Steam set a new record for simultaneous online players this weekend. On December 8, the platform’s player count peaked at 39,205,447, surpassing the previous record of 38 million players set in September.
What Contributed to the Record?
The release of several new games likely played a significant role in achieving this milestone, notes NIXSolutions. Over the past 24 hours, the most-played titles on Steam included Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2. The third spot was claimed by Path of Exile 2, a fresh release from Grinding Gear Games, marking a positive outcome for the developers. Marvel’s Rivals, another recent release, ranked fourth in popularity.
Rounding out the top five was PUBG: Battlegrounds. Other popular games included Rust, Grand Theft Auto 5, and Call of Duty, occupying seventh, eighth, and ninth places, respectively. Delta Force, launched in early access, closed the top ten. Baldur’s Gate 3 also continued to attract players, ranking 12th. Farming Simulator 25, AE Sports FC 25, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 secured 17th, 23rd, and 24th places, respectively.
Looking Ahead
This new record highlights Steam’s immense growth potential, suggesting it has yet to reach its peak. With such a vast audience, it’s no surprise that many publishers are eager to partner with Valve. Given the current trajectory, it’s plausible that Steam’s online player count will surpass the 40 million mark in the near future. We’ll keep you updated as the platform continues to grow and set new records.