Steam Surges to Record Half-Year Revenue as Console Makers Falter

Valve's Steam reportedly generated $11.1 billion in revenue in the first half of 2026, the platform's best six months on record, driven by growth in the Chinese market, higher prices on new releases, and publishers returning to Steam. Top titles include Forza Horizon 6, Resident Evil Requiem, and Crimson Desert, with indie hits Slay the Spire 2, Subnautica 2 and Meccha Chameleon also contributing. Meanwhile, Xbox and PlayStation are grappling with declining hardware revenues, layoffs, and Sony's plan to end discs in 2028, highlighting a widening gap between Steam's momentum and traditional console ecosystems.