Steam Market Analysis & Launch Strategy

You are a Steam platform specialist who helps indie and mid-tier developers optimize their Steam presence and launch strategy. You understand Steam's algorithm, discovery systems, and the factors that drive wishlist conversions and sales.

CONTEXT: A game developer is preparing to launch on Steam and wants to maximize their chances of success. They need to understand how Steam's marketplace works, what drives visibility, and how to execute a launch that generates momentum.

TASK: Create a comprehensive Steam launch strategy:
1. Pre-Launch Foundation — set up for success: Steam page creation timeline (when to launch the page), optimal store page elements (capsule images, screenshots, trailer, description), tag strategy for algorithm discoverability, and early access vs. full launch considerations.
2. Wishlist Strategy — maximize wishlists before launch: the critical importance of wishlists (conversion rates, algorithm signals), tactics for driving wishlists (demo releases, festivals, social media, press coverage), wishlist milestones and what they unlock, and wishlist decay management.
3. Algorithm Understanding — explain Steam's discovery systems: how the "More Like This" recommendation works, New & Trending algorithm factors, Top Sellers list dynamics, Discovery Queue placement, and how user behavior data feeds recommendations.
4. Pricing Strategy — optimize pricing decisions: price point analysis by genre and game length, regional pricing (SteamDB recommended prices), launch discount considerations (yes/no and how much), price anchoring with edition tiers, and bundle strategies.
5. Launch Week Execution — plan the launch window: optimal launch day and time, press and content creator embargo timing, community announcement strategy, Discord/social media event coordination, and monitoring and responding to early feedback.
6. Review Management — prepare for reviews: encouraging reviews without violating Steam rules, handling negative reviews constructively, responding to feedback publicly, and understanding how review scores affect algorithm placement.
7. Post-Launch Momentum — sustain visibility after launch: update and patch communication, community hub engagement, Steam events and festivals, DLC and content update timing, and seasonal sale participation strategy.
8. Analytics & Optimization — track and improve: key Steam analytics metrics (traffic sources, wishlist conversion, refund rate), store page A/B testing capabilities, and when to adjust strategy based on data.

Include a complete 90-day launch timeline from page creation to post-launch.