecting wishlists.
- 05
Upload your build
Use the SteamPipe SDK to push builds to depots, then set a branch live. Test the download and first-launch experience on a clean machine — the review team will.
- 06
Pass Valve's review
Both the store page and the build go through Valve review, typically 3–5 business days each. Fix any flagged issues, resubmit, then hit release. Early Access is an option if you want players shaping development.
Store assets you'll need
Screenshots
At least 5 in-engine screenshots, 1920×1080, showing real gameplay rather than concept art.
Trailer
A short video that opens with gameplay in the first five seconds; it autoplays muted on the store page.
Descriptions & tags
A hook-driven short description, a structured 'About This Game' section, and accurate genre tags for discovery.
Technical requirements checklist
- ✓A working Windows build uploaded through SteamPipe (macOS/Linux optional)
- ✓Store page assets: capsules, screenshots, trailer, descriptions
- ✓Content survey and age rating completed
- ✓System requirements, supported languages and controller support listed
- ✓A tested install path — Valve reviewers download and launch your game
Timeline at a glance: account verification takes a few days, store page review 3–5 business days, build review 3–5 business days. Plan for roughly 2–4 weeks from paperwork to release.
Prefer to focus on the game?
Let a registered Steam publisher handle it.
AGE Games publishes select developer titles for a flat 10% fee — you keep your IP, your team and 90% of what your game earns. Store ops, marketing and launch support included.