Steam reportedly generated $11.1 billion (approximately ₩16.74 trillion) in revenue during the first half of 2026.

Market research firm Alinea Analytics released its report on Steam's first-half performance on the 9th. According to the report, Steam recorded $11.1 billion in revenue, marking its highest first-half performance to date. This represents a 14.5% increase compared to the $9.7 billion recorded in the same period last year.

Alinea Analytics attributed the significant growth in Steam's first-half revenue to an influx of Asian users, particularly from China. Other key factors included rising prices for new releases, the viral success of co-op games, and the return of major publishers who had previously insisted on using their own proprietary launchers.

However, not all indicators were positive. The most notable change is the declining share of revenue from new releases. The proportion of revenue from new games fell from 29% in the first half of 2024 to 27% in 2025, and dropped further to 21% this year. This trend indicates an increasingly competitive environment where new titles must contend not only with each other but also with established legacy games.

Alinea Analytics pointed to the diminishing marginal returns in graphical fidelity for new games, combined with the increased financial burden of upgrading PCs due to semiconductor-driven hardware price hikes. As a result, the firm analyzed that demand is shifting toward enjoying proven, classic titles rather than new releases.

Despite this, several new games released on Steam in the first half of the year achieved notable success. According to the survey, the top-grossing game was 'Forza Horizon 6,' which sold 3.5 million units and generated an estimated $197.7 million (approximately ₩297 billion).

'Resident Evil Requiem' took second place, selling 3.4 million units for $194.5 million (approximately ₩292.2 billion). Pearl Abyss' 'Crimson Desert' followed with $190 million (approximately ₩285.5 billion). The performance of 'Crimson Desert' is considered particularly significant as it is an entirely new IP, unlike the top two titles. However, Alinea Analytics noted that its June revenue stalled at $9.2 million, suggesting that demand at full price has largely been exhausted and that future sales strategies, such as discounts, will be necessary.

Additionally, 'Slay the Spire 2,' which has been praised for setting a new standard in the deck-building roguelike genre, sold 7.1 million units within four months of its early access launch, generating $141.7 million (approximately ₩212.9 billion). 'Subnautica 2' followed with $133.6 million (approximately ₩200.7 billion), while the buzzworthy indie game 'Mecha Chameleon' recorded $71.3 million (approximately ₩107.1 billion).

In its report, Alinea Analytics assessed that Steam is continuing to grow steadily while gradually reducing its reliance on new game releases. The firm concluded by noting that while the current environment is favorable for publishers with steady-selling titles that generate consistent long-term revenue, it has become more difficult than ever for new developers and publishers to enter the market and compete.