Genres

Ticker: price and year-over-year change for 40 genres. Price is the median estimated first-year revenue of indie paid launches. The same figures are on the Genres page.

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Game Market DataSteam market, quoted daily
Live games
191,514
on 30 Sep 2026

Market report 30 Sep 2026

Idler launches beat the odds 2.73x. RPG draws the most wishlist heat.

Idler had 67 hits among 1,195 indie paid launches 6 to 30 months old, against 22.6 expected for their prices and launch quarters. RPG holds 35.2% of upcoming wishlist heat across 1,061 ranked upcoming games. Stealth games are gaining players 17.7% faster than games of the same age elsewhere.

Layers

  • Peaks: 15 genres, hits vs expected
  • Dashes: par, 1.00x
  • Snow: above 2.00x
  • Far range: wishlist heat
  • Towers: 30 genres by price, lit if up

Most anticipated

wishlist rank 30 Sep

Share of all upcoming wishlist heat: each wishlist-ranked upcoming game weighted by its rank, more when it has a release date soon. A total, so big genres lead.

  1. 1RPG1,061 ranked games, 10,652 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 35.2%90%: 22.4% to 50.3%Price: $8101,946 launches
    1. Action + RPGpair #2, 312 ranked games, 3,108 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 24.6%90%: 12.1% to 43.2%Price: $404450 launches
    2. Adventure + RPGpair #5, 401 ranked games, 3,940 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 19.2%90%: 8.8% to 31.0%Price: $607675 launches
    3. RPG + Action RPGpair #9, 279 ranked games, 2,689 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 15.7%90%: 6.4% to 23.8%Price: $404467 launches
    4. RPG + Story Richpair #22, 259 ranked games, 1,767 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 7.7%90%: 4.4% to 12.1%Price: $2,183285 launches
    5. RPG + Pixel Graphicspair #75, 192 ranked games, 1,857 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.8%90%: 1.5% to 4.0%Price: $880367 launches
  2. 2Action-Adventure800 ranked games, 8,073 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 24.3%90%: 14.1% to 39.6%Price: $4051,807 launches
    1. Action-Adventure + Action RPGpair #19, 161 ranked games, 1,439 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 8.8%90%: 4.5% to 13.1%Price: $404254 launches
    2. Story Rich + Action-Adventurepair #34, 116 ranked games, 882 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 4.7%90%: 1.7% to 7.9%Price: $1,415133 launches
    3. Action-Adventure + Female Protagonistpair #40, 91 ranked games, 515 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 4.1%90%: 1.9% to 7.0%Price: $1,982108 launches
    4. Action-Adventure + 3Dpair #45, 230 ranked games, 2,770 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 3.9%90%: 2.3% to 5.6%Price: $364593 launches
    5. Third Person + Action-Adventurepair #52, 151 ranked games, 1,125 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 3.5%90%: 1.7% to 5.4%Price: $432190 launches
  3. 3Action RPG435 ranked games, 3,794 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 17.5%90%: 8.8% to 29.7%Price: $485699 launches
    1. Action-Adventure + Action RPGpair #19, 161 ranked games, 1,439 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 8.8%90%: 4.5% to 13.1%Price: $404254 launches
    2. Story Rich + Action RPGpair #100, 60 ranked games, 354 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.2%90%: 0.6% to 3.8%Price: $16247 launches
    3. 3D + Action RPGpair #123, 104 ranked games, 1,032 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.8%90%: 1.3% to 2.6%Price: $221164 launches
    4. Action RPG + PvEpair #131, 62 ranked games, 505 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.8%90%: 0.8% to 2.9%Price: $72881 launches
    5. Action RPG + JRPGpair #150, 45 ranked games, 195 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.6%90%: 0.7% to 2.3%Price: $77030 launches
  4. 4Shooter440 ranked games, 5,193 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 16.4%90%: 7.2% to 27.5%Price: $3241,329 launches
    1. Shooter + First-Personpair #28, 148 ranked games, 1,421 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 5.2%90%: 2.2% to 8.6%Price: $606327 launches
    2. FPS + Shooterpair #32, 212 ranked games, 1,877 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 4.9%90%: 2.5% to 7.8%Price: $674397 launches
    3. Horror + Shooterpair #49, 74 ranked games, 460 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 3.6%90%: 1.7% to 6.4%Price: $727132 launches
    4. Shooter + 3Dpair #210, 127 ranked games, 1,826 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.1%90%: 0.9% to 1.5%Price: $243403 launches
    5. Shooter + Explorationpair #275, 72 ranked games, 638 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 0.9%90%: 0.5% to 1.1%Price: $1,001130 launches
  5. 5Sandbox575 ranked games, 3,941 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 13.0%90%: 8.1% to 21.6%Price: $1,617691 launches
    1. Sandbox + Multiplayerpair #46, 75 ranked games, 314 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 3.9%90%: 1.6% to 7.0%Price: $32,53338 launches
    2. Strategy + Sandboxpair #51, 127 ranked games, 853 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 3.5%90%: 2.0% to 5.9%Price: $3,550144 launches
    3. Sandbox + Base Buildingpair #96, 118 ranked games, 553 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.3%90%: 1.1% to 3.7%Price: $2,70092 launches
    4. Building + Sandboxpair #111, 149 ranked games, 920 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.0%90%: 1.4% to 2.6%Price: $5,462157 launches
    5. Casual + Sandboxpair #175, 112 ranked games, 1,202 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.3%90%: 0.9% to 2.0%Price: $787234 launches
  6. 6Survival436 ranked games, 2,991 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 12.6%90%: 7.5% to 18.3%Price: $1,214541 launches
    1. Survival + Craftingpair #39, 158 ranked games, 723 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 4.3%90%: 3.0% to 5.9%Price: $4,66478 launches
    2. Survival + Multiplayerpair #47, 85 ranked games, 367 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 3.8%90%: 2.5% to 5.0%Price: $3,54048 launches
    3. Survival + Base Buildingpair #50, 152 ranked games, 665 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 3.6%90%: 2.3% to 4.9%Price: $6,75592 launches
    4. Survival + Online Co-Oppair #57, 74 ranked games, 296 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 3.3%90%: 2.0% to 4.8%Price: $2,72946 launches
    5. Survival + Open World Survival Craftpair #77, 98 ranked games, 280 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.7%90%: 1.5% to 4.1%Price: $18,44140 launches
  7. 7Simulation1,163 ranked games, 11,277 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 12.6%90%: 10.7% to 14.5%Price: $9702,540 launches
    1. Simulation + Sandboxpair #35, 295 ranked games, 2,022 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 4.5%90%: 3.1% to 6.1%Price: $2,528348 launches
    2. Strategy + Simulationpair #38, 297 ranked games, 3,108 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 4.4%90%: 2.9% to 6.4%Price: $909583 launches
    3. Simulation + Multiplayerpair #62, 108 ranked games, 594 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 3.1%90%: 1.8% to 4.4%Price: $8,980122 launches
    4. Simulation + First-Personpair #68, 246 ranked games, 2,069 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.9%90%: 2.1% to 3.8%Price: $1,457493 launches
    5. Casual + Simulationpair #71, 335 ranked games, 4,416 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.9%90%: 2.3% to 3.5%Price: $6061,158 launches
  8. 8Strategy768 ranked games, 12,326 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 11.4%90%: 8.4% to 15.8%Price: $5052,682 launches
    1. Strategy + Simulationpair #38, 297 ranked games, 3,108 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 4.4%90%: 2.9% to 6.4%Price: $909583 launches
    2. Strategy + Sandboxpair #51, 127 ranked games, 853 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 3.5%90%: 2.0% to 5.9%Price: $3,550144 launches
    3. Strategy + Warpair #79, 52 ranked games, 372 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.6%90%: 1.0% to 4.5%Price: $2,942102 launches
    4. Strategy + Base Buildingpair #87, 151 ranked games, 1,029 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.5%90%: 1.4% to 4.3%Price: $6,139160 launches
    5. Strategy + Multiplayerpair #99, 69 ranked games, 890 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.2%90%: 1.1% to 3.5%Price: $607149 launches
  9. 9Horror668 ranked games, 6,010 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 10.8%90%: 7.6% to 14.9%Price: $1,0901,839 launches
    1. Action + Horrorpair #27, 229 ranked games, 2,107 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 6.0%90%: 3.5% to 8.9%Price: $809555 launches
    2. Horror + Survival Horrorpair #33, 189 ranked games, 1,580 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 4.8%90%: 2.7% to 8.1%Price: $1,067389 launches
    3. Horror + First-Personpair #36, 221 ranked games, 2,707 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 4.5%90%: 2.3% to 6.8%Price: $1,011868 launches
    4. Horror + Shooterpair #49, 74 ranked games, 460 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 3.6%90%: 1.7% to 6.4%Price: $727132 launches
    5. Horror + Multiplayerpair #53, 83 ranked games, 545 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 3.4%90%: 1.7% to 5.2%Price: $5,680106 launches
  10. 10FPS343 ranked games, 3,219 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 7.4%90%: 5.0% to 9.8%Price: $646731 launches
    1. FPS + Open Worldpair #190, 30 ranked games, 180 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.2%90%: 0.6% to 1.9%Price: $78832 launches
    2. FPS + 3Dpair #224, 105 ranked games, 1,513 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.0%90%: 0.8% to 1.3%Price: $505344 launches
    3. FPS + Explorationpair #242, 73 ranked games, 616 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 0.9%90%: 0.5% to 1.4%Price: $992128 launches
    4. FPS + Sci-fipair #244, 40 ranked games, 306 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 0.9%90%: 0.4% to 1.5%Price: $1,41661 launches
    5. FPS + PvEpair #254, 54 ranked games, 455 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 0.9%90%: 0.5% to 1.4%Price: $48594 launches
  11. 11Survival Horror251 ranked games, 2,101 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 6.9%90%: 3.7% to 10.7%Price: $869492 launches
    1. Action + Survival Horrorpair #30, 117 ranked games, 982 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 5.0%90%: 2.3% to 8.0%Price: $677214 launches
    2. Exploration + Survival Horrorpair #187, 96 ranked games, 738 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.3%90%: 0.7% to 1.8%Price: $1,170148 launches
    3. Adventure + Survival Horrorpair #257, 98 ranked games, 902 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 0.9%90%: 0.5% to 1.4%Price: $717224 launches
    4. Story Rich + Survival Horrorpair #506, 43 ranked games, 317 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 0.5%90%: 0.2% to 0.8%Price: $2,87060 launches
    5. Survival Horror + Darkpair #603, 52 ranked games, 444 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 0.4%90%: 0.2% to 0.6%Price: $1,211100 launches
  12. 12Building365 ranked games, 2,484 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 6.2%90%: 4.9% to 7.9%Price: $2,790461 launches
    1. Building + Craftingpair #63, 108 ranked games, 633 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 3.1%90%: 1.7% to 4.7%Price: $3,94697 launches
    2. Building + Explorationpair #80, 87 ranked games, 505 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.6%90%: 1.3% to 3.7%Price: $1,37475 launches
    3. Building + Survivalpair #83, 81 ranked games, 434 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.6%90%: 1.4% to 4.0%Price: $4,85567 launches
    4. Building + Base Buildingpair #91, 117 ranked games, 655 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.4%90%: 1.4% to 4.0%Price: $3,288118 launches
    5. Simulation + Buildingpair #92, 195 ranked games, 1,253 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.3%90%: 1.7% to 3.0%Price: $5,746216 launches
  13. 13Puzzle549 ranked games, 7,934 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 5.7%90%: 4.0% to 8.0%Price: $4852,807 launches
    1. Adventure + Puzzlepair #74, 269 ranked games, 3,279 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 2.8%90%: 1.5% to 4.9%Price: $684932 launches
    2. Puzzle + Explorationpair #113, 228 ranked games, 2,571 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.9%90%: 1.2% to 3.2%Price: $717712 launches
    3. Puzzle + 3Dpair #148, 122 ranked games, 1,970 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.6%90%: 0.8% to 2.4%Price: $363614 launches
    4. Casual + Puzzlepair #216, 133 ranked games, 2,871 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.1%90%: 0.8% to 1.4%Price: $3031,472 launches
    5. Puzzle + Mysterypair #234, 107 ranked games, 945 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.0%90%: 0.6% to 1.7%Price: $1,293283 launches
  14. 14JRPG215 ranked games, 1,274 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 4.5%90%: 2.0% to 7.3%Price: $1,518308 launches
    1. Action RPG + JRPGpair #150, 45 ranked games, 195 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.6%90%: 0.7% to 2.3%Price: $77030 launches
    2. JRPG + Party-Based RPGpair #170, 64 ranked games, 324 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.4%90%: 0.7% to 2.5%Price: $77692 launches
    3. Action-Adventure + JRPGpair #174, 21 ranked games, 112 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.4%90%: 0.3% to 2.5%under 30 launches
    4. Action + JRPGpair #191, 34 ranked games, 152 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.2%90%: 0.4% to 1.9%under 30 launches
    5. 2D + JRPGpair #618, 54 ranked games, 497 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 0.4%90%: 0.3% to 0.5%Price: $967154 launches
  15. 15Immersive Sim376 ranked games, 3,046 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 4.5%90%: 2.9% to 7.0%Price: $1,415804 launches
    1. First-Person + Immersive Simpair #144, 152 ranked games, 1,007 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.7%90%: 1.3% to 2.3%Price: $2,191288 launches
    2. 3D + Immersive Simpair #223, 133 ranked games, 1,159 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.0%90%: 0.8% to 1.2%Price: $1,131322 launches
    3. Action + Immersive Simpair #227, 80 ranked games, 461 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 1.0%90%: 0.7% to 1.7%Price: $1,012102 launches
    4. Exploration + Immersive Simpair #243, 100 ranked games, 853 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 0.9%90%: 0.7% to 1.3%Price: $899198 launches
    5. Adventure + Immersive Simpair #293, 78 ranked games, 659 upcomingShare of wishlist heat: 0.8%90%: 0.5% to 1.1%Price: $909190 launches

Top 15 of 133 ranked genres. Price: median est. first-year revenue of indie paid launches.

Launch success

indie launches 6 to 30 months old

Hits (est. revenue $100k or more) among indie paid launches, against the hits expected for their price and launch quarter. 1.00x is par.

  1. 1Idler1,195 launches, 67 hits, 22.6 expectedHits vs expected: 2.73x90%: 2.27x to 3.29xPrice: $564549 launches
    1. Resource Management + Idlerpair #3, 120 launches, 15 hits, 1.8 expectedHits vs expected: 3.77x90%: 2.73x to 5.23xPrice: $1,17242 launches
    2. Relaxing + Idlerpair #4, 389 launches, 34 hits, 7.0 expectedHits vs expected: 3.69x90%: 2.89x to 4.72xPrice: $910175 launches
    3. Pixel Graphics + Idlerpair #7, 261 launches, 22 hits, 4.1 expectedHits vs expected: 3.50x90%: 2.62x to 4.70xPrice: $454112 launches
    4. Management + Idlerpair #13, 190 launches, 19 hits, 4.5 expectedHits vs expected: 2.92x90%: 2.15x to 3.97xPrice: $1,48690 launches
    5. Loot + Idlerpair #14, 51 launches, 11 hits, 1.8 expectedHits vs expected: 2.90x90%: 2.06x to 4.03xunder 30 launches
  2. 2Gambling149 launches, 15 hits, 4.8 expectedHits vs expected: 2.32x90%: 1.67x to 3.24xPrice: $80963 launches
    1. 3D + Gamblingpair #154, 44 launches, 5 hits, 1.0 expectedHits vs expected: 2.00x90%: 1.37x to 3.13xunder 30 launches
    2. Simulation + Gamblingpair #214, 51 launches, 5 hits, 1.2 expectedHits vs expected: 1.91x90%: 1.31x to 3.00xunder 30 launches
    3. 2D + Gamblingpair #267, 40 launches, 5 hits, 1.4 expectedHits vs expected: 1.84x90%: 1.26x to 2.85xunder 30 launches
    4. Roguelike + Gamblingpair #510, 37 launches, 5 hits, 1.9 expectedHits vs expected: 1.62x90%: 1.11x to 2.50xunder 30 launches
    5. Strategy + Gamblingpair #841, 72 launches, 5 hits, 2.5 expectedHits vs expected: 1.45x90%: 0.99x to 2.32xunder 30 launches
  3. 3Bullet Heaven140 launches, 21 hits, 7.5 expectedHits vs expected: 2.28x90%: 1.71x to 3.03xPrice: $11,93773 launches
    1. Roguelike + Bullet Heavenpair #53, 64 launches, 12 hits, 3.3 expectedHits vs expected: 2.39x90%: 1.71x to 3.33xPrice: $17,70935 launches
    2. Arcade + Bullet Heavenpair #319, 38 launches, 6 hits, 2.1 expectedHits vs expected: 1.76x90%: 1.21x to 2.65xunder 30 launches
    3. Top-Down Shooter + Bullet Heavenpair #408, 35 launches, 5 hits, 1.7 expectedHits vs expected: 1.68x90%: 1.16x to 2.59xunder 30 launches
    4. Pixel Graphics + Bullet Heavenpair #752, 30 launches, 3 hits, 1.0 expectedHits vs expected: 1.49x90%: 1.05x to 2.43xunder 30 launches
    5. 2D + Bullet Heavenpair #1,274, 40 launches, 3 hits, 1.5 expectedHits vs expected: 1.32x90%: 0.93x to 2.19xunder 30 launches
  4. 5Fishing182 launches, 25 hits, 11.3 expectedHits vs expected: 1.96x90%: 1.50x to 2.57xPrice: $1,132103 launches
    1. Fishing + Creature Collectorpair #33, 41 launches, 8 hits, 1.4 expectedHits vs expected: 2.52x90%: 1.75x to 3.64xunder 30 launches
    2. Cute + Fishingpair #114, 43 launches, 8 hits, 2.2 expectedHits vs expected: 2.12x90%: 1.47x to 3.07xunder 30 launches
    3. Fishing + Idlerpair #151, 41 launches, 5 hits, 1.0 expectedHits vs expected: 2.01x90%: 1.38x to 3.13xunder 30 launches
    4. Relaxing + Fishingpair #177, 42 launches, 6 hits, 1.6 expectedHits vs expected: 1.96x90%: 1.35x to 2.97xunder 30 launches
    5. Casual + Fishingpair #202, 89 launches, 9 hits, 3.2 expectedHits vs expected: 1.93x90%: 1.34x to 2.85xPrice: $58151 launches
  5. 6Open World Survival Craft111 launches, 33 hits, 17.4 expectedHits vs expected: 1.76x90%: 1.41x to 2.17xPrice: $18,18157 launches
    1. Sandbox + Open World Survival Craftpair #306, 47 launches, 17 hits, 8.2 expectedHits vs expected: 1.78x90%: 1.34x to 2.28xunder 30 launches
    2. Base Building + Open World Survival Craftpair #340, 53 launches, 19 hits, 9.6 expectedHits vs expected: 1.74x90%: 1.32x to 2.21xunder 30 launches
    3. Exploration + Open World Survival Craftpair #652, 60 launches, 16 hits, 9.4 expectedHits vs expected: 1.54x90%: 1.14x to 2.03xPrice: $13,97334 launches
    4. Adventure + Open World Survival Craftpair #1,645, 50 launches, 10 hits, 7.6 expectedHits vs expected: 1.23x90%: 0.87x to 1.73xunder 30 launches
  6. 7Job Simulator128 launches, 18 hits, 9.2 expectedHits vs expected: 1.73x90%: 1.27x to 2.33xPrice: $7,73066 launches
    1. Job Simulator + Cozypair #38, 31 launches, 9 hits, 1.8 expectedHits vs expected: 2.48x90%: 1.76x to 3.42xunder 30 launches
    2. Casual + Job Simulatorpair #206, 56 launches, 10 hits, 3.8 expectedHits vs expected: 1.92x90%: 1.35x to 2.74xPrice: $8,44230 launches
    3. Management + Job Simulatorpair #974, 56 launches, 8 hits, 4.8 expectedHits vs expected: 1.41x90%: 0.97x to 2.07xPrice: $12,07830 launches
    4. Life Sim + Job Simulatorpair #1,507, 39 launches, 4 hits, 2.6 expectedHits vs expected: 1.26x90%: 0.87x to 2.01xunder 30 launches
    5. Immersive Sim + Job Simulatorone hitpair #3,907, 48 launches, 3 hits, 4.2 expectedHits vs expected: 0.83x90%: 0.58x to 1.39xunder 30 launches
  7. 8Shop Keeper185 launches, 27 hits, 14.5 expectedHits vs expected: 1.71x90%: 1.31x to 2.21xPrice: $31,61257 launches
    1. Immersive Sim + Shop Keeperpair #197, 53 launches, 14 hits, 5.8 expectedHits vs expected: 1.93x90%: 1.41x to 2.59xunder 30 launches
    2. Relaxing + Shop Keeperpair #211, 38 launches, 9 hits, 3.3 expectedHits vs expected: 1.92x90%: 1.35x to 2.70xunder 30 launches
    3. Casual + Shop Keeperpair #292, 78 launches, 11 hits, 4.8 expectedHits vs expected: 1.80x90%: 1.27x to 2.57xunder 30 launches
    4. Life Sim + Shop Keeperpair #388, 59 launches, 10 hits, 4.6 expectedHits vs expected: 1.70x90%: 1.20x to 2.43xunder 30 launches
    5. Economy + Shop Keeperpair #490, 80 launches, 14 hits, 7.4 expectedHits vs expected: 1.63x90%: 1.18x to 2.25xPrice: $15,12233 launches
  8. 9Life Sim1,044 launches, 137 hits, 79.5 expectedHits vs expected: 1.70x90%: 1.49x to 1.93xPrice: $1,736536 launches
    1. Survival + Life Simpair #62, 46 launches, 11 hits, 3.0 expectedHits vs expected: 2.34x90%: 1.67x to 3.23xunder 30 launches
    2. Dating Sim + Life Simpair #109, 58 launches, 15 hits, 5.4 expectedHits vs expected: 2.13x90%: 1.57x to 2.85xunder 30 launches
    3. Life Sim + Cozypair #122, 60 launches, 18 hits, 7.1 expectedHits vs expected: 2.09x90%: 1.57x to 2.71xPrice: $34,02737 launches
    4. Romance + Life Simpair #134, 33 launches, 11 hits, 3.8 expectedHits vs expected: 2.05x90%: 1.48x to 2.74xunder 30 launches
    5. Life Sim + Naturepair #196, 35 launches, 10 hits, 3.7 expectedHits vs expected: 1.94x90%: 1.38x to 2.65xunder 30 launches
  9. 10Management1,286 launches, 202 hits, 117.8 expectedHits vs expected: 1.70x90%: 1.53x to 1.88xPrice: $3,518639 launches
    1. Management + Incrementalpair #8, 156 launches, 17 hits, 3.0 expectedHits vs expected: 3.34x90%: 2.44x to 4.59xPrice: $81071 launches
    2. Management + Idlerpair #13, 190 launches, 19 hits, 4.5 expectedHits vs expected: 2.92x90%: 2.15x to 3.97xPrice: $1,48690 launches
    3. Arcade + Managementpair #67, 70 launches, 9 hits, 2.3 expectedHits vs expected: 2.28x90%: 1.59x to 3.35xPrice: $70834 launches
    4. Cooking + Managementpair #74, 82 launches, 18 hits, 6.3 expectedHits vs expected: 2.26x90%: 1.68x to 3.00xPrice: $8,23544 launches
    5. Relaxing + Managementpair #101, 207 launches, 32 hits, 13.1 expectedHits vs expected: 2.17x90%: 1.70x to 2.75xPrice: $3,154101 launches
  10. 11Building897 launches, 157 hits, 91.3 expectedHits vs expected: 1.70x90%: 1.51x to 1.90xPrice: $2,790461 launches
    1. Building + Incrementalpair #34, 38 launches, 6 hits, 0.6 expectedHits vs expected: 2.52x90%: 1.73x to 3.79xunder 30 launches
    2. Building + Idlerpair #50, 62 launches, 7 hits, 1.1 expectedHits vs expected: 2.41x90%: 1.66x to 3.66xPrice: $1,44436 launches
    3. Building + Cozypair #59, 64 launches, 17 hits, 5.5 expectedHits vs expected: 2.35x90%: 1.75x to 3.09xPrice: $14,48232 launches
    4. Building + Craftingpair #156, 179 launches, 46 hits, 21.5 expectedHits vs expected: 2.00x90%: 1.64x to 2.42xPrice: $3,94697 launches
    5. Building + First-Personpair #192, 80 launches, 19 hits, 8.3 expectedHits vs expected: 1.94x90%: 1.45x to 2.55xPrice: $7,38241 launches
  11. 12Automation409 launches, 47 hits, 27.6 expectedHits vs expected: 1.64x90%: 1.32x to 2.02xPrice: $2,022172 launches
    1. Relaxing + Automationpair #143, 67 launches, 7 hits, 1.9 expectedHits vs expected: 2.03x90%: 1.39x to 3.08xPrice: $1,45631 launches
    2. Management + Automationpair #165, 135 launches, 26 hits, 11.6 expectedHits vs expected: 1.99x90%: 1.53x to 2.56xPrice: $5,42060 launches
    3. Economy + Automationpair #188, 59 launches, 12 hits, 4.7 expectedHits vs expected: 1.94x90%: 1.39x to 2.69xunder 30 launches
    4. Automation + Idlerpair #242, 160 launches, 9 hits, 3.4 expectedHits vs expected: 1.87x90%: 1.29x to 2.82xPrice: $79860 launches
    5. Strategy + Automationpair #369, 138 launches, 20 hits, 10.4 expectedHits vs expected: 1.71x90%: 1.28x to 2.29xPrice: $3,21355 launches
  12. 13Sandbox1,396 launches, 211 hits, 131.6 expectedHits vs expected: 1.59x90%: 1.43x to 1.76xPrice: $1,617691 launches
    1. Co-op + Sandboxpair #105, 43 launches, 17 hits, 6.3 expectedHits vs expected: 2.15x90%: 1.63x to 2.73xunder 30 launches
    2. Sandbox + Multiplayerpair #107, 81 launches, 27 hits, 11.0 expectedHits vs expected: 2.14x90%: 1.68x to 2.66xPrice: $32,53338 launches
    3. Sandbox + Online Co-Oppair #147, 48 launches, 17 hits, 6.9 expectedHits vs expected: 2.02x90%: 1.52x to 2.60xunder 30 launches
    4. Sandbox + Cozypair #162, 71 launches, 14 hits, 5.5 expectedHits vs expected: 1.99x90%: 1.44x to 2.72xPrice: $8,90137 launches
    5. Sandbox + Base Buildingpair #175, 169 launches, 53 hits, 25.5 expectedHits vs expected: 1.97x90%: 1.64x to 2.33xPrice: $2,70092 launches
  13. 14Creature Collector584 launches, 47 hits, 29.0 expectedHits vs expected: 1.56x90%: 1.26x to 1.94xPrice: $1,213300 launches
    1. Relaxing + Creature Collectorpair #24, 164 launches, 18 hits, 4.8 expectedHits vs expected: 2.70x90%: 1.98x to 3.69xPrice: $1,73480 launches
    2. Idler + Creature Collectorpair #25, 151 launches, 17 hits, 4.4 expectedHits vs expected: 2.69x90%: 1.97x to 3.70xPrice: $1,45476 launches
    3. Fishing + Creature Collectorpair #33, 41 launches, 8 hits, 1.4 expectedHits vs expected: 2.52x90%: 1.75x to 3.64xunder 30 launches
    4. Nature + Creature Collectorpair #149, 48 launches, 7 hits, 2.0 expectedHits vs expected: 2.02x90%: 1.39x to 3.01xunder 30 launches
    5. Casual + Creature Collectorpair #166, 312 launches, 19 hits, 8.1 expectedHits vs expected: 1.98x90%: 1.46x to 2.72xPrice: $855156 launches
  14. 15Psychological Horror2,506 launches, 136 hits, 91.3 expectedHits vs expected: 1.47x90%: 1.29x to 1.69xPrice: $1,3701,231 launches
    1. Psychological Horror + Online Co-Oppair #68, 93 launches, 15 hits, 4.9 expectedHits vs expected: 2.28x90%: 1.66x to 3.14xPrice: $4,64950 launches
    2. Surreal + Psychological Horrorpair #73, 246 launches, 23 hits, 8.5 expectedHits vs expected: 2.27x90%: 1.70x to 3.02xPrice: $2,906127 launches
    3. Relaxing + Psychological Horrorpair #79, 52 launches, 6 hits, 1.0 expectedHits vs expected: 2.25x90%: 1.54x to 3.45xPrice: $1,05031 launches
    4. Co-op + Psychological Horrorpair #87, 74 launches, 13 hits, 4.2 expectedHits vs expected: 2.21x90%: 1.59x to 3.07xPrice: $5,48140 launches
    5. Psychological Horror + 1990'spair #120, 90 launches, 8 hits, 2.3 expectedHits vs expected: 2.09x90%: 1.44x to 3.15xPrice: $50549 launches
  15. 16Cooking326 launches, 34 hits, 23.0 expectedHits vs expected: 1.42x90%: 1.11x to 1.82xPrice: $1,335160 launches
    1. Cooking + Managementpair #74, 82 launches, 18 hits, 6.3 expectedHits vs expected: 2.26x90%: 1.68x to 3.00xPrice: $8,23544 launches
    2. First-Person + Cookingpair #273, 43 launches, 8 hits, 3.0 expectedHits vs expected: 1.83x90%: 1.27x to 2.65xunder 30 launches
    3. Relaxing + Cookingpair #401, 55 launches, 8 hits, 3.5 expectedHits vs expected: 1.69x90%: 1.17x to 2.49xunder 30 launches
    4. Cooking + Life Simpair #414, 54 launches, 9 hits, 4.2 expectedHits vs expected: 1.68x90%: 1.17x to 2.42xunder 30 launches
    5. Online Co-Op + Cookingpair #588, 31 launches, 7 hits, 3.3 expectedHits vs expected: 1.58x90%: 1.09x to 2.27xunder 30 launches

Top 15 of 115 ranked genres. Skipped as near duplicates: Incremental (of Idler). Marks: one hit, one game carries much of the reading. Price: median est. first-year revenue of indie paid launches.

Fewer new releases

Jun to Aug 2026 vs Jun to Aug 2025

Fewer launches relative to players. Historically this did not predict better launches.

  1. 1Escape Roomone hit35 games, releases 72 vs 80Players vs launches: +59.3%90%: +19.5% to +104.8%Price: $1,39371 launchesno pairs
  2. 2Fightingone hit49 games, releases 54 vs 59Players vs launches: +51.7%90%: +13.9% to +104.9%Price: $2,52852 launches
    1. Fighting + Multiplayerone hitpair #59, 38 games, releases 21 vs 26Players vs launches: +69.0%90%: +15.9% to +172.0%under 30 launches
    2. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  3. 3JRPG245 games, releases 424 vs 414Players vs launches: +41.8%90%: +24.4% to +60.7%Price: $1,518308 launches
    1. JRPG + Party-Based RPGpair #20, 62 games, releases 99 vs 112Players vs launches: +84.9%90%: +44.9% to +132.8%Price: $77692 launches
    2. Turn-Based Strategy + JRPGbig publisherspair #26, 26 games, releases 52 vs 61Players vs launches: +83.4%90%: +33.2% to +139.9%Price: $2,42851 launches
    3. Turn-Based Combat + JRPGpair #34, 76 games, releases 93 vs 114Players vs launches: +78.6%90%: +49.2% to +120.3%Price: $1,60489 launches
    4. Action RPG + JRPGpair #69, 51 games, releases 48 vs 54Players vs launches: +67.3%90%: +29.8% to +138.5%Price: $77030 launches
    5. Story Rich + JRPGpair #75, 98 games, releases 90 vs 102Players vs launches: +66.4%90%: +30.9% to +116.9%Price: $1,62974 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  4. 4Action-Adventure634 games, releases 2,348 vs 2,220Players vs launches: +40.6%90%: +32.9% to +50.5%Price: $4051,807 launches
    1. Action-Adventure + Cinematicpair #17, 35 games, releases 55 vs 69Players vs launches: +87.0%90%: +28.1% to +141.9%Price: $1,09259 launches
    2. Action-Adventure + Dark Humorpair #31, 19 games, releases 26 vs 31Players vs launches: +81.4%90%: +25.9% to +166.8%under 30 launches
    3. Action-Adventure + Family Friendlypair #40, 23 games, releases 44 vs 53Players vs launches: +76.9%90%: +31.2% to +145.1%Price: $72939 launches
    4. Action-Adventure + VRpair #49, 26 games, releases 38 vs 47Players vs launches: +71.4%90%: +24.4% to +130.9%Price: $6,75746 launches
    5. Co-op + Action-Adventurebig publisherspair #55, 38 games, releases 57 vs 66Players vs launches: +69.9%90%: +28.1% to +132.8%Price: $4,36354 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  5. 5Metroidvania130 games, releases 251 vs 232Players vs launches: +39.6%90%: +20.3% to +65.2%Price: $2,901193 launches
    1. Metroidvania + Female Protagonistpair #30, 28 games, releases 25 vs 32Players vs launches: +81.4%90%: +23.2% to +168.3%under 30 launches
    2. Metroidvania + Side Scrollerone hitpair #48, 37 games, releases 38 vs 48Players vs launches: +72.3%90%: +18.4% to +157.2%Price: $2,22542 launches
    3. Metroidvania + Pixel Graphicspair #92, 44 games, releases 75 vs 78Players vs launches: +63.2%90%: +27.6% to +108.4%Price: $2,73164 launches
    4. Metroidvania + 2D Platformerpair #147, 51 games, releases 106 vs 109Players vs launches: +53.8%90%: +15.9% to +89.3%Price: $1,78091 launches
    5. Metroidvania + 2Dpair #202, 68 games, releases 110 vs 113Players vs launches: +48.3%90%: +18.7% to +90.7%Price: $2,10496 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  6. 6Third-Person Shooter142 games, releases 395 vs 363Players vs launches: +34.6%90%: +19.9% to +59.7%Price: $283281 launches
    1. Third Person + Third-Person Shooterpair #113, 43 games, releases 145 vs 160Players vs launches: +59.0%90%: +29.4% to +92.5%Price: $303122 launches
    2. Third-Person Shooter + Action-Adventurepair #279, 37 games, releases 108 vs 97Players vs launches: +41.7%90%: +13.7% to +73.8%Price: $48579 launches
    3. PvP + Third-Person Shooterpair #286, 23 games, releases 52 vs 56Players vs launches: +40.9%90%: +7.1% to +109.6%Price: $22236 launches
    4. Third-Person Shooter + Multiplayerone hitpair #312, 48 games, releases 47 vs 45Players vs launches: +39.2%90%: +4.2% to +77.0%under 30 launches
    5. Third-Person Shooter + 3Done hitpair #340, 38 games, releases 173 vs 169Players vs launches: +37.2%90%: +15.4% to +67.7%Price: $303139 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  7. 7Spectacle fighter63 games, releases 120 vs 121Players vs launches: +34.5%90%: +9.5% to +65.3%Price: $576102 launchesno pairs
  8. 83D Fighter48 games, releases 228 vs 242Players vs launches: +32.8%90%: +7.9% to +60.0%Price: $202175 launches
    1. Multiplayer + 3D Fighterpair #22, 19 games, releases 22 vs 27Players vs launches: +84.6%90%: +16.7% to +166.7%under 30 launches
    2. PvP + 3D Fighterbig publisherspair #836, 18 games, releases 47 vs 37Players vs launches: +17.4%90%: -20.0% to +59.6%under 30 launches
    3. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  9. 9Stealth123 games, releases 306 vs 250Players vs launches: +30.7%90%: +11.3% to +55.3%Price: $685203 launches
    1. Stealth + Story Richpair #18, 20 games, releases 31 vs 36Players vs launches: +86.0%90%: +24.6% to +194.7%under 30 launches
    2. Stealth + Third Personbig publisherspair #28, 17 games, releases 28 vs 34Players vs launches: +82.6%90%: +12.9% to +198.1%under 30 launches
    3. Stealth + Action-Adventurepair #112, 25 games, releases 69 vs 67Players vs launches: +59.1%90%: +16.8% to +108.6%Price: $89052 launches
    4. Stealth + 3Dpair #162, 27 games, releases 94 vs 88Players vs launches: +51.6%90%: +23.8% to +89.9%Price: $56669 launches
    5. Stealth + Shooterpair #179, 17 games, releases 21 vs 20Players vs launches: +49.9%90%: -3.1% to +135.2%under 30 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  10. 10Platformer335 games, releases 1,717 vs 1,597Players vs launches: +30.1%90%: +21.2% to +41.3%Price: $3031,285 launches
    1. Platformer + Story Richpair #155, 24 games, releases 59 vs 56Players vs launches: +52.9%90%: +16.7% to +99.0%Price: $3,03344 launches
    2. Platformer + Metroidvaniapair #160, 70 games, releases 123 vs 126Players vs launches: +51.9%90%: +23.6% to +86.7%Price: $2,894105 launches
    3. Platformer + Action-Adventurepair #182, 103 games, releases 350 vs 350Players vs launches: +49.8%90%: +34.7% to +67.8%Price: $404295 launches
    4. Platformer + Puzzlepair #205, 56 games, releases 317 vs 336Players vs launches: +48.1%90%: +27.4% to +78.5%Price: $261269 launches
    5. Platformer + Explorationpair #240, 105 games, releases 291 vs 294Players vs launches: +45.0%90%: +22.0% to +69.5%Price: $606240 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  11. 11Wargameone hit110 games, releases 328 vs 307Players vs launches: +27.5%90%: +9.0% to +45.9%Price: $728246 launches
    1. 3D + Wargameone hitpair #47, 26 games, releases 65 vs 81Players vs launches: +72.4%90%: +32.0% to +119.9%Price: $63666 launches
    2. War + Wargamepair #125, 30 games, releases 78 vs 82Players vs launches: +58.1%90%: +18.4% to +118.1%Price: $2,18667 launches
    3. Action + Wargamepair #269, 25 games, releases 73 vs 81Players vs launches: +42.5%90%: +11.6% to +75.9%Price: $80869 launches
    4. Military + Wargamepair #539, 35 games, releases 94 vs 78Players vs launches: +28.5%90%: +3.5% to +61.3%Price: $1,21466 launches
    5. Real Time Tactics + Wargamepair #1,181, 35 games, releases 73 vs 63Players vs launches: +8.0%90%: -18.2% to +40.7%Price: $72849 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  12. 12RTSone hit151 games, releases 378 vs 354Players vs launches: +26.9%90%: +12.0% to +44.3%Price: $889289 launches
    1. RTS + Sci-fipair #95, 18 games, releases 26 vs 27Players vs launches: +63.0%90%: +16.8% to +146.7%under 30 launches
    2. RTS + Grand Strategyone hitpair #106, 39 games, releases 35 vs 42Players vs launches: +60.4%90%: +10.9% to +111.1%Price: $2,63033 launches
    3. RTS + Multiplayerone hitpair #130, 31 games, releases 26 vs 31Players vs launches: +57.1%90%: +1.8% to +137.6%under 30 launches
    4. Action + RTSpair #154, 33 games, releases 64 vs 65Players vs launches: +52.9%90%: +18.2% to +97.7%Price: $78754 launches
    5. RTS + City Builderpair #191, 31 games, releases 47 vs 47Players vs launches: +49.0%90%: +8.6% to +105.4%Price: $2,63038 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  13. 13Parkourone hit59 games, releases 274 vs 249Players vs launches: +26.0%90%: +7.7% to +48.4%Price: $322208 launches
    1. Adventure + Parkourpair #61, 16 games, releases 68 vs 72Players vs launches: +68.7%90%: +37.5% to +120.8%Price: $38366 launches
    2. First-Person + Parkourone hitpair #65, 19 games, releases 46 vs 59Players vs launches: +68.0%90%: +22.3% to +122.2%Price: $88344 launches
    3. Parkour + 3Done hitpair #579, 18 games, releases 82 vs 81Players vs launches: +26.4%90%: +0.8% to +66.8%Price: $24262 launches
    4. Parkour + 3D Platformerone hitpair #783, 25 games, releases 139 vs 126Players vs launches: +19.2%90%: -5.6% to +46.8%Price: $576102 launches
    5. Action + Parkourone hitpair #802, 28 games, releases 124 vs 99Players vs launches: +18.4%90%: -8.0% to +45.5%Price: $24279 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  14. 143D Platformer203 games, releases 1,160 vs 1,107Players vs launches: +25.9%90%: +15.5% to +37.3%Price: $242866 launches
    1. 3D Platformer + Puzzle Platformerone hitpair #232, 29 games, releases 170 vs 170Players vs launches: +45.6%90%: +18.7% to +80.7%Price: $303138 launches
    2. Platformer + 3D Platformerone hitpair #304, 92 games, releases 461 vs 459Players vs launches: +39.8%90%: +21.1% to +56.8%Price: $303363 launches
    3. Action-Adventure + 3D Platformerone hitpair #325, 72 games, releases 291 vs 302Players vs launches: +38.5%90%: +19.3% to +62.8%Price: $303228 launches
    4. Casual + 3D Platformerone hitpair #336, 44 games, releases 447 vs 445Players vs launches: +37.7%90%: +16.2% to +64.3%Price: $161350 launches
    5. 3D Platformer + Female Protagonistpair #338, 15 games, releases 46 vs 46Players vs launches: +37.4%90%: +6.9% to +90.8%Price: $83138 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  15. 15Action RTSone hit41 games, releases 134 vs 123Players vs launches: +25.6%90%: +0.8% to +57.8%Price: $40599 launches
    1. Action + Action RTSone hitpair #266, 15 games, releases 51 vs 51Players vs launches: +42.6%90%: +3.1% to +88.9%Price: $60743 launches
    2. Action RTS + Real Time Tacticsone hitpair #1,137, 20 games, releases 45 vs 38Players vs launches: +9.1%90%: -26.3% to +52.8%Price: $98130 launches
    3. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.

Top 15 of 105 ranked genres. Marks: one hit, one game carries much of the reading; big publishers, over 85% from named major publishers or $40+ games. Price: median est. first-year revenue of indie paid launches.

Rising demand

Jun to Aug 2026 vs Jun to Aug 2025

Gaining players faster than same-age games. Descriptive, not a launch signal.

  1. 1Stealth123 gamesVs same-age games: +17.7%90%: +9.5% to +27.1%Price: $685203 launches
    1. Stealth + Action-Adventurepair #26, 25 gamesVs same-age games: +20.7%90%: +11.6% to +35.0%Price: $89052 launches
    2. Stealth + Story Richpair #29, 20 gamesVs same-age games: +20.6%90%: +3.0% to +32.5%under 30 launches
    3. Stealth + 3Dpair #39, 27 gamesVs same-age games: +19.2%90%: +8.6% to +29.4%Price: $56669 launches
    4. Stealth + First-Personpair #56, 29 gamesVs same-age games: +17.7%90%: +8.3% to +29.3%Price: $75878 launches
    5. Stealth + Immersive Simpair #62, 18 gamesVs same-age games: +17.2%90%: +9.8% to +24.5%under 30 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  2. 2Metroidvania130 gamesVs same-age games: +11.4%90%: +3.6% to +19.3%Price: $2,901193 launches
    1. Metroidvania + Pixel Graphicspair #87, 44 gamesVs same-age games: +16.1%90%: +5.3% to +27.7%Price: $2,73164 launches
    2. Metroidvania + Difficultpair #90, 18 gamesVs same-age games: +16.0%90%: -0.1% to +29.9%under 30 launches
    3. Metroidvania + Action-Adventurepair #146, 53 gamesVs same-age games: +13.8%90%: +4.8% to +23.0%Price: $2,86390 launches
    4. Metroidvania + Explorationpair #198, 60 gamesVs same-age games: +12.4%90%: +2.7% to +21.9%Price: $4,85889 launches
    5. Metroidvania + 2D Platformerpair #274, 51 gamesVs same-age games: +10.6%90%: -1.5% to +25.0%Price: $1,78091 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  3. 3Action-Adventure634 gamesVs same-age games: +9.8%90%: +4.2% to +14.5%Price: $4051,807 launches
    1. Action-Adventure + Darkpair #4, 29 gamesVs same-age games: +27.0%90%: +11.9% to +44.2%Price: $60589 launches
    2. Action-Adventure + JRPGbig publisherspair #5, 21 gamesVs same-age games: +26.2%90%: +10.1% to +45.1%under 30 launches
    3. Open World + Action-Adventurebig publisherspair #23, 59 gamesVs same-age games: +21.0%90%: +7.0% to +37.3%Price: $1,01296 launches
    4. Stealth + Action-Adventurepair #26, 25 gamesVs same-age games: +20.7%90%: +11.6% to +35.0%Price: $89052 launches
    5. Story Rich + Action-Adventurepair #32, 113 gamesVs same-age games: +20.0%90%: +8.6% to +32.3%Price: $1,415133 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  4. 4Horror798 gamesVs same-age games: +9.7%90%: +6.0% to +13.3%Price: $1,0901,839 launches
    1. Horror + Surrealpair #73, 62 gamesVs same-age games: +16.7%90%: +7.7% to +29.5%Price: $1,799122 launches
    2. Horror + Cartoonypair #78, 21 gamesVs same-age games: +16.6%90%: +6.3% to +29.2%under 30 launches
    3. Horror + Animepair #97, 44 gamesVs same-age games: +15.8%90%: +6.1% to +24.2%Price: $91135 launches
    4. Horror + Hand-drawnpair #101, 23 gamesVs same-age games: +15.5%90%: +6.6% to +22.4%under 30 launches
    5. Zombies + Horrorpair #116, 30 gamesVs same-age games: +14.9%90%: +0.1% to +34.9%Price: $64881 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  5. 5Party-Based RPG132 gamesVs same-age games: +9.2%90%: -1.7% to +20.8%Price: $1,132229 launches
    1. Story Rich + Party-Based RPGpair #15, 39 gamesVs same-age games: +22.6%90%: +13.7% to +34.4%Price: $1,92246 launches
    2. JRPG + Party-Based RPGpair #21, 62 gamesVs same-age games: +21.4%90%: +11.7% to +30.3%Price: $77692 launches
    3. 3D + Party-Based RPGpair #59, 30 gamesVs same-age games: +17.5%90%: +5.2% to +27.3%under 30 launches
    4. Adventure + Party-Based RPGpair #148, 34 gamesVs same-age games: +13.7%90%: -0.7% to +26.5%Price: $1,36558 launches
    5. Action + Party-Based RPGbig publisherspair #178, 16 gamesVs same-age games: +12.9%90%: -7.0% to +32.7%under 30 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  6. 6Survival Horror241 gamesVs same-age games: +9.1%90%: +1.7% to +16.7%Price: $869492 launches
    1. Action + Survival Horrorpair #81, 86 gamesVs same-age games: +16.5%90%: +1.5% to +30.4%Price: $677214 launches
    2. Survival Horror + Darkpair #83, 52 gamesVs same-age games: +16.4%90%: +6.3% to +27.5%Price: $1,211100 launches
    3. Stealth + Survival Horrorpair #99, 34 gamesVs same-age games: +15.5%90%: +2.6% to +27.2%Price: $70737 launches
    4. Multiplayer + Survival Horrorpair #139, 59 gamesVs same-age games: +14.2%90%: +0.9% to +31.5%Price: $2,12251 launches
    5. Psychological Horror + Survival Horrorpair #150, 117 gamesVs same-age games: +13.7%90%: +5.1% to +22.9%Price: $1,213231 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  7. 7Investigation122 gamesVs same-age games: +8.9%90%: +1.4% to +16.6%Price: $1,518243 launches
    1. Puzzle + Investigationpair #27, 47 gamesVs same-age games: +20.6%90%: +9.6% to +33.3%Price: $1,253104 launches
    2. Point & Click + Investigationpair #136, 34 gamesVs same-age games: +14.2%90%: +2.7% to +27.1%Price: $4,85753 launches
    3. Mystery + Investigationpair #157, 67 gamesVs same-age games: +13.4%90%: +4.2% to +24.0%Price: $3,336112 launches
    4. Detective + Investigationpair #231, 56 gamesVs same-age games: +11.6%90%: +1.7% to +25.7%Price: $3,96395 launches
    5. Story Rich + Investigationpair #258, 60 gamesVs same-age games: +10.9%90%: +0.0% to +23.2%Price: $8,90370 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  8. 8Third-Person Shooter142 gamesVs same-age games: +8.0%90%: -1.2% to +18.6%Price: $283281 launches
    1. Third-Person Shooter + Action-Adventurepair #93, 37 gamesVs same-age games: +15.9%90%: +6.4% to +29.1%Price: $48579 launches
    2. Adventure + Third-Person Shooterpair #130, 35 gamesVs same-age games: +14.3%90%: +2.9% to +27.5%Price: $57674 launches
    3. Co-op + Third-Person Shooterbig publisherspair #248, 24 gamesVs same-age games: +11.1%90%: +2.8% to +22.4%under 30 launches
    4. Third-Person Shooter + PvEbig publisherspair #372, 22 gamesVs same-age games: +8.8%90%: -1.4% to +19.1%Price: $14134 launches
    5. Horror + Third-Person Shooterpair #420, 19 gamesVs same-age games: +8.0%90%: -4.5% to +20.6%under 30 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  9. 9Vehicular Combat32 gamesVs same-age games: +7.8%90%: -3.4% to +19.8%Price: $91153 launchesno pairs
  10. 10JRPG245 gamesVs same-age games: +7.2%90%: +1.1% to +14.1%Price: $1,518308 launches
    1. Action-Adventure + JRPGbig publisherspair #5, 21 gamesVs same-age games: +26.2%90%: +10.1% to +45.1%under 30 launches
    2. Action + JRPGpair #10, 55 gamesVs same-age games: +24.5%90%: +14.3% to +40.5%under 30 launches
    3. JRPG + Party-Based RPGpair #21, 62 gamesVs same-age games: +21.4%90%: +11.7% to +30.3%Price: $77692 launches
    4. Fantasy + JRPGpair #40, 65 gamesVs same-age games: +18.7%90%: +9.0% to +30.1%Price: $1,61871 launches
    5. Turn-Based Strategy + JRPGbig publisherspair #69, 26 gamesVs same-age games: +17.0%90%: +8.6% to +26.2%Price: $2,42851 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  11. 11Psychological Horror566 gamesVs same-age games: +6.6%90%: +2.4% to +11.2%Price: $1,3701,231 launches
    1. Psychological Horror + Action-Adventurepair #112, 44 gamesVs same-age games: +15.0%90%: +3.1% to +28.2%Price: $1,011143 launches
    2. Psychological Horror + Hand-drawnpair #144, 18 gamesVs same-age games: +13.9%90%: +7.1% to +22.1%under 30 launches
    3. Psychological Horror + Gorepair #147, 28 gamesVs same-age games: +13.8%90%: +5.0% to +23.6%Price: $2,79040 launches
    4. Psychological Horror + Survival Horrorpair #150, 117 gamesVs same-age games: +13.7%90%: +5.1% to +22.9%Price: $1,213231 launches
    5. Action + Psychological Horrorpair #155, 95 gamesVs same-age games: +13.5%90%: +4.4% to +22.4%Price: $967269 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  12. 12Trains40 gamesVs same-age games: +5.8%90%: -10.4% to +19.0%Price: $9,70833 launches
    1. Trains + Transportationpair #741, 17 gamesVs same-age games: +1.6%90%: -9.2% to +19.0%under 30 launches
    2. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  13. 13Puzzle875 gamesVs same-age games: +3.3%90%: +0.2% to +6.5%Price: $4852,807 launches
    1. Puzzle + Physicspair #14, 35 gamesVs same-age games: +22.8%90%: +10.6% to +42.6%Price: $303129 launches
    2. Puzzle + Investigationpair #27, 47 gamesVs same-age games: +20.6%90%: +9.6% to +33.3%Price: $1,253104 launches
    3. Puzzle + Surrealpair #49, 50 gamesVs same-age games: +18.3%90%: +8.5% to +31.0%Price: $1,73998 launches
    4. Puzzle + Detectivepair #68, 62 gamesVs same-age games: +17.0%90%: +6.6% to +28.4%Price: $1,274143 launches
    5. Puzzle + Psychologicalpair #151, 20 gamesVs same-age games: +13.6%90%: +4.0% to +23.2%Price: $72841 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  14. 14Platformer335 gamesVs same-age games: +3.3%90%: -2.5% to +8.9%Price: $3031,285 launches
    1. Platformer + Story Richpair #46, 24 gamesVs same-age games: +18.4%90%: +11.3% to +27.8%Price: $3,03344 launches
    2. Platformer + Colorfulpair #219, 51 gamesVs same-age games: +12.0%90%: +3.1% to +24.0%Price: $303158 launches
    3. Platformer + Action-Adventurepair #269, 103 gamesVs same-age games: +10.6%90%: +5.7% to +18.8%Price: $404295 launches
    4. Platformer + Metroidvaniapair #318, 70 gamesVs same-age games: +9.6%90%: +1.9% to +18.2%Price: $2,894105 launches
    5. Platformer + Pixel Graphicspair #402, 87 gamesVs same-age games: +8.2%90%: +1.5% to +15.8%Price: $363305 launches
    6. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.
  15. 15Tabletop80 gamesVs same-age games: +2.9%90%: -5.8% to +11.1%Price: $202276 launches
    1. Multiplayer + Tabletoppair #495, 17 gamesVs same-age games: +6.6%90%: -2.4% to +15.5%Price: $30343 launches
    2. Board Game + Tabletoppair #710, 41 gamesVs same-age games: +2.3%90%: -4.4% to +13.0%Price: $202120 launches
    3. Pair readings on this board are indicative only: they are less stable than genre readings.

Top 15 of 105 ranked genres. Marks: big publishers, over 85% from named major publishers or $40+ games. Price: median est. first-year revenue of indie paid launches.

Releasing soon

dated within 90 days; wishlist rank 30 Sep, followers 30 Sep; checked against the store 1 Oct
  1. Wishlist rank #6Phantom Blade Zero(opens the Steam store)Oct 28, 2026in 28 days109,875 followers
  2. Wishlist rank #18Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV(opens the Steam store)Dec 3, 2026in 64 days90,689 followers
  3. Wishlist rank #36AION 2(opens the Steam store)Oct 5, 2026in 5 days102,880 followers
  4. Wishlist rank #21over the hill(opens the Steam store)Oct 14, 2026in 14 days55,867 followers
  5. Wishlist rank #43Beautiful Light(opens the Steam store)December 2026in 62 days70,962 followers
  6. Wishlist rank #33ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE(opens the Steam store)Oct 1, 2026in 1 day57,569 followers
  7. Wishlist rank #40Gears of War: E-Day(opens the Steam store)Oct 6, 2026in 6 days48,193 followers
  8. Wishlist rank #41Valor Mortis(opens the Steam store)Oct 13, 2026in 13 days37,949 followers
  9. Wishlist rank #58Emberville(opens the Steam store)Oct 27, 2026in 27 days41,001 followers
  10. Wishlist rank #55Hela: of Mice & Magic(opens the Steam store)Dec 1, 2026in 62 days36,786 followers

Full release calendarThe 10 games with the most wishlist pull, by wishlist rank and followers. Gaining fast: Collecting since 30 Sep, first readings 13 Oct.

Steam index

30 Sep

$647-20.0%on a year earlier

2021 Q2by quarter2025 Q3

Median est. first-year revenue of indie paid launches, 2024 Q4 to 2025 Q3, 16,164 launches.

Long anticipated

no release date yet
  1. #5Blight: SurvivalTo be announced, page public 3.4 years
  2. #2Light No FireTo be announced, page public 2.8 years
  3. #11Witchbrook2026, page public 3.4 years
  4. #13ARK 2To be announced, page public 3.4 years
  5. #15UnrecordTo be announced, page public 3.4 years
  6. #12ILL2027, page public 3.3 years

Wishlist rank in the top 1,000 on 30 Sep and a store page public for two years or more. Ranked by how long and how high.

GMD Verdicts

in development

Verdicts will be a written read on a genre or niche, built from the same data and the published method on this site. Join the early list and we will email you when the first ones are ready. Nothing on this page is held back while you wait.

Releases

Ticker: 30 upcoming games dated within 90 days, with wishlist rank, release date and followers. The same list is on the Upcoming page.