Why is it 300% more expensive on Steam than DLsite.com?

[Rik67]

http://www.dlsite.com/eng/work/=/product_id/RE232402.html
$0.96 on DLsite
$2.99 on Steam
You guys are cheats and rip-offs!
Outrageous!

[Rik67]

I wanted to buy that game but since you're cheating us, I won't!

[dcrockerjr]

does DLsite have sales? it's pretty normal to see stuff on steam at 66-75% off during a steam sale and i'm not sure how much devs are coerced into participating. if that's the case then it may just be the dev making sure their game doesn't sell below what they consider their base price.
otoh that would mean it would never truly be on sale.

[Rik67]

It's not on sale DLsite.

[DLsite Official]

The cost of this product (and all products we sell) is more expensive on Steam mainly for the following two reasons.

1. Steam charges a handling fee. (Purchases made without this fee are more profitable for both the publisher and the developer.)
2. We want more people to use DLsite. (Cheaper prices are an attractive lure.)

This is a marketing strategy. We have nothing to hide here.

[DLsite Official]

On top the above, the difference in price is also due to certain reasons which we cannot disclose due to confidentiality obligations (NDA) with the developer. For this reason we will not be able to discuss in depth topics regarding pricing. We apologize for any inconvenience that may be.