In game development, builds can be small or massive and they may move daily from CI to QA, to external vendors, to certification, and across regions and time zones. As teams and projects grow, build distribution stops being a file transfer task and becomes infrastructure.
So how do studios actually move builds around? Most fall into three buckets:
- Steam, using its developer tooling for distribution.
- Internal tooling, built from scripts, storage, and custom pipelines.
- Purpose-built platforms like Solsta.
Each approach works until it doesn't. The right choice depends on team size, platforms, and how complex the workflow becomes over time.
What Build Distribution Does
Build distribution is more than uploading files. It is the system that makes sure the right people get the right version, quickly, securely, and without manual overhead.
That includes:
- Consistent delivery from CI/CD pipelines.
- Controlled access across teams and partners.
- Efficient handling of large build sizes.
- Support for multiple platforms.
- Confidence that people always pull the correct version.
When this layer is disorganized, teams create workarounds. When it is structured, everything downstream moves faster.
Steam
Steam is a PC storefront first, but its developer tooling is commonly used for internal build distribution.
What it is good at:
- Reliable PC build delivery.
- Delta patching through SteamPipe, which reduces download size.
- Simple environment separation through branches.
- Familiar workflows for teams already shipping on Steam.
Where it starts to break:
- PC-only, with no console distribution.
- Requires Steam accounts or key management for access.
- Release key limits can become a constraint.
- Limited visibility into who accessed which builds.
- Not designed for external partner workflows.
When teams use Steam:
- PC-only development.
- Smaller teams or stable QA setups.
- Early-stage projects without complex access needs.
- Workflows already centered around Steam publishing.
Solsta
Solsta is built specifically for build distribution, meaning it focuses on what happens after a build is created.
Instead of adapting a storefront to handle internal workflows, it provides a structured system designed for how teams actually move builds.
What it is good at:
- Organized, predictable distribution workflows.
- Role-based access, so everyone sees only what they should.
- Secure sharing with internal teams and external partners.
- Multi-platform support for PC, with additional platform availability — check solsta.com for current details.
- Handling builds of all sizes without friction.
- Native CI/CD integration without custom scripting.
- Pricing details are available at solsta.com.
Where it is a strong fit:
- Teams around 20 people or more, or growing.
- Remote or distributed teams.
- External QA vendors, co-dev studios, and publishers.
- Projects spanning PC plus console.
- Studios that need a more professional, structured system early.
Tradeoffs to consider:
- It is newer, so it has less legacy adoption than Steam.
- It requires integration into your pipeline.
- It is not a storefront, so it complements Steam rather than replaces it.
Side-by-Side Comparison
How Teams Use Them
Most studios do not pick one and ignore the other. They layer them.
A common setup looks like this:
- Solsta handles internal distribution and partner workflows.
- Steam handles player delivery.
That keeps responsibilities clean:
- CI → Solsta → QA, partners, certification.
- CI → Steam → players.
This division works well because each tool does what it is best at. Steam remains the delivery layer for players, while Solsta handles the operational side of build movement.
When to Use Which
Use Steam if:
- You are PC-only.
- Your team is small or tightly controlled.
- You do not need complex access management.
- You want simplicity and familiarity.
Use Solsta if:
- You are working across multiple platforms.
- You have external partners or vendors.
- Your team is growing or distributed.
- You need security, auditability, and control.
- You want builds organized and reliably accessible every time.
Closing Perspective
Steam works, and for many teams, it works long enough. But as builds get larger, teams get distributed, and workflows get more complex, distribution stops being something you simply "handle" and becomes something you depend on.
That is where purpose-built systems like Solsta fit in. Not to replace Steam, but to bring structure, security, and consistency to how builds actually move.
FAQ
What is game build distribution?
It is the process of delivering game builds from development pipelines to QA teams, partners, certification, or players.
Is Steam good for build distribution?
Yes, for PC workflows and internal QA. Limitations become more obvious as teams scale or need more control.
What is Solsta used for?
A platform for securely distributing builds across teams, partners, and platforms with structured access and CI/CD integration.
Do studios use both Steam and Solsta?
Yes. Steam handles player delivery, while Solsta manages internal and partner distribution.
Is there a free option?Check solsta.com for current pricing and trial information.
