Planet Centauri, an ambitious 2D sandbox game that intertwines survival, creature collection, and automation, faced a rather underwhelming launch despite a decade-long journey through early access. With over 100,000 sales and a spot on more than 130,000 Steam users’ wishlists, the indie developer Permadeath anticipated a triumphant release. However, the reality was starkly different, as the full launch day arrived with little fanfare.
Launch Disappointment
In a candid Reddit post, Permadeath developer Laurent Lechat revealed the disheartening numbers: “We sold… 581 units in 5 days.” The game failed to gain traction, remaining virtually invisible in the crowded marketplace. Lechat expressed his frustration, stating, “The game didn’t even appear on page 2; we were invisible; we were a total flop. And we never understood why until today.” Despite the 1.0 trailer garnering nearly 500,000 views on YouTube, the game did not receive the visibility it needed on Steam’s New & Trending listings. Lechat speculated that had launch notifications reached interested users, it might have caught the attention of YouTubers and streamers, potentially amplifying its reach in the gaming community.
Seeking Solutions
In response to the launch’s disappointing performance, Valve extended an olive branch to Permadeath, offering a chance to feature Planet Centauri as one of Steam’s Daily Deals to help regain some visibility. Lechat reflected on the situation, acknowledging the unfairness of the circumstances: “Now we know, we understand better, it’s unfair, and we can’t change anything.” With the financial implications of the launch weighing heavily, the team has pivoted to a new project, recognizing that continuing to patch the game is no longer feasible.
Looking Ahead
Lechat shared that Permadeath is now channeling its efforts into developing a roguelike game using the same engine as Planet Centauri. This shift is a necessary step forward, as the team grapples with the realities of their financial situation. In his Reddit post, Lechat aimed not only to vent his frustration but also to highlight the challenges faced by developers on platforms that dominate the PC gaming market. “It’s important to bring attention to the problems that a platform holding 99% of the PC gaming market can cause when the cogs don’t work as they should,” he noted.
