3909 LLC

How many copies did Papers, Please sell? — 2024 statistics

Stamps, scams, and stories from the border!

Fact-checked
Release Date
August 8, 2013
Genre
Puzzle
Developer
3909 LLC
Publisher
3909 LLC

In the dystopian world of Papers, Please, players take on the role of a border inspector, making critical decisions about who gets to enter the country. The Papers, Please sales figures highlight its impressive reach, with over 5 million copies sold. When examining Papers, Please statistics, it’s clear that the game’s unique mechanics and compelling narrative have resonated with a broad audience. This blend of innovative gameplay and thought-provoking themes has secured its status as a standout title in the indie game genre.

Papers, Please has sold over 5 million copies since its release in 2013.

(Source: GamingOnLinux, Engadget)

  • That’s around 500,000 copies sold per year on average for this game from a solo developer.
  • This milestone was celebrated in August 2023, marking the game’s tenth anniversary.
  • The sales figures highlight the game’s enduring popularity and impact within the indie game community.
  • The game sold over 4 million copies on Steam.
  • Lucas Pope, the developer behind Papers, Please, financed the game using his personal savings from his time at Naughty Dog.

“Papers, Please” has seen remarkable success, with substantial sales reflecting its unique gameplay and strong narrative. The game’s ability to consistently engage players highlights its innovative approach to storytelling and moral decision-making. The developer’s dedication, evident from self-funding the project, has paid off, showcasing the impact a well-crafted indie game can have. The enduring popularity and critical acclaim over the years underscore its significance in the indie gaming community, marking it as a standout title.

Papers, Please revenue on Steam is estimated to be around $30 million.

(Source: VG Insights)

  • This figure reflects the game’s strong sales performance and enduring popularity over the years​.
  • Papers, Please has launched on over 40 platforms since its initial release.
  • Average play time is around 7 hours.

The game has achieved substantial financial success, with an estimated revenue of around $30 million on Steam. This impressive figure is a testament to the game’s strong sales performance and its ability to maintain popularity over the years. The extensive platform availability and consistent player engagement highlight the game’s enduring appeal and the effectiveness of its unique gameplay and narrative structure. This success story underscores the impact and longevity a well-crafted indie game can achieve in the competitive gaming market.

Papers, Please reached its all-time peak concurrent player count of 6,135.

(Source: Steam Charts, Steam)

  • The game has an Overwhelmingly Positive review score.
  • 97% of the 62,086 user reviews being positive.
  • The game has won numerous awards, including Best Game of 2013 from publications like The New Yorker, Wired Magazine, and Ars Technica.

The significant player engagement for “Papers, Please” is highlighted by its peak concurrent player count of 6,135. The game’s overwhelmingly positive reviews and numerous awards further emphasize its success. This high level of player interaction and positive reception illustrates the game’s ability to maintain strong community support and continued interest. The accolades from various prestigious publications underscore the game’s impact and quality, solidifying its place as a standout title in the indie gaming genre.

Sources

  • “Papers, Please turns 10 and hits 5 million sales”. GamingOnLinux, 2023, https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/08/papers-please-turns-10-and-hits-5-million-sales/
  • “Indie favorite ‘Papers, Please’ has sold 5 million copies”. Engadget, 2023, https://www.engadget.com/indie-favorite-papers-please-has-sold-5-million-copies-171537016.html
  • “Papers, Please”. Steam Charts, 2024, https://steamcharts.com/app/239030
  • “Papers, Please on Steam”. 2024, https://store.steampowered.com/app/239030/Papers_Please/