The algorithm Steam uses to "learn about a game" is shrouded in mystery. How will I pass the test?
Whenever a game has been recently released, Valve tries detecting whether it is worth the effort to enable trading cards for it. If it is recognized as an actual product for whatever reason, even if it is a deplorable asset flip, Valve's algorithm will give it's OK.
Not knowing what I should aim for, I'm doing everything I can: asking for reviews from friends who bought it, trying to build engagement in the gamehub, spreading the word about it online from facebook groups to indiedb, promoting for both sales and community interaction.
The Steam store has a 100 USD admission fee. There is no greenlight anymore, it's just a flat fee and some bureaucracy. I am nearly covering my production fees, which is a big relief when I'm on such a low budget.
I'm getting an update out by tomorrow which will add new levels and a boss. Hopefully it will attract enough interaction, but I'm unsure it will have any effect. It's okay if it doesn't, though. Having trading cards enabled is a big deal, but I'm happy to have met my costs and getting an enjoyable game to most of it's players.
Check it out at https://store.steampowered.com/app/925370/Wizard_Slime