Alinea Analytics estimates that Steam generated approximately $16.5 billion in revenue during the first nine months of 2026, and predicts that full-year revenue will exceed $20 billion for the first time. Record-high revenue estimates for both September and the third quarter support this forecast.
According to Alinea's data, Steam generated approximately $1.7 billion in revenue in September, 13% higher than the previous record set in September 2025; third-quarter revenue is estimated at $5.5 billion, a 12% year-over-year increase, also setting a new record. Revenue for the first nine months is estimated to be about 13% higher than the $14.5 billion from the same period last year. To exceed $20 billion for the full year, Steam needs to generate more than $3.5 billion in the final three months.
Among the top 500 highest-grossing games on Steam in September, titles released in 2026 contributed approximately 33.6% of revenue, with brand-new IPs launched this year accounting for 20.5%; existing franchises contributed around 79.5%. While new releases drive revenue, established series still hold the majority share.
Alinea also estimates that four free-to-play titles, including Apex Legends, generated a combined revenue of nearly $168 million in September, accounting for almost 10% of Steam's estimated total monthly revenue. Among new paid releases, War Dogs, which entered Early Access on September 10, is estimated to have earned $86.9 million, while Onimusha: Way of the Sword brought in $30.4 million. Whether the annual total can surpass $20 billion still depends on actual revenue in the fourth quarter.