In the ever-evolving landscape of digital gaming, Steam has emerged as a colossal platform, offering an extensive library that caters to diverse gaming tastes. As we step into 2024, the gaming community buzzes with excitement over which titles have climbed the ranks to become the best selling steam games. This guide delves into these gaming marvels, exploring the essence of what makes them stand out in a sea of digital entertainment.
Rank | Game | Genre | Developer | Publisher | Platform | Release Date | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Baldur's Gate 3 | Role-playing | Larian Studios | Larian Studios | Windows, PlayStation 5, macOS, Xbox Series X/S | August 3, 2023 | |
2 | Hogwarts Legacy | Action role-playing | Avalanche Software | Warner Bros. Games | PlayStation 5, Windows 10, Windows 11, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch | February 10, 2023 | |
3 | Starfield | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios | Bethesda Softworks | Windows Xbox, Series X/S | September 6, 2023 | |
4 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival horror, third-person shooter | Capcom Production Studio 4 | Capcom | GameCube | January 11, 2005 | |
5 | Sons of the Forest | Survival | Endnight Games | Newnight | Windows | February 22, 2024 | |
6 | Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon | Vehicular combat | FromSoftware | Bandai Namco Entertainment, JP: FromSoftware | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | August 25, 2023 | |
7 | EA Sports FC 24 | Sports | EA Vancouver, EA Romania | EA Sports | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | September 29, 2023 | |
8 | Star Wars Jedi: Survivor | Action-adventure | Respawn Entertainment | Electronic Arts | PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One | April 28, 2023 | |
9 | Lethal Company | Survival horrorSurvival horror | Zeekerss | Zeekerss | Windows | October 23, 2023 | |
10 | Cities: Skylines II | City-building, construction and management simulation | Colossal Order | Paradox Interactive | Windows | October 24, 2023 |
What Are Steam Games?
Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, stands as a beacon for the gaming community, providing a comprehensive digital distribution platform. It’s not just a marketplace but a hub for gamers and developers alike, offering a plethora of services including game hosting, multiplayer gaming, video streaming, and social networking services. The platform’s success is evident in its extensive user base and the vast array of games available, ranging from indie gems to blockbuster titles. But numbers will say better about the company.
The statistics reveal a vibrant and booming gaming ecosystem, highlighted by a peak of 10.3 million concurrent in-game users, showcasing the platform’s widespread popularity and the engaging nature of its top titles. The revenue generated from game sales reached an astounding $8.56 billion, indicating the significant financial impact and success of the gaming industry on Steam. Additionally, the average selling price of video games on the platform was recorded at $15.5 million, reflecting the premium quality and value that gamers are willing to invest in for their entertainment. Over the course of the year, Steam saw the release of 12,068 new games, further expanding its diverse and expansive library, and offering gamers a wide array of genres and experiences to explore.
Top Best Games on Steam by Revenue 2023
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
- Release Date: October 6, 2023
- Revenue: $657 million
- Type: Role-playing game (RPG)
Baldur’s Gate 3 plunges players into the heart of the Forgotten Realms, a realm of magic, mystery, and myriad dangers. As a player, you’re thrust into a world teetering on the brink of chaos, tasked with harnessing newfound powers that threaten to overwhelm you. The game’s narrative depth is unparalleled, offering a rich tapestry of interwoven storylines and character development. With a heavy emphasis on choice, each decision you make has far-reaching consequences on the world and its inhabitants. From the bustling streets of Baldur’s Gate to the ominous depths of the Underdark, every location is brimming with potential allies and adversaries, each with their own unique backstories and motivations. The strategic, turn-based combat challenges players to think tactically, utilizing the environment and their party’s abilities to their advantage.
2. Hogwarts Legacy
- Release Date: February 10, 2023
- Revenue: $314 millon
- Type: Action RPG
Hogwarts Legacy offers a unique opportunity to explore the iconic world of Harry Potter like never before. Set in the 1800s, long before the boy who lived walked the halls of Hogwarts, players create their own character and experience life as a student at the famed wizarding school. The game blends magic, mystery, and adventure as players attend classes, learn spells, and uncover hidden secrets within the castle’s walls and beyond. The open-world design encourages exploration, from the Forbidden Forest to Hogsmeade Village. Your choices shape your character’s journey, aligning with different wizarding houses and deciding the fate of the magical world. Engage in magical combat, brew potions, and fly on broomsticks in this immersive RPG experience that brings the magic of Hogwarts to life.
3. Starfield
- Release Date: November 11, 2023
- Revenue: $235 million
- Type: Space exploration RPG
Starfield sets players off on a journey through the cosmos, offering an unprecedented blend of exploration and storytelling. As a member of Constellation, the last group of space explorers, you’re tasked with uncovering the mysteries of the galaxy. The game promises a vast open universe teeming with diverse planets, each with its unique environment and inhabitants. The narrative’s depth, character customization, and shipbuilding capabilities allow for a highly personalized experience. Engage in space combat, forge alliances with alien species, and make decisions that influence the interstellar balance of power. Starfield combines the thrill of discovery with the intricacies of RPG storytelling, setting a new benchmark for space exploration games.
4. Resident Evil 4
- Release Date: March 24, 2023
- Revenue: $159 million
- Type: Survival horror
The remake of the iconic Resident Evil 4 revitalizes the classic horror experience with modernized gameplay and graphics. Players reassume the role of Leon S. Kennedy, a special agent on a mission to rescue the president’s daughter from a sinister cult. The game masterfully blends action, horror, and puzzle-solving, offering a tense and immersive experience. Enhanced visuals and an over-the-shoulder camera perspective heighten the sense of dread as players navigate the eerie village and its deranged inhabitants. With limited resources and the ever-present threat of the monstrous Ganados, players must strategize to survive. The game’s narrative depth, combined with its iconic gameplay, makes Resident Evil 4 a compelling experience for both newcomers and longtime fans of the series.
5. Sons of the Forest
- Release Date: February 23, 2023
- Revenue: $116 million
- Type: Survival Horror
In “Sons of the Forest,” players find themselves stranded on a remote island with the sole objective of survival. The game challenges players with crafting, building shelters, and scavenging resources while confronting the island’s horrifying inhabitants. The dynamic weather system and day-night cycle add to the game’s realism, making every decision crucial for survival. With its open-world exploration and heart-pounding encounters, “Sons of the Forest” offers a gripping and immersive survival horror adventure.
6. Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
- Release Date: July 7, 2023
- Revenue: $87 million
- Type: Action, Mecha Simulation
In this high-octane title, players step into the cockpit of these formidable machines, navigating a complex world teetering on the brink of conflict. The game’s hallmark lies in its unparalleled depth of customization, allowing enthusiasts to engineer their mechs down to the minutest detail, from weaponry and armor to mobility enhancements and aesthetic modifications. This personalization extends to tactical choices, urging players to devise strategies that complement their mech’s build and their preferred combat approach. Battles unfold across a tapestry of richly designed environments, from war-torn urban sprawls to desolate wastelands, each presenting unique strategic considerations. The narrative weaves a compelling tale of power, betrayal, and survival, drawing players deeper into its immersive universe. Multiplayer modes add a competitive edge, pitting custom-engineered mechs against each other in adrenaline-fueled showdowns.Due to this “Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon” is a seminal addition to the mecha genre, offering an experience that is both intellectually challenging and viscerally thrilling.
7. EA Sports FC 24
- Release Date: September 29, 2023
- Revenue: $81 million
- Type: Sports, Football Simulation
“EA Sports FC 24” elevates the football simulation genre to new heights, offering an unrivaled gaming experience that mirrors the intensity and passion of real-world football. With its advanced physics engine, the game delivers incredibly lifelike player movements and ball dynamics, ensuring each match feels authentic. The tactical depth allows players to devise complex strategies, adapting to the ever-changing flow of the game. Featuring a vast selection of teams and leagues from around the globe, gamers can manage their favorite squads in pursuit of glory across various game modes, including career and online multiplayer. The attention to detail extends to the atmospheric stadiums, where the roar of the crowd and the chants of fans enhance the immersive experience. Every tackle, goal, and victory celebration has been meticulously crafted to capture the true essence and emotional highs of the sport, making “EA Sports FC 24” a must-play title for football enthusiasts.
8. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- Release Date: April 28, 2023
- Revenue: $81 million
- Type: Action-Adventure
“Star Wars Jedi: Survivor” propels players back into the riveting journey of Cal Kestis, a burgeoning Jedi Knight, as he confronts the formidable forces of the Empire in a galaxy teetering on the brink of darkness. This sequel enriches the saga with an array of new Force abilities and refined lightsaber combat, inviting players to master the art of Jedi warfare. The game significantly broadens the scope of exploration, introducing a variety of planets each brimming with unique cultures, challenges, and secrets. As Cal delves deeper into the uncharted corners of the Star Wars galaxy, he encounters a host of intriguing characters, some allies, some foes, each adding depth to the immersive narrative. The blend of enhanced gameplay mechanics, a gripping storyline, and the authentic Star Wars ambiance culminates in an exhilarating adventure, capturing the essence of the Jedi experience and leaving players yearning for more.
9. Lethal Company
- Release Date: August 18, 2023
- Revenue: $52 million
- Type: Strategy, Tactical Shooter
“Lethal Company” immerses players in the world of elite mercenary operations, where strategic cunning and quick reflexes are key to survival and success. Players take on the role of a mercenary leader, tasked with assembling a squad from a diverse pool of soldiers, each possessing unique skills and specialties. The game intricately weaves together tactical planning and real-time action, challenging players to adapt their strategies on the fly during high-tension missions. Whether infiltrating enemy bases, rescuing hostages, or engaging in fierce combat, the choice of team composition, weaponry, and tactical approach significantly impacts mission outcomes. “Lethal Company” emphasizes the use of environmental elements for strategic advantage, pushing players to exploit terrain, cover, and ambush points.
10. Cities: Skylines II
- Release Date: October 21, 2023
- Revenue: $50 million
- Type: City-Building, Simulation
“Cities: Skylines II” elevates the city-building genre to unprecedented levels, offering players an expansive canvas to architect their dream metropolis from the ground up. As the sequel to the widely celebrated original, this edition introduces deeper layers of customization, allowing aspiring mayors to tailor every aspect of their city, from the architectural styles to the intricate road networks. The game intricately simulates the complexities of urban development, incorporating a wide array of zoning laws and public services that players must adeptly manage to ensure their city thrives. The challenge lies not only in expanding the city’s skyline but also in ensuring the happiness and well-being of its citizens, addressing their needs and responding to emergencies. With new gameplay features, such as dynamic weather conditions and eco-friendly technologies, “Cities: Skylines II” invites players to create sustainable, living cities that evolve over time, presenting a deeply engaging and rewarding experience for both seasoned urban planners and new players alike.
Steam Sales Chart 2024
The previous top shows the top games by revenue for the 2023 calendar year. However, it is impossible not to pay attention to the chart of the best-selling games presented on the official website. The list presented here is relevant for March 2024.
Here you can find Top 100 selling games right now, by revenue and weekly charts.
https://store.steampowered.com/charts/topselling/DE
HELLDIVERS™ 2
- Release Date: March 15, 2024
- Type: Cooperative Shooter
“HELLDIVERS™ 2” is a thrilling top-down shooter that builds on the success of its predecessor, emphasizing teamwork and strategy. Players join the elite HELLDIVERS squad in a dystopian future to protect humanity from extraterrestrial threats. The game is known for its challenging missions, diverse enemy types, and the need for precise coordination amongst players. With an arsenal of weapons and vehicles at their disposal, gamers must navigate hostile environments, complete objectives, and ensure the safety of their team in intense, procedurally generated missions.
Counter-Strike 2
- Release Date: June 12, 2024
- Type: First-Person Shooter (FPS)
“Counter-Strike 2” continues the legacy of the acclaimed FPS series, offering intense tactical gameplay. Players are divided into two teams, terrorists and counter-terrorists, with objectives such as bomb planting/defusal and hostage rescue. The game demands precision, quick reflexes, and strategic teamwork. With new maps, weapons, and improved graphics, it offers a fresh experience while maintaining the core mechanics that made the series a staple in competitive gaming.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
- Release Date: August 22, 2024
- Type: Action RPG
“Dragon’s Dogma 2” invites players back into its vast, open-world fantasy setting with enhanced graphics and an expanded storyline. Gamers assume the role of the ‘Arisen’, tasked with defeating the mysterious Dragon in a world teeming with mythical creatures. The game is celebrated for its dynamic combat system, where players can climb atop larger foes to attack weak points, and the innovative ‘Pawn’ system that allows players to recruit three AI companions with distinct skills and abilities to aid in their quest.
Steam Deck
- Release Date: Not applicable (hardware)
- Type: Portable Gaming Device
The Steam Deck revolutionizes portable gaming by allowing players to access their entire Steam library on the go. This powerful handheld device combines the capabilities of a PC with the convenience of a portable console, featuring a custom AMD APU, a high-resolution touchscreen, and a variety of control options including thumbsticks, trackpads, and gyroscopic controls. It appeals to gamers seeking flexibility without compromising on performance.
Baldur’s Gate 3
(Already described in the previous section)
PUBG: BATTLEGROUND
- Release Date: Continual updates since initial release
- Type: Battle Royale
“PUBG: BATTLEGROUND” is a pioneer in the battle royale genre, where players parachute onto an island with 99 other competitors to scavenge for weapons and equipment with the aim of being the last person standing. The game’s vast, open-world maps, realistic gunplay, and shrinking play zone promote intense, strategic gameplay. Regular updates and seasonal content keep the community engaged and the gameplay experience fresh.
Cyberpunk 2077
- Release Date: December 10, 2020 (Continual updates)
- Type: Open-World RPG
Set in the dystopian Night City, “Cyberpunk 2077” offers players a vast open-world experience filled with deep narrative choices, customizable characters, and futuristic tech. After overcoming initial technical challenges, the game has been revitalized through patches and DLC, enhancing the overall experience. Players take on the role of ‘V’, navigating a world of corporate intrigue, cybernetic enhancements, and vibrant urban landscapes.
EA Sports FC 24
(Already described in the previous section)
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
- Release Date: December 1, 2015 (Continual updates)
- Type: Tactical Shooter
“Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege” focuses on team-based strategy, precision, and destructible environments. Players choose from a roster of ‘Operators’, each with unique gadgets and abilities, to either defend or breach fortified locations. The game emphasizes communication and tactical execution, offering a high skill ceiling and a competitive multiplayer experience. Ongoing updates and new seasons continue to enrich the game’s content and player community.
Hogwarts Legacy
(Already described in the previous section)
Steam's recommendation system is designed to help players discover games they might enjoy, based on their playing habits, preferences, and past purchases. It employs a complex algorithm that analyzes a user's gaming history, the amount of time spent on various titles, and the preferences of similar users. Additionally, Steam Curators and the Discovery Queue offer personalized game suggestions, making it easier for gamers to find new favorites amidst the platform's vast library.
Yes, Steam has a customer-friendly refund policy. Players can request a refund for nearly any purchase on Steam, provided the request is made within two weeks of purchase, and the game has been played for less than two hours. This policy allows users to try out games risk-free and ensures satisfaction with their purchases. Refunds are typically issued to the original payment method, but if that's not possible, it will be added to the Steam Wallet.
Steam Workshop is a feature that allows the community to contribute content to games, such as mods, items, skins, and custom levels. It enables players to easily share and install user-generated content, significantly enhancing and extending the lifespan of many games. Workshops support a wide range of games, from indie titles to popular franchises, fostering a vibrant community of creators and allowing for endless customization and new experiences within existing games.