By Sagar V. Mankar 
MiSide, a horror game created by just two developers from Russia, has become one of Steam’s biggest surprises of December 2024. This unexpected hit has not only captured players’ imaginations but also demonstrated how small indie teams can compete with gaming’s biggest names.
Impressive Numbers Tell the Story
Released on December 11, 2024, MiSide quickly gained traction, hitting over 23,741 concurrent players (CCU) on Steam by December 21. As of January 10, 2025, the game maintains an impressive daily peak of over 10,400 players.
While the developers, AIHASTO, and their publisher, IndieArk, haven’t disclosed official sales figures, third-party analytics provide a glimpse into the game’s success. According to VG Insights, MiSide has grossed $23 million, with over 2 million copies sold. Gamalytic offers slightly lower numbers, estimating $16 million in revenue from 1.3 million copies sold as of January 10, 2025. Regardless of the exact figures, it’s clear that MiSide has become a standout hit.
What Makes MiSide Special?
At first glance, MiSide appears to be a simple anime dating simulator, but it quickly reveals itself as something far more sinister. The game follows the story of Mita, an anime girlfriend character who pulls players into her increasingly disturbing world. What starts as a seemingly innocent dating sim gradually transforms into a psychological horror experience that has drawn comparisons to the infamous Doki Doki Literature Club.
Critical Reception
Critics have praised the game’s originality and execution. GameSpace awarded it a 90/100, calling it “not just a gem, but a masterpiece,” while Gamers Heroes gave it an 80/100, highlighting how the game “keeps players on their toes.”
On Steam, the game boasts a stellar 98% approval rating from over 68,000 reviews. Players have described it as “a very well-made horror game with captivating characters.” One reviewer noted, “This game is criminally good. I started skeptical but ended amazed. What are AAA studios doing when two developers can create this masterpiece?”
Success Amid AAA Struggles
MiSide’s triumph is particularly noteworthy given the challenges faced by many AAA titles in 2024:
- Star Wars Outlaws struggled with sales despite its massive budget
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard received lukewarm reviews
- Concord was canceled within two weeks, reportedly selling only 25k copies leading to $400 million loss
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League disappointed fans with its live-service approach led to a massive loss to the publisher, cancellation of further support and layoff at the studio
Why MiSide Succeeded Where Others Failed
Several factors contributed to MiSide’s success:
- Word-of-mouth marketing and viral popularity among streamers
- Affordable price point at $15
- Focus on innovation rather than following industry trends
- Strong player engagement without microtransactions
And most importantly, it is an authentic horror experience that respects player intelligence.
If you’re ready for an horror experience, MiSide is available on Steam. Just remember—Mita’s world isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Sources: Steam Charts and SteamDB Data, VG Insights and Gamalytic Analysis, Steam Community