The popularity of PC gaming endures, with Steam shattering its concurrent user record once again.
Every time I step away from Steam for just five minutes, it seems to log a fresh record for the number of players currently online. Valve shattered its concurrent user record in the first year, with more than 33 million customers simultaneously online. In March, Steam’s concurrent user count surged to a record-breaking 36 million, only to surpass itself again in August at 37 million. Just recently, within the hour preceding this writing, Steam achieved another milestone: a concurrent consumer peak of 38,367,277, a remarkably robust figure for the online game distribution platform, as tracked by SteamDB. What’s often overlooked is that a staggering 38 million people simultaneously engaged in gaming activities, not just logging in directly.
Despite the trend, PC gaming remains on an upward trajectory, particularly during a time when console manufacturers are attempting to sell $700 consoles with marginally improved visuals that most people wouldn’t have batted an eye at (apologies to those of you who create such artistry; your work is indeed commendable, I just don’t yearn for crystal-clear quality). As the grey British skies prevail, it’s intriguing why this specific weekend in September prompts people to crave video game sessions, regardless of the atmospheric conditions, and although Valve’s motivations remain unclear, one thing is certain: their players will likely be undeterred by the weather.
As Valve’s latest game, Impasse, continues to thrive on Steam, it seems that issues are unfolding smoothly for the company at this moment in time. This month, Dota 2’s popularity reached new heights with a record-breaking player count of 171,490, and the game continues to attract nearly 150,000 enthusiasts worldwide, ensuring Valve can expect sustained success.
