Overview
- Market analyst Alinea Analytics estimates Steam generated $11.1 billion in the first half of 2026, its highest half-year on record according to published data cited by multiple outlets.
- Alinea credits the surge to a large Chinese-speaking user base, higher launch prices and third-party publishers returning to Steam after experimenting with separate launchers.
- A handful of big releases drove a large share of revenue, with Forza Horizon 6, Resident Evil Requiem and Crimson Desert each earning roughly $190–$198 million on Steam in H1 2026, plus strong performance from several indie titles.
- Console platform-holders are showing signs of stress: Microsoft reported a year-on-year decline in gaming revenue and ongoing layoffs, and Sony has announced it will stop producing physical game discs in 2028 and limit some future exclusives to PlayStation, moves that have dented consumer sentiment.
- Wider industry pressures include rising hardware costs linked to increased RAM demand and workforce cuts, which could shift where publishers focus releases, affect developer jobs and keep more revenue concentrated on digital PC storefronts.