In 2023, Steam achieved a new record with an astounding 14,532 game releases, marking a significant increase from the previous year. This surge in releases underscores Steam’s expanding presence as a major player in the gaming industry.

Aside from the sheer volume of game releases, 2023 also marked Steam’s 20th year as a storefront. The year was characterized by numerous sales, including the 2023 Steam Winter Sale. Additionally, a new beta client build was introduced, providing users with enhanced privacy control over their games and achievements, fulfilling a highly requested feature from the Steam community and highlighting the platform’s dedication to continuous enhancement.

Although the increase in game releases is notable, the quality of games on Steam varied due to a more lenient curation approach. Valve’s decision to allow greater use of game development tools and take a more hands-off approach to curating releases resulted in a diverse range of games becoming available to users.

The numbers speak for themselves – in 2023, a total of 14,532 games were released on Steam, compared to 12,561 in 2022, 11,389 in 2021, and 9,746 in 2020. This upward trend demonstrates the platform’s sustained growth and popularity among both developers and consumers.

The record-breaking year for Steam continued into 2024, with over 110 titles already released. However, there have been reports from some users of unusual occurrences, such as unlocking achievements for games they have never played. These reports have raised questions about the integrity of the platform’s achievement system.

In addition to the increase in game releases, Valve also announced the winners of the 2023 Steam Awards, with Baldur’s Gate 3 claiming the top prize. However, some users expressed skepticism about the awards given to Red Dead Redemption 2 and Starfield in certain categories, sparking debate within the gaming community.

As 2024 unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Steam will continue to set records or if the platform’s growth will stabilize. With upcoming releases and a lineup of sales scheduled throughout the year, Valve shows no signs of slowing down. The gaming community eagerly anticipates what the rest of the year has in store and whether Steam will maintain its position as a leader in the industry.