The video game industry has grown more than ever in recent years. However, this growth is becoming an increasingly significant challenge, especially for developers. According to a recent report by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier on Steam, one of the most significant challenges facing the industry today is the sheer number of games available.

The number of games on Steam has doubled

SteamDB data dramatically illustrates this fact. In 2020, the number of games released on Steam alone was 9,656, but by 2024, this figure had increased by 93%, reaching 18,626. In short, the number of games released on Steam has nearly doubled in four years. This means greater choice and variety for gamers, while also intensifying competition for developers.

Game studios are now competing not only with each other but also with social media platforms, video streaming services, and even mobile apps for gamers’ attention. Adding to this the daily addition of indie titles and big-budget AAA projects to Steam makes it extremely difficult for small and medium-sized studios to stand out.

From a gamers’ perspective, the outlook is quite positive. Thanks to Steam, consoles, and cloud-based services, access to countless games across a wide range of price points is easier than ever. However, the situation on the developer side is far more complex. Constantly updated “live service” games like Fortnite pose a significant obstacle to every new release.

While studios rarely cite the problem of “too many games” as the reason for closures or layoffs, it’s a reality that can no longer be ignored. While this volume wasn’t present a few years ago, today Steam’s record-breaking game catalog is shaping the industry’s new normal.

Ultimately, while this development represents a golden age for gamers, it represents a battle for survival for developers.