Only 15% of Steam Playtime in 2024 Went to New Games

Steam’s year-end review has revealed intriguing trends in how gamers allocate their playtime. The 2024 statistics highlight a noteworthy trend: only 15% of all playtime on Steam was spent on games released during the year.

While that figure might seem low at first glance, it represents a significant rise from 2023, when only 9% of playtime was devoted to new releases. However, it still falls short of the 17% share recorded in 2022. Most of 2024’s playtime was dominated by older titles, with 47% spent on games released within the last one to seven years, and a substantial 37% dedicated to games over eight years old.

A Bounceback for New Games

Despite the modest share, 2024 showed signs of recovery for new games. Much of the increase in playtime was driven by popular releases, particularly in the multiplayer and live service categories. Notable examples include Helldivers 2 and Delta Force, as well as the free-to-play phenomenon Banana. In the single-player realm, the action-adventure Black Myth: Wukong emerged as a standout, boasting impressive player counts.

The Ongoing Dominance of Live Service Games

The enduring popularity of live service games likely contributes to the lower share of playtime for new releases. Titles like Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and PUBG have held top spots on Steam’s most-played charts for years, capturing players who have invested significant time and money into these long-running franchises.

For new live service games, the market remains a challenging space. While some, such as Marvel Rivals and Path of Exile 2, have managed to find success, many others struggle to gain traction. Ubisoft’s difficulties with Skull and Bones and the abrupt shutdown of XDefiant underscore the risks involved in launching new entries in this competitive field.

The Vast Library of Steam Games

Another key factor is Steam’s expansive library, which now exceeds 200,000 titles spanning decades. The platform’s depth means players can indulge in everything from nostalgic classics to underappreciated gems. Older games, including beloved 1990s cRPGs and enduring favorites like Civilization 4, continue to captivate audiences.

Given the sheer breadth of options and the entrenched popularity of live service games, the 15% of playtime spent on 2024 releases is not just understandable—it’s a sign of a healthy interest in new titles amidst a sea of gaming possibilities.