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'PewDiePie effect' on game sales alive and well with NecroDancer

A recent Twitter exchange between Steam Spy's Sergey Galyonkin and Crypt of the NecroDancer creator, Ryan Clark, offered an insight into how YouTuber coverage can affect game sales.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

September 15, 2015

1 Min Read
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Newsbrief: A recent Twitter exchange between Steam Spy's Sergey Galyonkin and Crypt of the NecroDancer creator, Ryan Clark, offered an insight into how the "PewDiePie effect" - a.k.a. getting coverage from a major YouTuber - can affect game sales. 

Using horror title Layers of Fear as an example, Galyonkin suggested that while being covered by the Swedish YouTuber might cause a slight bump in sales, the effect will be "nothing so dramatic as you'd expect."

Clark, however, pointed to his own title as evidence that the "PewDiePie effect" is a force to be reckoned with, explaining that Crypt of the NecroDancer sales went up by over $60,000 after it was featured on Kjellberg's channel. 

About the Author

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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