Steam has revealed the list of top revenue-generating games on the platform for 2023. The list focuses on gross revenue rather than the number of units sold to account for free-to-play titles. The revenue is calculated from January 1 to December 15, 2023. Leading the list are high-profile games such as PUBG Battlegrounds, Cyberpunk 2077, Dota 2, various Call of Duty installments, Hogwarts Legacy, and others. Additional lists on the official website cover categories like new releases with high revenue, such as Cities Skylines 2 and Street Fighter 6, and the best-selling VR games, including Pavlov, Bone Lab, and Beat Saber. This lineup showcases the diverse gaming preferences and the booming free-to-play model on Steam's platform.
Which games topped Steam's grossing list in 2023?
The games that topped Steam's gross revenue charts in 2023 were PUBG Battlegrounds, Cyberpunk 2077, Dota 2, Call of Duty titles (Modern Warfare 3, Modern Warfare 2, Warzone), Hogwarts Legacy, Apex Legends, Starfield, Counter-Strike 2, Lost Ark, Baldur's Gate 3, Destiny 2, and Sons of the Forest.
Steam's list indicates the sustained popularity of online multiplayer free-to-play games, as well as the successful release of new titles that have generated significant sales. The inclusion of free-to-play games like PUBG Battlegrounds and Dota 2 underscores how these games continue to be profitable through in-game purchases and microtransactions. The list also reflects the enthusiasm for major new releases, such as CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077, which despite its rough launch, continued to generate revenue, indicating a revitalization after substantial updates and fixes. The anticipation for upcoming titles like Starfield from Bethesda and the continued loyalty to franchises like Call of Duty also speak volumes of current gaming trends. Additionally, VR gaming is growing, with games like Beat Saber confirming their place in the market.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Comments
The sustained dominance of free-to-play giants and the triumphant comeback of Cyberpunk 2077 really highlight the importance of post-launch support in today's market. The buzz around fresh drops like Starfield and the steady rise of VR titles like Beat Saber showcases a vibrant and ever-evolving gaming landscape on Steam.
Gotta say, it's no shocker that free-to-play titles like Dota 2 keep crushing revenue charts with their microtransaction magic, but the real twist is seeing Cyberpunk 2077 rebound and climb back like a phoenix rising from buggy ashes. It just goes to show completionists and diehard fans can turn the tide for any game, and VR's presence with hits like Beat Saber is a sweet bonus proving that niche is still gaining ground.
It's pretty cool to see that even amid new contenders, classics like Dota 2 and PUBG still reign supreme in revenue – showing how a solid fan base and regular updates can keep free-to-play games at the top. On the flip side, the success of single-player narratives like Cyberpunk 2077's comeback story underscores the gaming community's readiness to embrace redemption arcs for games that show commitment to improvement.