Steam's record revenue in 2026: impact on the gaming market and players

In short

• Steam generated $11 billion in gross revenue in the first half of 2026.
• Major titles such as Resident Evil Requiem and Forza Horizon 6 each brought in nearly $200 million in Steam sales.
• Revenue in the first six months of 2026 surpassed the total for all of 2020.

GAME-scanner analysis

Steam’s record revenue in 2026 is a clear sign of the platform’s growing dominance in the gaming industry. Rising prices for new releases, averaging around $70, have helped drive this growth, raising questions about accessibility for gamers. The massive sales of popular titles such as Resident Evil Requiem and Forza Horizon 6, which together generated nearly $400 million, underline the importance of blockbuster games in today’s market. This points to a shift toward premium gaming, where players may be less inclined to invest in lesser-known or older titles.

What does this mean for players?

For gamers, this trend could mean that prices for new games will likely keep rising, making it harder to access the latest releases. It may also lead to a greater focus on older games, which are often sold at lower prices. Players will have to weigh whether they want to pay premium prices for new titles or focus on cheaper, older games. This could affect the diversity of the gaming experience, with some players potentially pushed toward more affordable alternatives.