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Assassin’s Creed Set to Double Down on Live-Service and Monetization Elements, Job Listing Suggests

Story Highlight
  • Ubisoft Quebec is hiring for a game designer job that seemingly doubles down on the live-service and monetization elements for the series.
  • This push will be based on the Animus Hub, the centralized launcher for all Assassin’s Creed games.
  • This same push had led Ubisoft to make several multiplayer Assassin’s Creed games, out of which 2 have already been cancelled.

The Assassin’s Creed franchise is bigger than ever, with multiple new entries currently under development, both in the RPG and the classical style. That said, Ubisoft is also expanding the IP beyond its single-player roots, developing more than one multiplayer-centered Assassin’s Creed game.

Now, one job listing at Ubisoft implies that they want to double down on the live-service and microtransaction elements with the Assassin’s Creed franchise. These elements will even be a bigger focus in the near future, centered on the Animus Hub experience, the centralized interface that interconnects all Assassin’s Creed games.

Why it matters: Bringing in live-service and monetization elements in a single-player franchise is a terrible idea, but Ubisoft doesn’t seem to care. This can potentially ruin their biggest owned franchise.

game designer ubisoft quebec
The Future Of The IP May Be In Jeopardy With A Direction Like This 

As spotted by the folks at Clawsomegamer, the Game Designer – Progressions & Systems position at Ubisoft Quebec, developers behind Assassin’s Creed Shadows, seeks a developer to expand upon the live-service systems in Assassin’s Creed games. 

Collaborate with UI UX, monetization, and production teams to design player-facing loops experienced through menus and alongside gameplay.

The responsibilities mention collaboration on monetization options, and the qualifications section for the job states a requirement for an employee who has worked in a live environment before.

Exposure to live or online environments, such as games, platforms, or live digital products.

It is essential to note that this listing mentions the Assassin’s Creed franchise as a whole and isn’t for one specific entry, as we know that codenamed Invictus is an upcoming multiplayer title based on live-service elements.

Furthermore, this entire position is based around the Animus Hub experience, the centralized launcher that interconnects all Assassin’s Creed games. Perhaps, Ubisoft wants to create a live-service ecosystem with the Animus Hub experience.

Assassin's Creed Shadows
AC Shadows Developers Previously Also Defended Microtransactions, Saying That They Help Support The Developers

Just recently, Ubisoft had cancelled 2 multiplayer-focused Assassin’s Creed games, separate from codenamed Invictus, likely made in the first place to be a part of this same push.

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on this push? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Microsoft Confirms Next-Gen Xbox Games Will Be Developed on PC First

Story Highlight
  • At the GDC, Microsoft confirmed that next-gen Xbox video games will be built on PC first.
  • This highlights the gaming giant’s approach to close in on the Xbox and PC ecosystem.
  • Project Helix would also likely be a PC in a console shell, with this decision further solidifying the rumors.

The first details for Project Helix were revealed at the GDC today, and it seems Microsoft is also taking an entirely different approach to video game development. 

Specifically, video games built for the next-gen Xbox will be developed on PC first, practically confirming that Project Helix itself would be a PC as per previous reports.

Why it matters: Currently, there’s a major debate within the industry over whether Project Helix is a console or a PC. From what we can tell, it will be a PC in a console-friendly form, both in hardware and software.

next gen xbox games pc first
Microsoft’s New Approach Will Also Be A Huge Change For The Developers || Source: The Verge

This specific presentation slide showcases Microsoft’s priority to put PC game development over everything else, as video game development will start from desktops. It is then followed by consoles and then by cloud streaming.

As such, expect next-gen Xbox games to be built on PC first and then later ported to other consoles, whether it’s the current Xbox Series or the PlayStation consoles. 

Graphically, it would mean greater scalability for video games, but also that Project Helix would be pushing the limits in them. One disadvantage of this approach would be the lack of console optimization, considering Project Helix is a PC.

This is, unless Xbox tailors the Project Helix experience for each game, similar to the approach Valve has with the Steam Deck, confirming the verified status for each game that shows a compatibility badge.

xbox project helix
Project Magnus Is Reportedly Built On The RDNA 5 Architecture And Utilizes The New Magnus APU

To double down on this PC approach, Microsoft is releasing the Xbox mode for Windows 11 soon, which will be akin to the UI currently used in the Xbox ROG Ally handhelds. 

It seems these decisions will really close in on the ecosystem between Xbox and PC, something Microsoft has been working on for years. Project Helix itself has been a thing in the works for nearly a decade.

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on Microsoft’s PC-first approach for game development? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

PS6 and Xbox Project Helix Reportedly Targeting Holiday 2027 Launch

Story Highlight
  • Both PS6 and Xbox Project Helix are scheduled for a holiday 2027 release, an insider confirms.
  • Project Helix will be much more powerful than the PS6, but will also be priced much higher.
  • This is most likely Microsoft’s last-ditch effort at making new Xbox hardware.

While recent rumors about the release of the next-gen Xbox and PS6 haven’t been that accurate, Microsoft has confirmed that it will be sending out alpha units for the Project Helix in early 2027, hinting at a holiday launch.

Conversely, reports now also suggest that PS6 will also be released in the same time period, which will once again bring these rivals to clash with each other, quite possibly for the last time.

Why it matters: The Xbox and PlayStation rivalry has gone on for decades, and even if Team Blue has an edge over the other, it is still interesting to see them face off. 

ps6 xbox project helix 2027 launch
The Wait For Next-Gen Consoles Won’t Be That Much || NeoGAF

As per Kepler_L2, who has a solid track record of accurate leaks for hardware releases, both PS6 and Xbox Project Helix will release during the holidays in 2027. If this is true, expect Sony to start handing out dev kits for the PS6 early next year.

Comparing each other, Project Helix will be a much more powerful console, both based on the same AMD Magnus chip. Xbox will utilize the chip to the fullest extent; meanwhile, PS6 will be based on an efficient version.

It does make sense, since Project Helix will reportedly be priced in the premium range, around $900-1200. Meanwhile, the PS6 will cost the same as the average cost, although rising memory costs and increased hardware can push it to around $600, most likely.

xbox project helix
Project Helix Is Likely Microsoft’s Last Attempt In Making New Xbox Hardware 

Leaks also suggest that PS6 won’t be based on the full RDNA 5 architecture as opposed to Project Helix. It does make sense, since the PS5 was based on a mix of architectures as well.

In terms of memory, both consoles will be closely matched. Project Helix is rumored to utilize 32GB of memory; meanwhile, PS6 will feature 30GB shared memory, built on 3GB modules. 

Kepler_L2 also confirms that the PS handheld is on track to release alongside the PS6. Expect the handheld’s performance to be closer to the PS5 and won’t hold back its home console partner despite the difference in specs.

Latest Updates

Will you opt for a new Xbox or the PS6? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Next-Gen FSR ‘Diamond” Will Reportedly Be RDNA 5 Exclusive

Story Highlight
  • AMD officially unveils the next generation of FSR technology codenamed ‘Diamond.’
  • The upscaling technology is now said to be exclusive to RDNA 5 architecture.
  • It introduces multi-frame generation for the first time on AMD GPUs and will be available on Xbox Project Helix.

Today, Microsoft revealed key hardware details for its next-gen Xbox console, which would be based on AMD’s new iteration of its FSR upscaling technology. Shortly after, AMD’s SVP and GM Jack Huynh confirmed the codename for the new technology, which is currently referred to as FSR ‘Diamond.’

While the RDNA 5 (aka UDNA) architecture isn’t yet officially confirmed for Project Helix, rumors suggest do indicate as such. Furthermore, an insider has now confirmed that FSR Diamond will be exclusive to RDNA 5 and won’t be available for older GPUs.

Why it matters: AMD will lag behind in competition if it doesn’t continue to support its older GPUs, which makes them quickly outdated as newer technology arrives.

FSR Diamond RDNA 5
AMD Is Seemingly Ignoring Support For Older Cards || X

Under the shared link to an article that questioned whether FSR Diamond would be RDNA 5 exclusive, insider Kepler_L2 replied, confirming that it would indeed be locked to AMD’s newer architecture.

This is a similar situation to what previously happened with FSR 4, which was locked to RDNA 4 GPUs. Even though the leaked INT8 file was able to unlock the upscaler to RDNA 2 and 3, AMD still hasn’t officially updated support for these older GPUs.

Meanwhile, DLSS 4 is available on RTX 2000 cards, too, without the luxury of frame generation.

project helix hardware
FSR Next ‘Diamond’ Details || Source: IGN

On that note, FSR Diamond will finally bring multi-frame generation to AMD cards for the first time. One reason FSR Diamond could be locked to RDNA 5 is the newer AI/ML acceleration features that would help enable this upscaling technology.

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments below or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Microsoft Wants Your Xbox And Xbox 360 Library Playable on PC, Says Insider

Story Highlight
  • Xbox’s Jason Ronald has teased new ways to play iconic games from the past.
  • A reliable leaker says that the team is working on Xbox and Xbox 360 backward compatibility for PC.
  • This could lead to exclusives like Ninja Gaiden Black becoming playable on PC directly through gamers’ existing libraries.

Microsoft’s preservation efforts for its classic titles have earned the company a lot of praise. Today, backward compatibility has made it possible for Xbox gamers to play even obscure titles like Asura’s Wrath on the Series S|X consoles.

Microsoft also supports cross-buy functionality for new releases, which makes them playable on both PC and consoles with a single purchase. However, the gaming giant could be taking things one step further soon.

Why it matters: Microsoft’s current focus is on reaching players wherever they are, and the backward compatibility team appears to have joined in on making this happen.

Xbox Backward Compatibility For PC Next-Generation
Xbox Backward Compatibility For PC Next-Generation Hinted | Image via Resetera

At GDC 2026, Xbox architect Jason Ronald teased new ways to play older classics from the earliest generations of Xbox. This statement was made in relation to the game preservation team at Microsoft, which handles backward compatibility.

Responding to this news, insider Nate The Hate has stated that Jason Ronald is teasing PC backward compatibility for the original Xbox and Xbox 360. What this means is that gamers with Xbox 360 purchases in their Microsoft account might immediately be able to play a set number of such titles on PC.

For instance, a successful implementation of this system could lead to a game like Ninja Gaiden Black becoming officially playable on PC despite it being natively available only on the original Xbox to date.

Effectively, Microsoft is expanding the concept of backward compatibility beyond the Xbox Series S|X consoles. This also makes sense when considering how the gaming giant wants to treat its next hardware release as a PC-console hybrid.

Ms back-compat team has wanted to bring & make your OG Xbox and Xbox 360 digital library playable on PC.

-NateTheHate

xbox project helix
Xbox Project Helix Sounds Very Interesting So Far

Elsewhere, Microsoft has shared that next-generation development kits for Xbox Project Helios will begin rolling out in 2027. Plenty of other interesting details have also been shared at GDC 2026.

Latest Updates

What do you think about Microsoft’s plans for backward compatibility? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Valve Sets A Target of 1080p 30 FPS For Steam Machine Verified Games

Story Highlight
  • Valve revealed some key details about the Steam Machine at its recent GDC update. 
  • The company has set a 1080p 30 FPS for games to be Steam Machine verified. 
  • It’ll feature 6x the performance of Steam Deck, and uses the same inputs. 

The Steam Machine is now closer than ever, with the launch expected later this year. Valve has been gradually letting loose some key details about its upcoming hardware, including what a game needs to do to be verified for the device. 

Just like the Steam Deck, games will have to meet a minimum requirement to run on the Steam Machine. At GDC 2026, Valve confirmed that if a title runs at 1080p 30 FPS, it will be ‘Steam Machine Verified.’

Why it matters: The 30 FPS indeed doesn’t sound too great for modern standards, especially with the steep expected price, but it’s too early to judge it that way from the verification requirements alone. 

Steam Machine Verification
A game will have to hit at least 1080p 30 FPS to be Steam Machine verified

At GDC, Valve revealed some key details about its upcoming hardware, mainly oriented towards developers. For one, a game running at 1080p 30 FPS will be Steam Machine verified, which is lower than expected. 

Now, they haven’t mentioned any upscaling, so we can assume that this is all native. In theory, upscaling can help push decent frame rates in a game running at 30 FPS, but it might be a little underwhelming for some. 

Steam Machine Frame and Controller
Steam’s new hardware is expected to drop later this year

The company has confirmed that the performance is 6x that of the Steam Deck, which is expected. Multiple rumors pointed towards 4K gaming; however, they seem largely exaggerated now. 

Nonetheless, the Machine is likely to cost around $1000, which is significantly higher than the PS5 or the Series X. So, if it wants to compete against them, the performance will need to be a lot better, especially with the price. 

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on Valve setting 1080p 30 FPS as the Steam Machine verification target? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum. 

ASRock 800 Series Motherboards Now Support Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus Processors

[Press Release] ASRock has confirmed full support for the newly launched Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors across its entire 800 series motherboard lineup. This includes boards built on the Intel Z890, B860, and H810 chipsets. With updated BIOS versions and integrated driver support, users can upgrade to the latest processors without replacing their motherboard.

Intel has released three processors under the new lineup: the Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, and Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus.

The Ultra 7 270K Plus features an eight-core design, while the Ultra 5 models come with six cores. The processors also introduce increased efficiency, core counts, and improvements through the Intel Platform Performance Package, helping boost gaming performance and multitasking capabilities.

ASRock confirmed that all motherboard families within its 800 series support the new processors. This includes flagship Taichi boards, gaming-focused Phantom Gaming models, the durable Steel Legend lineup, creator-oriented LiveMixer boards, and the Pro, Rock, and Challenger series.

Users can install the latest BIOS update to enable compatibility and access the full performance benefits of their processors.

ASRock has also integrated the Intel Platform Performance Package driver into its Auto Driver Installer utility. After updating the BIOS, users can download the installer from the official support page to quickly enable the driver and activate performance optimizations.

This approach simplifies setup and ensures systems are properly configured to take advantage of the improvements offered by the new processors.

Support for the Core Ultra 200S Plus processors across Z890, B860, and H810 boards provides a straightforward upgrade path for gamers and creators. Users can boost system performance with a CPU upgrade instead of replacing their entire platform.

The move also extends the lifespan of ASRock’s 800 series motherboards, giving builders more flexibility when upgrading to newer hardware.

Why Steam Integration Could Change Everything for Xbox Project Helix

Story Highlight
  • Xbox ‘Project Helix’ is rumored to be a PC in a console-friendly shell.
  • The next-gen Xbox would also be able to run PC storefronts like Steam and the Epic Games Store.
  • Therefore, the Steam integration raises doubts about how Microsoft will be able to retain users on the Xbox Store rather than other options.

Microsoft just recently unveiled the first details for the next generation of Xbox console, codenamed ‘Project Helix’, something that the gaming giant has been working on for nearly a decade.

Project Helix is confirmed to support all Xbox and PC gamers, since the hardware will, at its core, be a Windows computer. As such, the console would also be able to run storefronts such as Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG. 

While the prospect of different stores running on Project Helix seems nice, it could backfire for Microsoft, as it would fail to incentivize people to purchase from the Xbox Store, since Steam and other options are arguably better alternatives.

Why it matters: If Xbox fails to keep users on its platform even with such a massive shift to a PC-based console, there would be no reason for them to continue with their hardware strategy. 

Division Of Profit Margins

Xbox Exclusivity
The Xbox Division Hasn’t Been That Profitable Considering Billions Of Dollars Put Into It

Consoles are usually sold at break-even prices to keep the entry barrier low for customers so they can easily get into the ecosystem. The real profits are generated through software sales, like game purchases and subscription services.

Project Helix won’t really require a mandatory subscription to play online games since it is a PC at its core. This means that Microsoft’s profit would come from game sales through the Xbox Store.

Currently, Microsoft is pushing a 30% cut on all games sold through its platform, a higher standard than the industry norm. It is also the reason why the gaming giant was able to meet its growth target for the first time in nearly half a decade. 

With options for other storefronts like Steam, Microsoft would most probably fail to retain users on its own platform; in that case, they won’t be able to generate profits at all.

How Could Microsoft Retain Users To Purchase From The Xbox Store 

PlayStation PC Ports Xbox Steam Integration
Journalist Says It Was Smart Of PlayStation To Drop PC Ports Before Xbox-Steam Integration

Fresh leaks suggest that Project Helix will come equipped with 32GB of RAM, which will be reduced to 24GB when in Windows mode, since Windows alone will require 8GB of system memory.

It seems Microsoft is offering users a choice between sticking with its ecosystem and opting for a regular Windows experience. The default Game Mode will be akin to the normal console experience, as found on the Xbox Series X|S consoles and, more recently, on Xbox mode on PC and the ASUS Xbox ROG handhelds.

The Windows mode will work like a normal PC and allow opening storefronts like Steam, etc., but will come at the cost of limited resources diverted to running the full OS. Don’t expect optimized games for the Windows experience, too, as they’d run better in console mode.

Latest Updates

In such a case, most users will remain in Xbox mode for the best gaming experience and convenience for those seeking a console. This alone would push most to the Xbox mode, allowing Microsoft to incentivise profits through its own store. 

Xbox Project Helix Won’t Be Released Until 2027 Despite Recent Rumors

Story Highlight
  • Microsoft confirms that alpha kits for Project Helix will be sent out to developers starting January 2027.
  • This confirms that the next-generation Xbox console won’t be launching this year.
  • At best, expect a holiday 2027 release or in early 2028.

Just last week, Microsoft officially unveiled its plans for its next-generation of Xbox console codenamed ‘Project Helix’, with more details now revealed at the GDC. Earlier reports had fueled the prospect of a late 2026 release, but they’ve now been put to rest.

The gaming giant has confirmed that Project Helix won’t be released until 2027, as they plan on sending out alpha kits to developers for testing in January 2027, with a release date possibly following during the holiday period or in 2028.

Why it matters: Microsoft has basically given up on the Xbox Series X|S consoles, and as such, fans are now looking forward to what they’ll have in store for the next generation. 

project helix 2027 alpha kits
Developers Will Get Hands On The New Xbox Hardware Soon || X

Jason Ronald, VP of the next-generation Xbox, held a presentation at GDC discussing what Project Helix will have to offer. The VP said that they plan on sending out Alpha Kits to developers starting in January 2027. 

Usually, consoles are released a year after their developers’ kits start being sent out. Previously, AMD confirmed a 2027 release for the next-generation Xbox, and with alpha kits being sent out early in the year, a holiday launch seems plausible.

However, rising memory costs and the current situation around chipmaking could also delay the console into 2028. Project Helix is already a premium console, and the gaming giant wouldn’t risk raising prices further than what it already is.

At the same time, a 2028 release could mean a clash with the PlayStation 6, which wouldn’t be ideal since Xbox would want to get a head start against Team Blue.

project helix hardware
Hardware Capabilities That Project Helix Will Be Able To Offer || Source: IGN

Other details from the conference gave insight into the hardware capabilities of Project Helix. This specific part of the presentation revealed the innovations the console has to offer.

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on Project Helix so far? Are you willing to stick with Team Green for the next generation? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Today Is Your Chance To Play Highguard For The Last Time

Story Highlight
  • Highguard is set to go offline tomorrow, on March 12.
  • This is the last time anybody will be able to play the game due to its online-only nature.
  • At the time of writing, fewer than 400 gamers are playing Highguard on Steam.

Highguard has been one of gaming’s most notable failures in recent memory. Perhaps second only to Concord, Wildlight Entertainment’s debut title disappointed immensely after it lost most of its players soon after launching on multiple platforms.

It did not take long for the team to confirm that it would shut the title down forever. Over a month after its release, today is the last time Highguard is playable online.

Why it matters: This live-service title focused on multiplayer-only gameplay, so it will be gone forever once the servers are shut down.

Highguard is a mishmash of many popular multiplayer tropes.
Highguard is a mishmash of many popular multiplayer tropes.

Highguard is currently scheduled to go offline on March 12. Today marks the 44th day since the title’s release, with the servers set to be shut down just 45 days after Wildlight Entertainment’s debut launch. This means that now is the time for anybody looking to play Highguard for the first, or perhaps the last time.

At the time of writing, the game boasts just over 300 players on Steam, suggesting most people aren’t too interested in wishing the game farewell. It’s possible, however, that more people will jump in once they remember Highguard goes offline tomorrow.

In the days since the announcement of this closure, Highguard has also been updated by Wildlight Entertainment. According to the team, the title was not generating enough revenue to warrant further support, despite many developers remaining passionate about the project.

Keep in mind that the team also faced layoffs before confirming the game’s demise. In the aftermath, Highguard’s failure will likely serve as a warning to future developers. Large-scale projects, especially in the live-service genre, might seem highly lucrative on paper, but they fail more often than not.

Highguard
Highguard failed to make it big in the live-service genre

The game could still return on paper since the likes of Anthem have shown signs of life through fan projects after discontinuations, but it seems highly unlikely that modders or fans will even consider such a project for Highguard.

If you still want to play the game, this is your sign to jump in for a few hours.

Latest Updates

What do you think about Highguard’s 45-day run? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Sony Faces A £1.97 Billion UK Case Over PlayStation Store Policies

Story Highlight
  • Sony faces a £1.97B UK lawsuit claiming the PlayStation Store created a quasi-monopoly that inflated digital game and add-on prices.
  • The class action represents around 12 million players and argues that Sony’s 30% commission raised consumer costs.
  • Sony denies the claims, saying the PlayStation ecosystem is competitive with Xbox and Nintendo.

Sony is facing a significant lawsuit in the UK over its PlayStation Store. According to reports, Sony used its dominant position in digital distribution of console games to raise the prices of games and add-ons sold through the PlayStation Store. The claim, led by Alex Neill, is being brought as a class action on behalf of about 12 million British PlayStation players.

The complaint is very straightforward: to purchase digital games and DLC or in-game material on PlayStation, customers must go through the Sony shop, and the complainants claim that this creates a “quasi-monopoly” within the console ecosystem.

Sony lawsuit monopoly Playstation Store PS5

According to this argument, this position enables Sony to impose strict requirements on developers and publishers, establish pricing without actual retail competition, and impose a 30% fee on all digital purchases. And, as is widely known, the 30% is always passed on to the final consumer.

Furthermore, the primary focus of the case against Sony over its PlayStation Store is not the price of full games, but rather everything related to the present video game industry. This covers DLC, add-on material, and even in-game transactions.

The plaintiffs argue that the industry’s shift toward digital distribution and microtransactions has increased the platform’s power, and that Sony has monetized this control by charging “excessive and unfair” prices for products whose digital distribution would cost far less than what the user pays.

Sony, for its part, is defending the exact opposite idea. It maintains that the PlayStation ecosystem is not an arbitrary toll, but rather an infrastructure in which it has invested billions of dollars over the years, and that this integration benefits gamers. Also, it’s lawyers argue that the market is competitive because PlayStation competes with Nintendo and Xbox, and that the profit margin it generates from games and other content is not excessive when considering its costs and the value of its brand.

Sony sued in the United Kingdom over alleged monopoly of the PlayStation Store ecosystem on the PS5 console

This class-action case is notable since it involves a claim against Sony for £1.97 billion GBP. This equates to 2.28 billion euros or 2.64 billion USD. This number is significantly lower than prior estimates, which put the claim at much to £5 billion. This signifies that the amount claimed has changed as the process progressed.

This class-action lawsuit is for all PlayStation gamers in the UK who made digital purchases between August 19, 2016, and February 12, 2026. Users in Scotland from August 19, 2017, are also included. The court allowed this extension in February, extending the claim time until nearly the commencement of the trial, specifically to accommodate more recent players. Best of all, all of these players were automatically included unless they opted out during the claim period, which ended on March 9.

The trial started Tuesday, March 10th. The entire industry will be paying close attention, as it not only wonders whether Sony charged too much in its store, but also what legal leeway console makers have to restrict their digital ecosystem and monetize it through exorbitant commissions.

It’s reasonable to conclude that this case isn’t about immediate compensation, but rather a dispute over the closed outlets’ business model. If Sony loses the lawsuit, it does not imply that PlayStation will immediately open its console environment to competing merchants tomorrow.

However, it would strengthen the case that a closed platform with complete control over digital distribution can become a monopoly problem, particularly if that control results in continuously higher consumer costs. It’s worth noting that both Google and Apple have lost similar claims against the monopoly of their platforms and internal payment methods, which are linked to the same 30% commission.

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Over 5800 Games Made More Than $100K On Steam Last Year, Reveals Valve

Story Highlight
  • Valve has stated that 5,863 games on Steam generated over $100K in sales revenue each in 2025.
  • The platform’s discounted deals greatly helped this figure, as 8.6 million customers bought titles via Daily Deals.
  • However, over 5,000 products on Steam also failed miserably, generating no profit even at $100.

Valve had a record-breaking 2025, generating over $17 billion in revenue and making it one of the most efficient businesses on the planet. Steam alone recorded an all-time high in profits, bringing in $1.6 billion in the holiday period, shattering expectations.

Considering how the digital platform also reached a new high in concurrent players in 2025, these numbers are not a surprise. As it turns out, Valve’s overwhelming success is positively impacting developers, as more than 5,000 titles generated over $100K in sales revenue on Steam last year.

Why it matters: Steam’s success is the focal point of PC gaming’s growth, and if the company keeps setting new highs, it will benefit both developers and players.

Steam 2025
Source: Imgur

During its GDC panel, Valve revealed that a whopping 5,863 titles earned more than $100k in Steam sales in 2025. A big reason for this uptick in revenue was the discounted titles that Valve offers on the platform, as 8.6 million customers purchased games via Daily Deals.

Furthermore, Valve also stated that 125% more users purchase games through deals and other associated discounts than at normal pricing. As previously revealed, sales of indie titles played a big role in this success, with over 25% of Steam’s revenue last year coming from indie titles, including major hits like Hollow Knight: Silksong and R.E.P.O.

However, there is another side to the story. Despite such a large number of games making a hefty profit, over 5,000 other titles didn’t even manage to earn $100 in sales, with the bottom 30% earning only $37 in profit overall. 

Alinea Analytics steam indie
Indie games like Schedule 1, R.E.P.O., and Hollow Knight: Silksong accounted for 25% of overall Steam revenue in 2025.

Regardless, Valve had a 2025 like no other among gaming companies, and Steam’s $16.2 billion in revenue was instrumental in achieving this triumphant success. With the Steam Machine still to come, Valve could be looking at another record-shattering year, that is, if the memory crisis gives them room to breathe.

Latest Updates

Do you think Valve will have another year that reaches new heights in revenue? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.

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