Hundreds of game creators are collaborating this week to tackle a persistent dilemma in the independent gaming community: what should the genre epitomized by Vampire Survivors be named on Steam? Their proactive step—a large-scale public poll—hopes to clarify the identity of an increasingly popular game type defined by waves of enemies and automated combat mechanics. As the popularity of these titles grows, many in the industry argue that a clear genre label would help both players and studios find their niche. This effort signals the deepening impact of digital storefronts, where a single tag may determine a game’s visibility and success.
When similar initiatives have occurred in the past, outcomes have varied in how they influenced platform taxonomy. For instance, a community push prompted Steam to introduce “Dwarf” as a genre, benefiting games such as Dwarf Fortress and Deep Rock Galactic. Other genres like roguelikes or soulslikes took years to gain standardized tags, initially causing confusion for buyers and developers. The current push for a dedicated label for games like Vampire Survivors demonstrates a more coordinated approach by developers than efforts seen in previous genre-defining moments.
Why Does the Genre Tag Matter?
A cohesive genre tag is considered essential by many developers and organizers. The lack of an official label on Steam currently leaves titles dispersed among several tangential categories, affecting discoverability for both players and creators. In a statement, event organizers emphasized,
“A Steam tag isn’t just for looks; it’s one of the most powerful tools for discoverability and helping players find exactly what they love.”
This concern about discoverability often translates to real business consequences for independent studios competing within broad categories like RPG or action games.
How Are Developers and Players Involved?
The ongoing Bullet Heaven Festival—now in its third iteration—facilitates this genre-naming poll alongside discounts for related titles. With over 450 studios participating and the public poll collecting thousands of responses, the event exemplifies community-driven effort. The survey invites players and developers alike to decide between names such as “bullet heaven,” “survivorslike,” and other descriptors, reflecting the diverse opinions within the community.
What Will Happen After the Poll?
Votes for the official genre name will be tallied when the survey closes on December 10. Organizers plan to present their findings to Valve, which operates Steam, in hopes of prompting the addition of the winning term to the platform’s tag library. Another organizer stated,
“Steam has a huge influence on how game genres are defined—and this fast-growing genre still doesn’t have a proper tag.”
This presentation follows Steam’s history of incorporating community-led feedback into its system, especially when participation is high.
Organizing to standardize genre tags has become increasingly important as the indie game market surges. For developers hoping to stand out, a clearly labeled category gives a competitive edge in Steam’s crowded storefront. Observers can expect that the outcome of this collective action could prompt other communities to campaign for their own distinct tags. For players, coherent tags mean quicker access to the experiences they seek. The effort encapsulates a broader shift in how digital platforms shape gaming culture, reinforcing the vital role of discoverability in a crowded marketplace. Ultimately, understanding these behind-the-scenes battles for categorization highlights the power that unified genre labels wield over game development, marketing, and consumption.
