URGENT UPDATE: Indie developers at French studio Permadeath are reeling after a series of promotional blunders by Valve left their game, Planet Centauri, struggling to gain traction. Following two major mishaps, the team is now dubbing their project “cursed.”
The game, which officially launched in full in December 2024 after nearly a decade of development, experienced a disheartening start. Despite amassing an impressive 138,000 wishlists on Steam, Planet Centauri sold only 581 units in its first week, according to reports from Polygon. Developer Laurent Lechat expressed disbelief, stating the launch fell “incomprehensibly” short of expectations, particularly after the game had sold over 100,000 copies during its early access phase.
The initial troubles began when a technical error at Valve prevented notifications from being sent to users who had wishlisted the game. In an effort to make amends, Valve offered Permadeath a new promotional spot on November 12, 2025, as part of Steam’s Daily Deal. This would typically provide significant visibility, including a prominent banner on the platform’s front page.
However, the timing turned disastrous. Valve announced a new wave of hardware on the same day, overshadowing Planet Centauri with a complete overhaul of the Steam storefront. Although the game was still highlighted, the focus remained on Valve’s hardware, leaving the indie title with minimal exposure.
Lechat reflected on the situation, saying, “I must admit… over the years, I really get the feeling that Planet Centauri is cursed. It’s just bad luck and we must accept it.” Despite these setbacks, the promotion did lead to an additional 5,000 sales, providing the team with a lifeline to continue working on their next project.
With the struggles of Planet Centauri, the developers had to reduce post-launch support much earlier than anticipated. The ongoing saga highlights the challenges faced by indie developers in a competitive market, especially when relying on major platforms for visibility.
As the gaming community rallies behind Permadeath, all eyes will be on the studio’s next moves. The team hopes to leverage the recent boost in sales to sustain their operations and focus on their second game. This situation serves as a critical reminder of the unpredictable nature of game promotions and the vital role of visibility in the success of indie titles.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
