2,077 claimed our free Steam game. 16 played it. 30 GB did that

Description and use

Launching the free game O'BLOCK on Steam resulted in 2,077 activations but only 16 players, because the 30 GB launch build caused download times longer than the median playtime.

Problem

A free Steam game built with AI agents had 2,077 free activations but only 16 actual players, with a launch build of 29.8 GB that caused download times longer than the median playtime.

Outcome

The launch build’s 30 GB size caused download times that exceeded the median playtime of the few players, highlighting a disconnect between free‑to‑play marketing and user experience. Reducing the build to 3.8 GB improved download speed but did not increase player engagement.

Workflow

• Launch game on Steam with 29.8 GB build
• Track Steamworks metrics at 5:24 PM ET
• Publish build size and download stats
• Release 3.8 GB build at 6:15 PM ET
• Update store page to reflect new size
• Compare download times to median playtime

Evidence

2,077 free activations (people who clicked "Play Game" or "Add to Library" on a free game)

Source

16 lifetime users (accounts that actually started the game)

Source

29.8 GB launch build, almost all lossless audio

Source

At the world average, 29.8 GB takes about 31 minutes

Source

Median playtime: 13 minutes

Source