Steam games have become more affordable as their median price fell from $19.50 to $15.64, according to a study of top 50 monthly debuts on Valve's platform since February 2023. Meanwhile, PC building costs rise, affecting the perceived value of the Steam Machine.
Pricing Dynamics
Despite the high cost of gaming PCs and devices like the Steam Machine, game prices on Steam have dropped. The median price reduction is driven by cheaper indie games, although AAA titles remain costly.
- Median game price fell: $19.50 to $15.64 since 2023-02-01
- Top 50 monthly Steam titles analyzed
- Indie games leading price drop; AAA games still expensive
Market Impact
The overall decline in game prices is narrowing the price advantage the Steam Machine had over consoles. Buyers are drawn to lower-priced titles, while games priced $25-$55 see weaker sales. Console owners still enjoy robust AAA sales and discounts.
PC Costs and Future
Rising PC component costs make building rigs comparable in price to buying consoles. It remains uncertain whether Valve will increase the Steam Machine's price, as significant hardware investment is needed for optimal performance across both indie and demanding titles.
