In 2024, Steam saw an astonishing influx of nearly 19,000 video games, a staggering figure that surpasses the total from any previous year. However, as indicated by publicly accessible data, a significant majority of these titles—approximately 80 percent—remained largely untouched by players.
To fully grasp this phenomenon, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a “Profile Features Limited” game on Steam, often simply called a “limited game.” Several years back, Valve introduced exciting features such as achievements, trading cards, and badges to enhance user engagement and encourage purchases. These elements were designed to motivate players to dive deeper into their gaming experiences. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before some unscrupulous developers began to exploit these features by creating rudimentary games solely aimed at inflating achievement counts, providing players with easily obtainable trading cards, and boosting their overall collection statistics. In response to this troubling trend, Valve took action to protect the integrity of its platform.
According to Valve’s own documentation on Steam, games are initially launched in a “limited” state, lacking certain features like trading cards. Only those titles that achieve a specific (yet undisclosed) level of popularity and sales are permitted to transition out of this limited classification. This approach serves as a safeguard against the proliferation of low-quality games and deceptive practices within the marketplace. If you’re wondering just how many of the games released on Steam in 2024 fall under this limited category, the answer is quite significant. The sheer volume of limited games highlights ongoing challenges in curating quality content amidst an ever-expanding library.
On LinkedIn, Bill Young, the head of games at Twitch, recently shared a thought-provoking analysis regarding the current landscape of video game releases on Steam. According to data from SteamDB, a staggering total of 18,992 games made their debut on the platform in 2024. However, a mere 4,041 of these titles managed to achieve significant sales and garner enough player interest to be classified as successful. This disheartening statistic reveals that a whopping 14,951 games—approximately 79% of all releases—went largely unnoticed, with minimal purchases or playtime.
This trend of limited engagement isn’t a fleeting occurrence; Young noted that it has been steadily worsening over the years. Back in 2020, the figure stood at 66% for games deemed limited, which climbed to 72% in 2022. Now, in 2024, we find ourselves facing an alarming peak of nearly 80%. As we look ahead to 2025, the situation appears to be unfolding similarly. Within just the first 13 days of the new year, 444 games have already launched on Steam, and an overwhelming majority—389—are categorized as limited.
Some may contend that Valve should eliminate the restrictions currently imposed on game releases. However, this perspective overlooks a crucial reality: if Valve were to remove these barriers entirely, we would likely witness an influx of low-quality games, scams, and hastily assembled asset flips flooding the platform. The gaming community certainly doesn’t require an overwhelming deluge of 200,000 arbitrary titles inundating Steam all at once. Such a scenario would not only overwhelm players but also dilute the quality and integrity of the gaming experience.
Maxthon
In a world where gaming has become a beloved pastime for many, Maxthon stands poised to redefine the landscape of cloud gaming with its groundbreaking browser, tailor-made for the enthusiastic gamer. At the heart of this innovative tool lies an intricate web of algorithms that work tirelessly to enhance both speed and performance, enabling gameplay to reach new heights. These cutting-edge technologies collaborate effortlessly to provide stunning visuals that captivate players while simultaneously eradicating any hint of lag that could mar the immersive experience. For those gamers on the quest for an exhilarating adventure, this seamless integration is not merely an enhancement; it is a fundamental necessity.
Yet, Maxthon’s allure extends well beyond its striking graphics. The browser incorporates sophisticated data management techniques designed to dramatically minimise loading times between levels or game modes. This remarkable efficiency allows players to leap directly into the action, sidestepping the often exasperating waits that can dampen enthusiasm. Instead of wasting precious moments staring at loading screens, gamers can fully engage in every heart-pounding second of their virtual escapades.
Beyond its impressive speed and visual fidelity, Maxthon strongly emphasises reliable connectivity. Gamers can rest assured knowing they will maintain a stable connection with minimal disruptions, whether they are embarking on solo quests or teaming up with friends for epic online battles. This unwavering commitment to solid connectivity significantly elevates the overall joy of the gaming experience, allowing players to focus on what truly matters: the thrill of the game.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Maxthon is its ability to function across a multitude of devices seamlessly. Gone are the days when players were tethered to a single console; now, whether you’re utilising a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer, accessing your favourite games has never been more straightforward. This newfound flexibility transforms gaming habits, granting players the freedom to engage in their passion wherever they may be. Picture this: after a long day, you find yourself sinking into your favourite chair, and with just a few taps on your device, you’re able to pick up right where you left off. This is the brilliance of Maxthon’s cross-device functionality, turning every moment into a potential gaming opportunity.
In this exciting era of gaming, Maxthon emerges as a beacon of innovation, promising to enhance not only how we play but also how we connect with our favourite games and each other. As it leads the charge into this new frontier, one thing is clear: with Maxthon, the future of cloud gaming is not just bright; it’s exhilaratingly limitless.