Steam's record revenue in 2026: impact on the gaming market
Intelligence Summary
- Steam generated $11 billion in revenue in the first half of 2026, with major implications for the gaming industry and players.
In brief
- Steam generated $11 billion in gross revenue in the first half of 2026.
- Major titles like 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 impressive revenue in 2026 is not only a sign of the platform’s growth, but also of the shifting gaming market. Rising prices for new releases, averaging around $70, have helped drive that growth. This raises questions about the sustainability of that pricing model and its impact on consumers. The role of popular titles such as Resident Evil Requiem and Forza Horizon 6, which together generated nearly $400 million in sales, highlights the importance of blockbuster games in today’s market. Data from Alinea Analytics shows that Steam earned more in the first half of 2026 than it did in all of 2020, signaling a major shift in the market.
What does this mean for players?
For gamers, this trend likely means that prices for new games will keep rising, making access to new releases more difficult. It could also lead to a greater focus on older releases, which are often sold at lower prices. Players will have to decide whether they want to pay premium prices for new titles or focus on cheaper, older games.
Timeline
2020: Steam’s total revenue was less than $11 billion.
2026-07-12: Steam generates $11 billion in the first half of 2026.
2026: Resident Evil Requiem, Forza Horizon 6, and Crimson Desert each generate nearly $200 million in sales.