Steam’s annual Best of The Year feature has become a cherished tradition, showcasing a blend of both established and emerging titles that have captured the attention of gamers throughout 2024. This year’s list reveals a fascinating landscape of top sellers, with some notable absences and surprises that reflect the evolving gaming market.
Revenue Categories and Highlights
Valve organizes its best-selling titles into distinct categories: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, rather than disclosing individual gross revenue figures. The Platinum category showcases standout releases from 2024, including Space Marine 2, Helldivers 2, Black Myth: Wukong, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. These titles are also featured in our Best PC Games You Should Be Playing segment.
Interestingly, several older titles continue to generate substantial revenue for their developers. Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3 have secured their spots in the Platinum category, demonstrating the enduring appeal of these games. Additionally, popular free-to-play titles such as Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, and Destiny 2 contribute to the overall success of this elite group.
Notable Entries in the Gold and Silver Groups
Among the noteworthy entries, Cyberpunk 2077 has made a remarkable comeback, landing in the Gold group this year. Following a tumultuous launch, the RPG has undergone a significant transformation, now boasting a Very Positive rating with a 94% positive score in Recent Reviews, just shy of the coveted Overwhelmingly Positive status.
The Silver group features a mix of anticipated titles, including Dragon’s Dogma 2, Diablo IV, and Stalker 2. The latter, which launched on November 20, has quickly turned profitable, selling a million units within just two days—a remarkable feat, especially considering its availability on Game Pass.
Insights from the Bronze Section
In the Bronze category, budget-friendly titles like Balatro have found their place, alongside Silent Hill 2 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The inclusion of No Man’s Sky is particularly noteworthy, as this game has transformed from a rocky start to a solid performer, securing its position in the Bronze group this year.
According to PC Gamer, every game that graced last year’s Platinum category has made an appearance in the 2024 list, with the exception of Starfield, which raises questions about its performance in the current gaming landscape.
Concurrent Players and Popularity Metrics
Steam also tracks its most-played games based on peak concurrent player counts. The list of titles boasting 450,000 or more peak players includes familiar multiplayer favorites, along with Black Myth, Elden Ring, and the newly released Path of Exile 2.
For those who prefer gaming with a controller, the charts reveal the most popular Steam Deck games, featuring titles like Balatro, Dave the Diver, and Hades. Additionally, a New Releases chart highlights exciting newcomers, including Manor Lords and Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, both of which have found their way into the Platinum section.
