Half of Steam Users in February Spoke Chinese

In February 2025, a significant demographic shift was observed on Steam, where Chinese-speaking users constituted 50% of the player base, reflecting a notable 20.88% increase from previous months. The surge is primarily attributed to the timing of the Chinese New Year, which typically sees an influx of players. However, this year's growth outpaced the 7.26% increase seen last year. Key factors behind this trend include the success of Game Science's title, Black Myth: Wukong, and the demo for the multiplayer shooter, Mecha Break, developed by Amazing Seasun Games, which achieved a peak player count of over 300,000 during Steam Next Fest. Additionally, the popularity of other titles such as NetEase's Marvel Rivals and the recent release of Monster Hunter Wilds contributed to this record-high user engagement on the platform, indicating a thriving gaming scene in China. The rise of Chinese game studios is expected to continue influencing Steam's demographics.

The rise in Chinese-speaking users on Steam can be linked to several factors, including the recent popularity of games like Black Myth: Wukong and Mecha Break’s demo during Steam Next Fest, both of which have attracted significant player engagement, especially around the time of the Chinese New Year.

Monster Hunter Wilds, a notable title contributing to this growth, is part of the renowned Monster Hunter franchise known for its engaging gameplay where players hunt down fantastical creatures in diverse landscapes. With its release at the end of February, it capitalized on the surge of player activity and excitement surrounding new gaming experiences, further amplifying the presence of Chinese users on Steam. The overall gaming culture in China has been evolving rapidly, with more developers producing thrilling titles that resonate with the community, which is reflected in this impressive rise in player numbers.