How Many Games Do People Own on Steam Average? The Surprising Truth Revealed
The question of how many games the average Steam user owns is a fascinating one, touching on aspects of consumer behavior, game pricing, and the very nature of digital ownership. According to data gleaned from SteamSpy and other sources, the average Steam user owns around 11 games. However, this seemingly simple statistic hides a more complex reality. The distribution of game ownership isn’t uniform; instead, it’s heavily skewed. Let’s dive deeper into the factors influencing this average and what it truly means for gamers and developers alike.
Understanding the Average: More Than Just a Number
That “average” of 11 games is a statistical mean, and it doesn’t tell the whole story. Think of it like average income: a few incredibly wealthy individuals can drastically skew the average upwards, even if most people earn considerably less. The same principle applies to Steam accounts.
- Power Users: A small percentage of Steam users are what we might call “power users.” These individuals often own hundreds, even thousands, of games. They might be collectors, reviewers, or simply avid gamers who take advantage of sales and bundles.
- Casual Gamers: On the other end of the spectrum, many Steam accounts contain only a handful of games, sometimes even just one or two. These users might be more casual gamers, or they might have created accounts to play a specific game and not explored the platform further.
- Free-to-Play Skew: It’s also crucial to consider free-to-play (F2P) games. While the Steam library has thousands of F2P titles, the average number of games does not mean that these games are being paid for.
The impact of these different user groups is significant. The high numbers of games owned by power users pull the average upwards, making it a less representative figure for the typical Steam user. So, while 11 is the average, the median number of games owned is likely significantly lower.
Factors Influencing Game Ownership
Several factors contribute to the number of games people own on Steam. Understanding these factors provides a more nuanced view of the average game library:
- Steam Sales: The frequency and depth of Steam Sales are a major driver of game ownership. During seasonal sales like the Summer Sale and Winter Sale, games are often heavily discounted, encouraging users to purchase titles they might not otherwise consider.
- Humble Bundles and Bundles: Websites like Humble Bundle offer bundles of games at deeply discounted prices. These bundles can add dozens of games to a user’s Steam library, often for just a few dollars.
- Free Game Giveaways: Developers and publishers sometimes offer free games to promote their titles or build a community. These giveaways contribute to the overall number of games in users’ libraries.
- Game Subscription Services: Services like PC Game Pass, while not directly on Steam, still influence purchasing behavior on the platform. People with subscriptions might be less likely to buy games outright.
- Game Pricing: The cost of games plays a vital role. With the average selling price for PC games on Steam being $15.20 in 2023, and indie games being significantly cheaper than AAA titles, players are more likely to accumulate a large collection of more affordable games.
- Genre Preference: Preferences can also play a big role. For example, action games are a popular genre on Steam, and action games are usually faster-paced and easy to pick up and play. These games attract a wide audience, which drives up the game ownership averages.
The Impact on Game Developers
The skewed distribution of game ownership on Steam has significant implications for game developers:
- Discoverability Challenges: With over 50,000 games on Steam, it’s increasingly difficult for new titles to stand out. The vast majority of games earn very little, highlighting the challenge of breaking through the noise.
- Marketing Importance: Effective marketing and community building are crucial for success. Developers need to find creative ways to reach potential players and build a loyal following.
- Focus on Engagement: It’s not enough to simply sell a game; developers need to keep players engaged. Games Learning Society is a great resource for developers looking to improve engagement and learning outcomes through game design.
- Diversification of Revenue Streams: Developers are increasingly exploring alternative revenue streams, such as in-app purchases, downloadable content (DLC), and subscription models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Steam Game Ownership
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further insight into the world of Steam game ownership.
1. How many Steam accounts exist?
Steam has more than 120 million monthly active users, indicating a vast number of accounts exist on the platform.
2. What is the most popular game genre on Steam?
Action games are among the most popular genres on Steam, known for their fast-paced gameplay and accessibility.
3. What percentage of Steam games actually make money?
Only a small percentage of Steam games achieve significant financial success. Many games earn very little, with a substantial portion earning less than $5,000 in their lifetime.
4. How many Steam games are never played?
A significant percentage of games on Steam remain unplayed. It can be as high as 36.9%.
5. What is the average selling price of a game on Steam?
In 2023, the average selling price for PC games on Steam was $15.20 USD.
6. How many new users joined Steam in 2021?
Steam attracted approximately 31.2 million new game buyers in 2021.
7. Which game holds the record for the highest peak player count on Steam?
PUBG holds the record for the highest peak player count of any game on Steam, with 3.5 million.
8. Is it legal to sell a Steam account?
No, Steam accounts cannot be bought or sold. It will be permanently locked.
9. What is the cheapest region to buy Steam games?
The cost of Steam games varies by country. Argentina is typically considered the cheapest region due to its weak currency.
10. What is the most sold game in Steam for 2023?
Cyberpunk 2077 was the most sold game in Steam for the week ending September 26, 2023.
11. What are some factors affecting a game’s potential discoverability?
Factors like marketing and the fact that thousands of games exist on Steam, make it difficult for potential buyers to find games.
12. What is SteamSpy?
SteamSpy estimates sales of games on Steam.
13. What game is worth half a million dollars on Steam?
MEGAJUMP launched their title priced at $502,634 USD.
14. What strategies should developers use to ensure engagement?
Consider using Steam’s features or diversifying revenue streams such as using DLC’s or subscription models. The GamesLearningSociety.org website can help game developers improve engagement and learning outcomes through game design.
15. How do Steam Sales impact a game’s sales?
Steam Sales are a major driver of game ownership. During these sales games are often heavily discounted, encouraging users to purchase titles they might not otherwise consider.
Conclusion: Beyond the Average
While the “average” Steam user owns around 11 games, it’s essential to look beyond this number and consider the diverse user base and the factors influencing game ownership. From the power users with massive libraries to the casual gamers with just a few titles, the Steam ecosystem is a complex and dynamic landscape. Understanding this complexity is crucial for both gamers and developers navigating the world of PC gaming.