Steam’s end-of-year data drop and a market report from GameDiscoverCo has provided a snapshot of how players are spending their time, how platforms are shifting, and where the games business may be heading next. From Steam Replay 2025 to new surveys on player sentiment and declining console sales, the latest updates highlight both stability and uncertainty across the industry.
Steam Replay 2025 Shows How Players Use the Platform
Valve has rolled out Steam Replay 2025, giving players a breakdown of their personal play habits while also sharing aggregated data across the platform. According to Valve, the median Steam user played four games this year and logged sessions across six consecutive days. The age of games played continues to skew older, with just 14 percent of total playtime coming from titles released within the last year. Games released one to seven years ago accounted for 44 percent, while titles eight years or older made up 40 percent.
The data reinforces a long-standing trend on PC: new releases matter, but Steam’s extensive back catalog remains a major driver of engagement. Alongside the Replay launch, Valve has also opened voting for the Steam Awards, continuing its annual push to spotlight both new and long-running favorites.
U.S. Hardware Sales Decline Despite Higher Prices
New figures from Circana paint a challenging picture for console hardware in the U.S. market. Spending on video game hardware in November 2025 fell 27 percent year-over-year to $695 million, even as average selling prices increased. Unit sales were down sharply across all major platforms, with Xbox Series consoles seeing the steepest decline at more than 70 percent year-over-year. PlayStation 5 sales dropped by over 40 percent, while Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 combined were down more than 10 percent compared to Switch sales in 2024.
Circana’s data also highlighted a notable slowdown for Call of Duty. The franchise recorded a double-digit percentage decline in full-game dollar sales compared to November 2024, despite Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 having launched in late October of that year. The numbers suggest weaker momentum even when accounting for a recent release window.
Netflix Expands Its Games Push With FIFA Partnership
Netflix has announced a partnership with FIFA to develop a new football simulation game that will be exclusive to Netflix Games. The title is being developed by Delphi Games and is scheduled to launch in summer 2026, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup. While details remain limited, the deal represents one of Netflix’s most high-profile gaming collaborations to date and signals continued investment in licensed, globally recognized brands as part of its subscription offering.
Shifts Across PC, Mobile, and Platform Policies
Several smaller but notable platform updates emerged alongside the larger headlines. On PC, the roguelike shooter Brotato saw eight percent of its Steam player base playing on Steam Deck following its New Dawn update, underscoring the handheld’s growing role in Steam’s ecosystem. GOG introduced an optional Patrons subscription aimed at supporting game preservation, giving users a way to contribute financially beyond individual purchases.
In Japan, Apple implemented support for off-platform iOS payments and alternative app marketplaces in response to new legislation, marking a significant shift in how mobile platforms operate in the region. Meanwhile, reports suggest Nintendo has expanded its cartridge options for the Switch 2, allowing publishers to use smaller cartridge sizes in addition to previously reported formats. Publisher ININ later confirmed that additional sizes are now available.
Players Remain Skeptical of Generative AI
A new survey from Quantic Foundry indicates strong resistance among players toward the use of generative AI in video games. Eighty-five percent of respondents reported a below-neutral attitude, with nearly two-thirds selecting the most negative option available. Players who value storytelling expressed particularly strong opposition, while older players aged 45 and above were somewhat more accepting.
The findings suggest that while generative AI continues to gain traction as a development tool, its presence in finished games may remain controversial, especially among audiences focused on narrative and creative authorship.
Mobile Monetization Faces Ongoing Trust Issues
In the mobile space, a survey of high-spending free-to-play players conducted by Matej Lancaric examined reactions to misleading advertising. The majority of respondents said they uninstall games immediately when the gameplay does not match the ads they saw. Many also leave negative reviews or request refunds. Despite this, a smaller but notable portion of paying users continue playing and spending even after encountering misleading ads, particularly when advertised mini-games appear during onboarding rather than as core mechanics.
The results highlight a tension in mobile monetization strategies, where short-term conversion tactics can undermine long-term trust.
Market Outlook Points to PC Growth
Looking ahead, Newzoo estimates the global games market will reach $197 billion in 2025, representing year-over-year growth of 7.5 percent. Mobile is expected to remain the largest segment at $108 billion, followed by console at $45 billion and PC at $43 billion. PC is projected to grow the fastest at 10.4 percent, driven largely by a strong slate of premium releases rather than major gains in free-to-play.
Separately, Fandom released its list of top franchises for 2025 based on community engagement, with Roblox taking the top spot after a significant rise from the previous year. Other high-ranking franchises included Marvel, Star Wars, Minecraft, and League of Legends, reflecting continued cross-media influence.
Source: GameDiscoverCo
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Steam Replay 2025?
Steam Replay 2025 is Valve’s annual feature that lets players review their personal gameplay statistics while also sharing anonymized platform-wide trends.
Why are console hardware sales declining in the U.S.?
According to Circana, unit sales are down across all major consoles despite higher prices, suggesting weaker consumer demand and a maturing hardware cycle.
Is Netflix making more games?
Yes. Netflix is continuing to expand its gaming efforts, including a new FIFA football simulation game planned for release in 2026.
How do players feel about generative AI in games?
Survey data from Quantic Foundry shows that most players have a negative view of generative AI in games, especially those who prioritize storytelling.
What is driving growth in the global games market?
Newzoo reports that growth is being led by mobile and PC gaming, with PC benefiting from strong premium releases rather than free-to-play expansion.
