Which is the best way to distribute an amateur game?

[Daniel]

I am currently working on an amateur game with ExtremoStudios( a small group of people). We are still in the early stages, but in our last meeting came a question: 'what is the best way to distribute our game'.
Now I would like to point out that it is an independent game with very little funding and using a very old style of engine. It uses a very similar engine to the one that created the original final fantasy and pokemons.
We have come up with three different options:
1. Through our own site
2. Through steam
3. Through a local store.

Now take note that we currently lack a site to use. We have the funds available to create one as well as upload it to steam. With the local store we have asked about it and they said that they will be able to test out a few copies as long as they have presentable and professional covers and are reviewed before pit n display. We have decided to only pursue after one of these due to funding amounts, so we decided to ask the public for an answer.
I actually already have a facebook page dedicated to ExtremoStudios that we intend to update as the game progresses.
Facebook.com/Extremostudios.

[Harvey]

Well I'm already interested... Why not make a Facebook page, its free and if you have an interesting cause will spread like wild fire. You can post your concept and, assuming people are interested they would probably pay shipping and handling allowing you to ship directly from your studio. Maybe you could have a limited edition for the first.. So many likes or something like that. Anyways Facebook allows a free page with the option of adds. You could talk directly to your customers and do neat promos..

I am very interested. Email me maybe.. Will it go to gaming platforms? Or just pc
wells_harvey@yahoo.com

[Gerry]

Alright, go with Steam Greenlight. If your game is any good it'll be Greenlit and put on Steam.

Be aware, however, that you cannot have a publisher if you do this. It only costs 100 dollars, if I recall correctly.

[Chris]

I would recommend doing it through steam. The Licensing fee you pay for steam is a one time thing, and if you end up deciding that you want to sell some copies through your own personal site at some point too, I've seen cases where similar indie game creating groups have picked up steam keys from Valve as part of an agreement to be sold on their own personal website.

Also, if you sell it through Steam, I believe you can volunteer to put game keys onto the humble bundle offers. While it may seem like a loss in its own way in that the humble bundle is a website that lets buyers literally set their own price to by game bundles, it gives huge incentive for people to try your game out, and inevitably spread news about your game through word of mouth. Of course, if that doesn't sound good, you could easily make the choice of not contacting the website that does humble bundle. As Steam is worth it as in itself because it allows your customers that already do steam to keep your game in an organized/easily accessible fashion with their other games.

Also, I would recommend that you keep your Facebook page as steam is not a solution to keep potential buyers up to date on your game's progress. Though steam can be used to redirect them to your facebook page in the description page I believe.