Greenhouse: Schism is now free on Steam - impact on players and developer

In short

• Greenhouse: Schism is now available for free on Steam, after previously costing $5.
• Developer Volpanic! made the decision shortly after the game’s first anniversary on Steam on June 28, 2025.
• Disappointing sales figures led to the choice to offer the game for free, with the goal of attracting more players.

GAME-scanner analysis

Volpanic!’s decision to make Greenhouse: Schism free is a strategic move that is becoming increasingly common in the indie game industry. This is especially true for titles that do not meet expected sales results. By offering the game for free, the developer hopes not only to grow the player base, but also to build an active community. In the long run, this can lead to more engagement with future projects or updates. In addition, free availability can increase the game’s visibility on Steam, drawing attention from players who might otherwise never have considered buying it.

What does this mean for players?

For players, this decision offers the chance to try Greenhouse: Schism at no cost. That is especially appealing for fans of 2D platformers, since the game is being compared to popular titles like Celeste. Free access may also result in a larger community, which can improve the overall experience through more interaction and player feedback. It could also increase the chances that players recommend the game to others, further boosting its popularity.