Desura, historically a significant competitor to Steam in the digital game distribution market, has undergone numerous pivotal transformations and faced various challenges. Originally, the platform gained recognition by focusing on the needs of independent game developers, offering them a specialized platform for distributing their cool games and engaging with a vibrant user community. Desura was celebrated for its strong support of the gaming community, streamlined updates, and resources for game development, establishing itself as a haven for indie game makers.
The journey of Desura has been anything but straightforward. Initially operated by DesuraNET, the platform experienced several changes in ownership. It was first acquired by Linden Lab and later by Bad Juju Games. The shift in ownership to Bad Juju Games in late 2014 was a crucial point in its history, as the company soon faced severe financial issues. Developers began raising concerns about delayed payments, highlighting deep-rooted problems within the organization. The situation worsened when Bad Juju Games filed for bankruptcy in mid-2015, leading to significant operational disruptions and uncertainty for Desura.
In a surprising twist in 2016, OnePlay expressed intentions to acquire Desura, aiming to revamp it into a subscription-based platform. Nevertheless, OnePlay’s own financial struggles led to the abandonment of these plans. A turning point came in 2020 when a Finnish investor, known for his work in online game development and promotion and his pursuit of anonymity, acquired Desura at an auction. This marked a major shift in Desura’s strategy, moving from traditional game sales to providing io games
Today, Desura has undergone extensive evolution from its original concept. Retaining its brand identity, the platform now focuses predominantly on online gaming. In spite of a history filled with challenges and discontent from both users and developers, Desura is making efforts to reestablish its presence in the online gaming sphere. These efforts include launching a Kickstarter campaign aimed at funding improvements to their website, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the gaming experience for players.
The Kickstarter initiative is critical to Desura’s revival, hinging on substantial community support and the realization of their goals. This campaign is a testament to the lessons learned from past challenges and Desura’s forward-looking approach, emphasizing its capacity for resilience and adaptability. As these initiatives progress, there remains speculation about Desura’s future role in the competitive online gaming market and its potential to compete with platforms like Crazy Games or Poki. The evolution of Desura underscores the dynamic and ever-changing digital game distribution industry.
Desura’s story sheds light on the ever-fluctuating and opportunity-rich field of digital game distribution, demonstrating the sector’s constant evolution and the varying challenges and opportunities faced by platforms like Desura.