What happens when you release two highly anticipated games in the holiday season? You get a lot of people playing onSteam.
Headlined by new releases likeCall of Duty: Black Ops 6,Marvel Rivals, andPath of Exile 2, a lot of people were playing video games over the weekend. Steam broke a record with over 39 million concurrent players, according toSteamDB.
Despite the new releases, the most popular game over the weekend wasCounter-Strike 2, the king ofcompetitive multiplayer shooters, with over 1 million concurrent players.Dota 2was the second most popular game over the weekend, with over 673,000 players.Path of Exile 2, just released in Early Access, was in third.
Marvel Rivals Hero Tier List: All Characters Ranked
A breakdown of every hero currently in Marvel Rivals
Baldurs Gate 3, released last year and making Larian Studiosover $250 million in 2023, continues to see sustained success. Its player count is just under 100,000. A new update featuring 12 subclassesis coming next year.
Despite its issues at launch,STALKER2was one of the 25 most popular games this past weekend, as developer GSC Game World continues to update and improve the player experience.
Marvel Rivals Continues Its Successful Launch
While it didn’t match itspeak concurrent count,Marvel Rivalsboasted over 10 million players in just 72 hours this past weekendacross all platforms. It’s been asuper successful launchfor the free-to-play NetEase hero shooter. One big reason, beyond the enjoyable gameplay and popularity of the Marvel IP, is itsmonetization.Marvel Rivalsis a free-to-play game that promises to never charge for heroes or maps. The only thing you’ll spend money on is cosmetics.
Additionally, their plans for a Battle Pass is one of the most user-friendly ever in a video game. NetEase confirmed before release that players can continue unlocking and progressing Battle Passes even if that season is over. You’ll never miss out on the unlockables you’re working to obtain.
There’s No Stopping Call of Duty
Call of Dutywas equally popular on Steam over the weekend, with over 100,000 concurrent players. Of course, likeMarvel Rivals, the player base forCall of Duty: Black Ops 6is spread across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox. Don’t forget, too, that the game is part ofXbox Game Pass, which has helped makeBlack Ops 6themost successfulCall of Dutylaunch of all time.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Free Multiplayer Week Runs December 13th to the 20th
Just in time for the holidays.
The title recently overtookFortniteas themost-played game on Xbox. Season 1 is currently underway, and the newCitadelle des Morts Zombies mapwas released last week. This week begins afree multiplayer weekfor the game, running from December 13th through the 20th, so don’t be surprised to see its player count rise.
