Recent data reveals that only 15% of Steam users’ total playtime in 2024 was spent on games released that year. This marks an increase from 9% in 2023, indicating a growing interest in new titles. However, a significant portion of playtime remains devoted to older games, with 47% spent on titles released in the last seven years and 37% on games eight years or older.
Key Insights:
• Backlog Focus: Many gamers are dedicating time to their existing game libraries, possibly due to the vast selection of older titles available on Steam.
• Affordability of Older Games: Frequent sales and discounts make older games more accessible, attracting players seeking cost-effective options.
• Steam Deck Compatibility: The popularity of the Steam Deck may influence game choices, as older titles are often less demanding and more compatible with the handheld device.
• Dominance of Live Service Games: Established live service games like Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and PUBG continue to dominate playtime, making it challenging for newer titles to capture significant player bases.
• Extensive Game Library: With over 200,000 titles available on Steam, the sheer volume of older games naturally leads to a higher cumulative playtime compared to the approximately 18,000 games released in 2024.
While the 15% playtime for new releases shows an improvement from the previous year, it remains below the 17% observed in 2022. This suggests a gradual recovery in engagement with new titles, though older games continue to command a substantial share of players’ attention.
For a comprehensive analysis, read the full article: Only 15% of Steam users have played games released in 2024, but why?