The Steam end-of-year review has unveiled some intriguing statistics that offer a glimpse into our gaming habits, both on an individual level and across the broader community. Reflecting on my own gaming journey, I’ve noticed a significant shift—approximately 50% fewer games played on Steam this year compared to last. The culprits? A combination of Game Pass, emulation, and my beloved yet pricey Nintendo 3DS XL. Interestingly, my gaming preferences have leaned heavily towards turn-based, stealth, and detective genres in 2024.
Macro Trends in Gaming
On a larger scale, the data reveals that Steam users dedicated merely 15% of their total gaming time to titles launched in 2024. In contrast, a substantial 47% of playtime was allocated to games released within the last one to seven years, while an impressive 37% was spent on titles that have been around for eight years or more. This trend highlights the enduring appeal of established games in the ever-expanding library of Steam.
Among the standout titles this year is the free-to-play phenomenon, Banana, which has captured the attention of many gamers. On the single-player front, the action-adventure game Black Myth: Wukong has emerged as a leader, boasting remarkable concurrent player numbers on Steamcharts.
The current landscape of live service games may also explain the relatively low percentage of time spent on new releases. Dominating the Most Played charts are long-standing titles such as Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and PUBG, which have maintained their popularity for years. Ubisoft’s recent challenges with Skull and Bones, along with the abrupt closure of XDefiant, underscore the increasing difficulty for new live service games to penetrate the market. While there have been notable successes like Marvel Rivals and Path of Exile 2, players often remain loyal to the games in which they have already invested considerable time and resources.
Moreover, with over 200,000 titles available on Steam—many dating back decades—the sheer volume dwarfs the approximately 18,000 games released in 2024, according to SteamDB. This vast library caters to a diverse audience, from nostalgic gamers revisiting classic cRPGs from the 90s to the dedicated fans who argue that Civilization 4 remains the pinnacle of the series. Given this context, the 15% of playing time spent on new games in 2024 seems not only reasonable but also quite commendable.
