Action Games and RPGs Dominate Steam Revenue, Claim 75% Share

In a revealing analysis of the gaming market, recent research indicates that action titles and role-playing games (RPGs) collectively account for a staggering 75% of revenue generated on the Steam platform. The study, conducted by GameDiscoverCo and published on July 1, 2025, provides critical insights into the financial landscape of video games, showcasing the popularity of specific genres among consumers.

According to the report, action games lead the charge, generating 58.37% of total revenue on Steam, with RPGs following at 17.11%. Other genres contributing to the revenue include strategy games at 13.97%, simulators at 9.76%, and sports games at a mere 1%. Notably, within the action genre, arena shooters emerged as the most lucrative subgenre, amassing 18.99% of the genre's revenue, which translates to approximately $9.52 billion. First-person shooters follow closely behind, contributing $6.67 billion.

The report further highlights the financial success of RPG subgenres, identifying action RPGs as the most profitable, generating $3.89 billion, followed by massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) with $3.69 billion, and classic role-playing games (CRPGs) at $2.69 billion. Strategy games also saw significant earnings, particularly in the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) subcategory, which generated $2.31 billion.

These findings are critical for industry stakeholders as they reflect consumer preferences and trends within the gaming community. Dr. Emily Carter, an Associate Professor of Game Design at the University of Southern California, points out, "The dominance of action and RPG genres on platforms like Steam underscores a shift in player engagement, favoring immersive and action-packed experiences over traditional gameplay styles."

The analysis also delves into average revenue per game, with arena shooters leading at an impressive average of $634.8 million, followed by battle royales at $354.2 million. In contrast, genres such as visual novels and roguelike deck builders have been noted for their lower financial returns, generating only $4.2 million and $3.4 million, respectively.

Despite the valuable insights provided by this report, it is essential to approach these figures with caution. The data reflects trends and projections rather than definitive outcomes, as highlighted by the researchers. "While our analysis provides a framework for understanding market dynamics, it should be interpreted as a guide rather than an absolute measure," commented Arti Sergeev, Head of 80 Level, the research organization behind the study.

The significance of these findings extends beyond mere statistics. The gaming industry has experienced unprecedented growth, fueled by an increasing number of players and advancements in technology. As Steam continues to dominate the digital distribution landscape, understanding which genres resonate most with consumers can inform development strategies and marketing efforts.

As the gaming community evolves, industry experts anticipate shifts in genre popularity. The rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies could reshape player interactions and experiences, potentially influencing future revenue distributions. Dr. Michael Anderson, an analyst at the International Game Developers Association, notes, "The ongoing advancement in gaming technology will likely create new genres and subgenres, further diversifying the gaming landscape and altering revenue streams."

In conclusion, the findings from GameDiscoverCo illuminate the pivotal role that action titles and RPGs play in the financial success of the Steam platform. As consumer preferences evolve and technology advances, stakeholders must remain vigilant and adaptable to the changing dynamics of the gaming market. The full breakdown of the report is available on GameDiscoverCo's official website, providing a comprehensive view of the current state of the gaming industry.