Steam platform

AppWizard
February 26, 2026
Digital intelligence and analytics firm Sensor Tower's State of Gaming 2026 report reveals that mobile game revenue has remained flat, while PC and console gaming revenues have surged by 13%. In 2025, there were 52 billion downloads across all platforms, with mobile games downloaded at a rate of 95,000 per minute, although this represents a decline from 2024. Mobile game revenue increased by only 1%, indicating a shift towards retaining and monetizing existing players. In contrast, PC gaming, particularly on Steam, achieved record gains in units sold and revenue, driven by AA and AAA publishers. The shooter genre performed strongly, with Battlefield 6 as the best-selling game, followed by EA Sports FC 25 and 26. In the free-to-play category, Skate was the most downloaded title. Indie games like R.E.P.O. and Peak were recognized as top sellers. Data trends indicate that PC gamers are generally younger, while hypercasual gamers tend to be female. The strategy genre gained traction in mobile gaming, led by Last War: Survival and Whiteout Survival.
AppWizard
February 14, 2026
Valve has introduced a significant update to the Steam Client Beta on February 12, allowing users to attach their hardware specifications when posting or updating game reviews. This feature aims to provide context to performance critiques, making it easier for prospective buyers to assess feedback relevance. Additionally, Valve is piloting a feature that collects anonymized framerate data associated with hardware types, particularly for devices operating on SteamOS. The update also includes bug fixes and a refined feedback process regarding a game's Deck Verified status, enabling users to provide reasons if they disagree with a game's rating.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
Minecraft has inspired numerous clones and voxel-based crafting simulations over the past 15 years. Recently, the upcoming game Allumeria was temporarily removed from Valve’s Steam platform due to a DMCA copyright notice from Microsoft, which claimed that Allumeria used "Minecraft content, including but not limited to gameplay and assets." The takedown was triggered by a screenshot from the game’s Steam page that depicted a world similar to Minecraft. Unomelon, the developer, stated that Allumeria does not reuse any of Minecraft's assets. The DMCA claim was generated through Tracer.AI, an AI platform used by Microsoft and Mojang to identify copyright violations. Jens Bergensten, Chief Creative Officer at Mojang, acknowledged the situation and stated he would investigate further. Approximately 12 hours later, Microsoft withdrew their DMCA claim, and Allumeria's Steam page was reinstated.
AppWizard
February 11, 2026
Allumeria, a Minecraft-inspired sandbox game, was temporarily removed from Valve's Steam platform due to a DMCA takedown initiated by Microsoft, claiming copyright infringement based on screenshots. The situation was resolved after community support and intervention from Mojang's chief creative officer, allowing Allumeria's creator, Unomelon, to reinstate the game on Steam. The DMCA notice, attributed to Judith Woodward on behalf of Microsoft, alleged that Allumeria's content infringed upon Minecraft's rights, but the similarities were questioned by many. A lawyer offered to help Unomelon file a counter notice, and Jens Bergensten from Mojang expressed interest in the matter. Ultimately, Microsoft withdrew the claim, and Allumeria was reinstated, with Unomelon reflecting on the challenges faced by smaller developers and the need for reform in the DMCA process.
AppWizard
January 28, 2026
The Competition Appeal Tribunal in London has authorized a class action lawsuit against Valve Corporation, which alleges anti-consumer practices related to overcharging British customers and manipulating PC game prices on its Steam platform. The claims in the lawsuit exceed £100 million, and the tribunal's unanimous decision allows the case to proceed through the UK legal system. Valve's attempt to dismiss the class action was unsuccessful, and a trial date has not yet been set. Valve has not publicly commented on the proceedings.
AppWizard
January 28, 2026
Valve is facing a legal battle over allegations of imposing excessive commissions on publishers using its Steam platform, with potential damages reaching £656 million. The lawsuit, initiated in June 2024, represents the interests of up to 14 million UK consumers who purchased games via Steam since 2018. Vicki Shotbolt leads the case, claiming Valve restricts publishers from offering lower prices on competing platforms and locks customers into its ecosystem. Valve's commission is reportedly as high as 30 percent. The London Competition Appeal Tribunal has allowed the case to proceed, despite Valve's objections. This is not the first scrutiny Valve has faced; a previous antitrust lawsuit from Wolfire Games was dismissed in late 2021 but was refiled and merged with another claim in 2022, gaining class action status by November 2024.
AppWizard
January 27, 2026
Vicki Shotbolt has initiated a lawsuit against Valve, seeking £656 million for alleged abuse of market dominance related to its Steam platform. The lawsuit claims that Valve restricts game sales on Steam, preventing developers from using alternative distribution channels, and enforces anti-steering provisions that limit in-game purchases to those who buy the base game through Steam. Shotbolt also argues that Valve's commission structure, which typically retains a 30% cut of revenue, is excessively high compared to the value provided. Valve's commission rates decrease for higher sales volumes, but the standard 30% aligns with industry norms, while the Epic Games Store charges a lower rate of 12%. Despite the lawsuit, Valve's Steam platform remains highly profitable, generating significant revenue per employee.
AppWizard
January 20, 2026
Valve is set to launch the Steam Machine, which aims to redefine gaming standards despite not being optimized for true 4K gaming. Its pricing is uncertain due to fluctuating RAM costs. The Steam Machine offers limited upgradability, allowing modifications to RAM and storage but featuring a fixed CPU. Games with the “Steam Deck Verified” badge will be compatible with the Steam Machine, while the “Verified” status is essential for developers to ensure visibility in the Steam store. The Steam Machine operates on Linux-based SteamOS, providing flexibility for users to customize their experience. Valve's approach focuses on making Steam more accessible rather than competing directly with console sales. The Steam Deck has sold over 4 million units, but the Steam Machine could inspire future hardware that merges gaming systems.
AppWizard
January 19, 2026
Disney has removed 14 titles from the Steam platform without prior notice, leaving fans concerned about the fate of their childhood games. The delisted titles include lesser-known games, and while not all players may feel affected, it raises questions about digital gaming history preservation. Notable titles mentioned include Disney's Hercules and Armed and Dangerous, which evoke nostalgia for some players. The removal highlights the ongoing conversation about game preservation and accessibility in the digital realm.
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