A Teenage Steam Developer’s Rapid Meme Game Success Almost Made Him a Millionaire

Eighteen-year-old developer Michael Major certainly didn’t anticipate his tongue-in-cheek project going viral on Steam. Having published a similar concept just days prior that failed to capture any attention, Major was utterly astonished when he checked the analytics for his latest PC release and witnessed staggering figures.

As initially highlighted by New Hampshire’s WMUR TV, Major’s debut on the platform was titled This Game Costs $10. Basking proudly in its own absurdity, the project made no attempt to conceal its satirical nature; the store description brazenly challenged users to purchase the so-called “psychological thriller,” arguing that he had labored extensively on the title and consequently earned the payout.

“Go ahead, spend your money,” the storefront taunted. The accompanying screenshot gallery featured an eccentric mix of abstract geometrical shapes and fourth-wall-breaking text. Major openly expressed shock that anyone actually fell for his joke title, noting that he deliberately extended the playtime requirements to bypass standard refund eligibility. Under Valve’s guidelines, recent purchases generally qualify for a full refund as long as playtime remains under the two-hour threshold.

Upon discovering that $200 represents the maximum price ceiling for developers listing games on Steam, Major decided to test the limits of the ecosystem. In January, he rolled out a successor titled This Game Costs $200. Sporting an aesthetic nearly identical to its predecessor, the release differed primarily in its exorbitant price tag.

“This experience is unlike anything you have ever witnessed or ever will witness,” proclaimed the tongue-in-cheek synopsis.

Despite the unmistakable gag, thousands of Steam enthusiasts—predominantly from China—actually purchased the title. Within a few months of launch, Major realized his gross revenue had skyrocketed to an astonishing $1.3 million.

That astronomical sum vanished almost as quickly as it materialized, however. As Major recounted to WMUR, the vast majority of those transactions were swiftly reversed by consumers who requested refunds without ever launching the software. Still, the most surprising takeaway is that Major walked away with a net total of $2,000—implying that at least ten dedicated buyers willingly burned $200 on the elaborate practical joke.

Major mused that these particular purchasers might have been farming Steam profile points, though he acknowledged that more illicit motives could be at play. “I’ve heard rumors of exorbitantly priced Steam titles occasionally being exploited for illicit financial laundering,” Major noted.

While the game itself lacks serious depth, the publicity stunt successfully broadened Major’s reach. One detailed, multi-paragraph critique of the $200 title revealed that the buyer initially purchased the software strictly to write a satirical review of their own, only to find themselves genuinely intrigued by the contents. “There are 10 distinct endings,” the reviewer remarked, going on to list several unexpected gameplay elements. Though the player ultimately refunded the purchase, their curiosity had undeniably been captured.

“I would gladly buy your next project at full price if it were significantly cheaper,” the user remarked, adding emphasis with a capitalized “MUCH.”

Major replied with good humor, reiterating that he never expected anyone to acquire the title, not even as a prank. “A price reduction is completely out of the question, as that would undermine the entire premise,” Major wrote, gently encouraging the supporter to invest in his more reasonably priced $10 alternative instead.

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Source: Polygon