Recent data from GameDiscoverCo indicates that players on Steam are spending less on new releases, despite average prices remaining relatively steady. The analysis covers the top 50 new games released between February 2023 and October 2025, tracking first-month unit sales and total revenue. While headline prices have not changed dramatically, the median price of these games has dropped significantly, suggesting that a larger share of sales now comes from lower-priced titles.
Average Prices Remain Stable, Median Prices Drop
The average price of the top 50 new games by units sold saw a minor decline, from $21.80 in early 2023 to $21.41 by October 2025. This represents only a 2% decrease and indicates that the typical price of a successful new Steam release has not shifted substantially over the past two and a half years. Median prices, however, tell a different story. Over the same period, the median fell from $19.50 to $15.64, a decline of 20%. This reflects a growing trend of cheaper games gaining traction among players.
A similar trend appears when analyzing the top 50 games by revenue. The average price dropped slightly from $26.20 to $25.76, while median revenue prices fell from $23.70 to $20.35, showing a 14% decrease. According to GameDiscoverCo, the decline in median prices began in late 2023 after years of stability, largely due to the increasing popularity of low-cost titles priced between $5 and $15.
Mid-Priced Games Face Growing Competition
The data also suggests mounting pressure on mid-tier games, often priced between $25 and $60. These projects must now compete with both high-budget AAA releases and low-cost indie games that can achieve viral success. In addition, frequent discounts on older games in back catalogs continue to impact mid-tier sales. As a result, the AA segment faces a challenging environment for capturing consumer attention and revenue.
Implications for Developers
For developers, these trends highlight the importance of pricing strategy and market positioning. Lower-priced titles can attract a broader audience, while mid-tier games must differentiate themselves through quality, unique features, or strong marketing campaigns. Understanding player spending behavior and the evolving Steam market is increasingly critical for maximizing first-month sales and long-term revenue.
Source: GameDiscoverCo
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are players spending less on new Steam games?
Players are increasingly choosing lower-priced games, particularly those in the $5–15 range. Median prices have fallen since late 2023, reflecting this shift in spending habits.
Have average game prices changed on Steam?
Average prices for new Steam releases have remained relatively stable, with only minor declines of around 2% over the past two and a half years.
What is happening to mid-priced games on Steam?
Games in the $25–60 range are facing competition from both AAA releases and cheaper indie games. Discounts on older titles also contribute to the pressure on mid-tier releases.
How does this affect game developers?
Developers may need to adjust pricing strategies or focus on unique selling points to compete effectively. Lower-priced games may reach a wider audience, while mid-tier projects must find ways to stand out in a crowded market.
Does this trend affect web3 games?
While this analysis focuses on traditional Steam titles, web3 games may face similar challenges with pricing and audience adoption, depending on their positioning and perceived value.
