These games require smaller teams and have shorter development times. The big increase in new game releases has exclusively come from indie developers. Covid and working from home have reduced the development efficiency (and maybe the ability for studios to push crunches on employees?). Large studios have struggled to keep to their timelines.

Halo Infinite, Deathloop and Kerbal Space Program 2 are only some of the examples delayed into 2021 and beyond. In fact, many bigger games had delays in the development process. Not all games companies saw an increase in games released. Indie games were booming while large developers faced delays. That’s almost 40% more than during the same period the year before. The full impact only started being apparent in Q4 2020 when c.2,900 games were released. When looking at the quarterly data, it’s clear that these games were released with a delay. As the lockdowns hit, more games went into development. Growth like this last happened in 2017 when Steam closed down Greenlight – a system that prevented many indie games from being released on the platform historically.ĬOVID-19 was behind much of the boost in games released. More games than ever before were released on Steam in 2020.Ģ020 saw 9,866 games released on Steam, more than any other year in the past. The data comes straight from Steam through its API. It’s based on the data from Video Game Insights – a free games market research platform. This article reviews how 2020 impacted Steam releases and indie developers. This was the year when gaming became a truly mainstream and socially acceptable pastime.

Here’s what we’ve learned.Ģ020 is a memorable year for many reasons, but it was a standout year for gaming. Upgrades: Build your farm up from the ground until it runs like clockwork.09 Feb, 2021 Video Game Insights has provided us with an analysis of game trends on Steam over the course of 2020.

Improve your farming, fishing, and fighting skills over time with up to 4 friends.Īnnual Events: Take part in plenty of yearly events and festivals for rare items.Fight battles in dungeons as you delve deeper, each level bringing more precious loot.As the year unfolds, participate in different events and opportunities for rare items.However, the game doesn’t stop there you can even delve into the deep caverns and dungeons, create bonds with the cheery townsfolk, participate in events, mini games, and even get married. The game begins with you inheriting a farm from your grandfather, and armed only with a little gold and a few tools, you must learn to sustain and grow your idyllic farm. Take to the farm in ConcernedApe’s Stardew Valley alone or with friends.

Best free indie games on steam 2019