Alinea: Steam revenue reaches $11.1bn, marking highest half-year on record. Estimates suggest Steam generated $11.1 billion in H1 revenue, up 14.5% year-over-year, driven by increased player activity in Asia, higher prices for new releases, and back-catalogue sales.
Estimates from data firm Aliena Analytics indicate that Steam's revenue in H1 reached $11.1 billion, a 14.5% increase year-over-year, marking a record high for the platform. The growth was fueled by player engagement in Asia, particularly China, higher prices for new games, and the popularity of cooperative games. Back-catalogue sales were the main driver of revenue growth, with publishers offering discounts, bundles, and limited-time deals for older titles.
Resident Evil Requiem was a top earner, bringing in $194.5 million, supported by promotional activities from Capcom. Revenue from new releases has seen a decline since H1 2024, while catalogue sales have risen from 71% to 79%. New titles like Forza Horizon 6, Crimson Desert, Slay the Spire 2, Subnautica 2, and Meccha Chameleon have achieved significant revenue milestones, with strategies such as viral appeal, established franchises, competitive pricing, and innovative gameplay contributing to their success.
Aliena highlighted the challenges faced by new releases competing with discounted classics, emphasizing the importance of standout features to attract player attention in a saturated market.
