By Sagar V. Mankar 
The Steam Replay 2024 statistics reveal some interesting trends, particularly when it comes to how much time players are dedicating to new games versus older titles.
A Small but Growing Share of Playtime for New Game
One of the most notable findings is that only 15% of total playtime on Steam was spent on games released in 2024. While this might seem low at first glance, it marks a significant increase compared to 9% in 2023. However, it’s still lower than the 17% seen in 2022. This slight bounceback suggests that players are starting to spend more time on newly released titles, driven by popular games like Helldivers II, Palworld, and Black Myth: Wukong.
Older Games Continue to Dominate
Looking at the bigger picture, the majority of playtime on Steam in 2024 was still devoted to older titles. Games released between 2017 and 2023 made up 47% of the total playtime, while even older games, dating back eight years or more, accounted for 37%. This suggests that many Steam users are still loyal to their favorite games from previous years, whether they’re revisiting classics or continuing to enjoy long-standing live service games.
Live service games such as Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and PUBG continue to dominate the “Most Played” charts, with players investing significant time into ongoing titles they’re familiar with. These games tend to offer consistent updates and content, keeping players engaged long after their initial release.
Nearly 19000 games released in 2024
2024 has been a record-breaking year for the number of new games on Steam, with nearly 19,000 titles released—an increase of nearly 30% compared to the previous year. This surge in new content highlights the growing competition on the platform. Despite this, breaking into the market remains challenging, especially for new live service games. The difficulty in establishing a successful live service title is evident in the struggles faced by games like Suicide Squad Kill Justice League and Concord, which failed to gain lasting traction with players.
Steam’s massive library, now with over 200,000 games, also plays a role in these trends. With such a vast selection, it’s easy for players to stick to their tried-and-true favorites. For example, older titles like Civilization IV continue to attract a dedicated fanbase, demonstrating the enduring appeal of classic games.
In summary, while 2024 has seen more time spent on new games compared to 2023, the dominance of established titles remains strong. This pattern could continue as Steam’s vast library grows, offering both new and nostalgic experiences for its diverse player base.
For more insights on Steam and gaming trends, visit the official Steam website. And don’t forget to subscribe to Gaming Foodle for the latest updates